Vineyards at Vegalfaro in Requena

A quick trip to historic Requena which is located in the province of Valencia, Spain happened last weekend. We had the opportunity to visit three wineries in the area that produce cava. One of the wineries, Pago Tharsys, is an agritourism site including lodging. We spent two nights in the bucolic area. This week we continued visiting wineries in Catalonia and writing for the book 50 Great Cavas 2016.

Early last Saturday morning after a light breakfast breakfast at Pago Tharsys, we were

One of the tasting areas at Dominio de la Vega

whisked away to Dominio de la Vega. The winery has three vineyards with Macabeo, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Xerol.lo. The areas are located in the Mediterranean climate area although they are about 70 kilometers from the Mediterranean. The winery also has a museum with numerous artifacts including a board used for making flour from harvested wheat. The tasting room is ideal with sitting areas. The winery also has a small shop available.

Not too far away is Vegalfaro with 35 hectares with Merlot, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Macabeo. The winemaker is also experimenting with using amphorae for fermenting Bobal. Cavas are disgorged and capped by hand.

Pago Tharsys at Requena

Upon our return to our lodging site, we visited Pago Tharsys, tasted wines and met the owner and winemaker Vicente Garcia, who is congenial and enthusiastic.

All three of these wineries are outside of Catalonia but also create DO Cavas.

The 50 Great Cavas 2016 will be available this fall.

Although we are sad to be leaving Catalonia today, we will have many fond memories of these wonderful but busy three weeks.

Cheers!
Kathy