Valencia is renowned for its local products, particularly wines and extra virgin olive oils. With a variety of markets, specialty shops, and regional wineries, knowing where to find the best options can be overwhelming. This guide will take you through the top places to buy local wines and olive oils in Valencia, from Mercado Central to the Utiel-Requena wine region, ensuring you leave with the finest products the area has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
- Mercado Central is an essential stop for buying high-quality local wines, such as those made from the Bobal grape, and extra virgin olive oils from nearby regions.
- The Utiel-Requena region, known for its award-winning wines, offers an immersive experience with winery tours and tastings, where you can purchase directly from producers.
- Specialty stores like Bodega Valero and Las Añadas de España provide curated selections of premium wines and olive oils in the heart of Valencia.
- Visiting olive oil mills like Oli Oli allows you to explore the production process and taste freshly made, organic extra virgin olive oils.
- Full-day wine and olive oil tours offer a complete experience, combining vineyard and olive oil mill visits with tastings and local cuisine.
Where can I buy local wines and olive oils in Valencia?
The best places to buy local wines and olive oils in Valencia include Mercado Central, known for its wide selection of Valencian wines and artisanal extra virgin olive oils. You can also visit wineries in the Utiel-Requena region, such as Bodegas Murviedro, for direct purchases. Specialty stores like Bodega Valero and olive oil mills such as Oli Oli offer premium local products.
Best places in Valencia to purchase local wines and olive oils
Mercado Central: A Must-Visit for Wine and Olive Oil Lovers
Mercado Central is one of Valencia’s most iconic markets, perfect for anyone looking to buy authentic local wines and olive oils. The market offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce to gourmet foods, but its specialty stalls featuring extra virgin olive oils and local Valencian wines are the real gems.
Here, you can find varieties such as the indigenous Bobal grape, which is famous in the region for producing full-bodied red wines. Olive oils from nearby areas are also a must-try, with many vendors offering tastings to help you find your preferred flavor profile.
- Why visit?: The central location, variety of high-quality local products, and artisan goods.
- Best for: Olive oil tastings, wine varieties like Bobal, and gourmet shopping.
- Location: Valencia city center.
Utiel-Requena: Explore the Region’s Best Wineries
Just an hour west of Valencia lies the Utiel-Requena wine region, famous for its Bobal grape. This region is home to a range of wineries that produce some of the best wines in Valencia.
Popular wineries like Bodegas Murviedro and Pago de Tharsys offer vineyard tours and tastings, where you can purchase their wines directly from the source. Many of these wineries also produce high-quality olive oils, making this the perfect spot for a wine and olive oil day trip.
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- Why visit?: Award-winning wineries offering tours and tastings.
- Best for: Wine lovers and those interested in learning about the wine-making process.
- Location: Utiel-Requena wine region, about 1 hour from Valencia.
Specialty Stores: Where to Buy the Best Olive Oils and Wines in Valencia
Valencia also has several specialty stores that offer an impressive range of local wines and olive oils. Bodega Valero is one of the city’s top wine shops, offering a curated selection of wines from Valencia and beyond.
For olive oil enthusiasts, Las Añadas de España is the go-to spot, featuring a wide variety of premium extra virgin olive oils from across Spain, including organic and artisanal options.
- Why visit?: Excellent selection of local and regional products.
- Best for: Wine and olive oil enthusiasts looking for curated, high-quality options.
- Location: Various locations around Valencia city center.
Olive Oil Mills: Visit Organic Olive Oil Producers
For a more immersive experience, visit one of Valencia’s nearby olive oil mills, where you can see the production process firsthand and taste freshly pressed olive oils.
Oli Oli and Molí de la Creu are two popular choices, offering guided tours of their facilities, followed by tastings of their organic extra virgin olive oils. These mills often sell directly to visitors, providing an opportunity to purchase high-quality oils straight from the producer.
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- Why visit?: Learn about olive oil production and enjoy tastings of freshly made oils.
- Best for: Olive oil enthusiasts interested in farm-to-table products.
- Location: Just outside Valencia in the surrounding countryside.
Wine and Olive Oil Tours: A Full-Day Experience
If you want to fully immerse yourself in Valencia’s wine and olive oil culture, consider booking a full-day wine and olive oil tour. These tours typically include visits to several wineries and an olive oil mill in the Utiel-Requena region, complete with tastings and a traditional lunch. It’s the perfect way to experience Valencia’s rich culinary heritage in one day.
- Why take a tour?: Experience the best of both worlds with expert guides.
- Best for: Travelers who want an all-inclusive wine and olive oil tasting experience.
- Location: Departing from Valencia, with tours to Requena and surrounding areas.
Top Tours
Practical Tips for Buying Wine and Olive Oil in Valencia
When buying local wines and olive oils in Valencia, keep these tips in mind:
- Best Time to Visit: Markets like Mercado Central are busiest in the morning, so arrive early for the freshest selections.
- Tastings: Many vendors in markets and specialty stores offer tastings—take advantage to sample products before buying.
- Packaging: Specialty shops often offer beautifully packaged olive oils and wines, perfect for gifts.
