Vino Alicante
One day

Monastrell Route: Monóvar and Pinoso

8 h
Duration
45 km
Distance
7
Stops

The interior of Alicante beats to the rhythm of a grape: Monastrell. Between Monóvar and Pinoso, in the heart of Vinalopó, lies one of the most ancient and unique vineyard landscapes of the Mediterranean, where bush-trained vines grow on sun-baked, limestone soils with scarce water. From here emerge powerful and luscious reds, and above all, the most legendary wine of the province: Fondillón.<\/p>

This route takes you through historic and family-owned wineries that have made Monastrell their hallmark. In Monóvar, you will visit centuries-old estates like Primitivo Quiles, the cradle of Fondillón, alongside Bodegas Monóvar, Bodegas Alejandro, and the ecological project of La Zafra. In Pinoso, land of cooperatives and high-altitude vineyards, await Bodega Rafael Cañizares, Bodegas Volver, Brotons, El Sequé, and Bodegas Pinoso.<\/p>

An ideal itinerary for a full day, combining wine tasting, a lunch of gachamiga or rabbit rice, and a stroll through the historic centers of two towns with centuries of winemaking culture.<\/p>

The itinerary

  1. 1
    Primitivo Quiles

    Monóvar

  2. 2
    Bodegas Monóvar

    Monóvar

  3. 3
  4. 4
    La Zafra

    Monóvar

  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Practical tips

Book your visits in advance: many wineries are family-owned and require prior appointments. The best time is from September (harvest) to May. Designate a driver or hire a tour with transport: several wines will be tasted. Take the opportunity to try Fondillón, a unique sweet wine with oxidative aging in the world. Monóvar and Pinoso are about a 20-minute drive apart.

Wineries on this route