The “Valencian Tuscany”: Get to know the charms of Fontanars dels Alforins and of the Valle de Albaida

In the county of Valle de Albaida, in Valencia, you can find Fontanars dels Alforins and Agullent, which are fertile farmlands of mediterranean climate. A perfect climate for the elaboration of high-quality wine, intense colour, rich, fruity aroma, with enough body and structure to endure its time ripening in the barrel. Its vineyards and vistas will delight you and make you feel as if you were in Tuscany, but in Spain. Have you packed your bags yet? We invite you to explore this region as soon as you can!

In Fontanars dels Alforins there are archaeological finds related to winemaking that date back to the Roman age. There have always been cellars in these valleys, even if some have disappeared with the years, others have been revivified, innovating and integrating modern techniques and machinery that have made them quite competitive in the current winemaking industry, which are combined with ancestral winemaking techniques that have passed from generation to generation. The wines of Vall d’Albaida are part of the PDO Valencia, marked as the greatest standard of quality since 1932.

The colourful valleys, rich soil ideal for cultivation and privileged climate have turned this region of the Mediterranean into a perfect place to produce great quality nuts, grains, cereals and vegetables. The cuisine of the Valle de Albaida is characterized by the usage of the basic ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, especially the ones produced in the surrounding area: Wheat flour, olive oils, almonds, honey and fruits.

Fontanars, the “Valencian Tuscany” is located 100 kilometres south of Valencia and 628 metres above sea level. This interesting region, on top of wine and dreamlike landscapes (especially in autumn), offers unique celebrations such as the Fiestas Patronales (celebrated at the tail end of August), the fiestas de San Antonio Abad (in January) or the Fiesta de las Chicas (celebration of the Immaculate, in June). In all of them you’ll see pasacalles, parades and traditional dances that can only be seen in this part of Spain.

If you’re thinking of visiting this part of the Mediterranean aboard your motorhome or campervan, you can park for up to 24 hours in many interesting places integrated into the España Discovery guide system, for example “Bodega Los Frailes”, “La Casa de las Vides” or “Bodega Rural” and many other spots included in the current year’s guide. Contact the hosts in advance using the QR code that appears in the guide and book an experience. Don’t miss out on visiting Vall d’Albaida and its wonderful corners!

More information about the España Discovery guide HERE

Photos: 5Barricas/Ajuntament de Fontanars/España Discovery.