On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the historical town of Requena became the epicenter of a profound viticultural revolution. The newly formed association Bodeguetas del Interior Valenciano was officially launched at the iconic Patio del Mercado. This milestone took place under the prestigious framework of the Requena Spanish Capital of Wine 2026 celebrations, an accolade that underscores the region’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage and its rising prominence on the international stage.

The birth of this association marks a turning point for the local wine industry. Bodeguetas del Interior Valenciano was established with a clear and passionate mission: to group, protect, and give long-awaited visibility to the independent micro-producers of the region. These are winemakers who deliberately move away from industrial mass production to focus on what truly matters:

• Minimal intervention in the cellar to let the fruit speak for itself.
• Preservation of old vines that hold the liquid memory of the land.
• Organic and biodynamic agriculture to respect natural cycles and soil biodiversity.
• Defending indigenous grape varieties, with a fierce and proud focus on the king of the region: Bobal.

To celebrate this launch, journalists, authorities, and media professionals from across the wine world were invited to an exclusive, immersive press trip. This specialized itinerary was carefully designed to offer a full day dedicated to the official presentation of the association. It combined historic exploration, technical wine tastings, lunch, and firsthand insights into a cultural heritage that has shaped the Valencian interior for millennia.

The specialized itinerary kicked off at Las Pilillas, an ancient archaeological site featuring centuries-old rock-cut wine presses. This historical setting provided the perfect context to understand the deep-rooted origins of viticulture in the region.

Following the historical introduction, we moved to the vineyards for a morning countryside tasting. Here, we paired excellent wines from Bodeguetas del Interior Valenciano with a curated selection of artisan cheeses from Hoya de la Iglesia. This immersive experience highlighted the perfect synergy between local wine production and traditional cheese-making.

The wines tasted during our cata campera (countryside wine tasting) started with Musae from Bodegas Lupanda, a traditional method sparkling wine, a complex bouquet of ripe white fruits and citrus on the nose, beautifully balanced with subtle and elegant notes of bakery, incredibly silky and unctuous on the mouth from the very first sip.

Next up was Periñán de Bobal by Bodega Clausa. This wine opens with aromas of raspberry, gummy candy, and lollipop, accented by subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and light, showing a well-balanced acidity and a burst of ripe fruit like cherries.

Our third wine was El Ardachero Orange Wine from Bodegas Pigar, a 100% Chardonnay. This is a natural skin-contact orange wine (brisado), unfiltered and unfined. It features a highly expressive nose dominated by intense mineral notes, white flowers, hints of bakery yeast, and ripe fruits like quince paste and apple. On the palate, it is fleshy, broad, and well-structured, backed by a lively acidity, a slight pleasant bitterness, and subtle tannins that lead into a long, persistent finish. It was an absolute crowd-pleaser.

We wrapped up the tasting with Pleita from Bodegas del Valle, a 100% Bobal red wine sourced from centennial vines and aged in traditional clay jars (tinajas de barro). With a very limited production of barely 600 bottles, this wine truly showcases its deep connection to the terroir. The nose offers an explosion of ripe red fruit, balsamic notes, wild scrubland herbs, and subtle spices. The palate entry is broad and enveloping, offering a creamy texture and a beautifully integrated, refreshing acidity. It leaves behind silky tannins and a long, elegant, mineral finish.

The culinary highlight of the day took place at El Yantar, where the press was invited for a spectacular lunch. The restaurant served traditional local dishes reimagined with a modern twist, seamlessly paired with regional wines to showcase the true depth of Requena’s gastronomy. Our curated tasting menu is a true culinary journey, starting with the traditional flavors of ajoarriero (a rich cod and garlic paste) and Carlos’s signature potato salad. Next, guests can savor a selection of local flavors with a Requena cured meats platter, followed by the deep, comforting taste of morteruelo (a traditional warm spiced meat pâté), and a and a hearty gazpacho manchego . To wrap up this gastronomic experience, we had a melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek and a perfectly prepared cod dish, plus a delicious dessert, the perfect degustation menu with wines from Bodeguetas del Interior Valenciano.

The afternoon began underground with a tour of Requena’s famous Subterranea Caves. These medieval labyrinthine vaults carved into the rock revealed how wine has been aged and protected for centuries. Directly after emerging from the caves, we visited the town’s majestic Church to appreciate its architectural and historical prominence. It was also hosting a fascinating exhibition titled ‘Malum et Remedium’, which runs until June 14th.

The press trip concluded at the vibrant wine fair organized by the Bodeguetas del Interior Valenciano association. This open-air showcase brought together small, artisan micro-breweries and craft winemakers. It allowed journalists to connect directly with small-scale producers, taste unique, terroir-driven creations, and celebrate the bright future of the region’s viticulture. Thank you for this unforgettable day!