IT is called the ‘Matavendimia’ and it marks the end of the grape harvest in Jumilla.
An important milestone as it brings together the people of Jumilla for a very special event: a wine festival now in its fourth year.
As one of the key wine events in southern Spain, it is a great way to experience the culture of Jumilla and its highly-rated PDO wines.
PDO wines are wines with a Protected Designation of Origin. The name tells you the wine comes from a specific place and was made under rules set for that area, such as rules about grape varieties and production methods.
READ MORE: Check out these seven light Spanish red wines that taste even better served chilled this summer
The festive gathering offers expats and tourists the perfect opportunity to discover the richness of this beautiful region, while also showcasing its traditional winemaking practices.
The Jumilla PDO is a unique territory brimming with nearly 50 vineyards and around 20,000 hectares under vine.
Many of the wineries will have stands at the event where you can try their wines from 12 noon until 11 pm on Saturday October 24, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sunday October 25.
Entry is free and commemorative glasses will be on sale for 3 euros.
Music will provide a backdrop throughout the day, and visitors will be able to celebrate, discover, make friends and have fun while learning about the excellent local wines and the area’s culture.
Matavendimia features: 19 wineries, 9 tastings and workshops, 9 musical performances and DJs, 2 folk dance groups, a traditional esparto grass dance circle, over 10 food and drink outlets, 11 craft stalls, 5 winery tours, dramatised tours of Jumilla, its castle and its museums organised by the Tourism Department, a full programme of children’s activities and 5 buses to bring visitors from Cartagena, Murcia, Caravaca and Lorca.
We look forward to seeing you there!! More info at www.matavendimia.com or @matavendimia in Instagram.
To Drink with the Eyes (‘Beber con los Ojos’) Photography Competition
Why not join the photography competition organised by the Jumilla Wine Route, where participants can let their creativity run wild.
Participants are asked to submit up to five photographs which must address one of the themes relating to the categories set out in the rules, and must always be taken within the areas that make up the Wine Route.
Every year, the best photographs are displayed in the temporary exhibition ‘Beber con los Ojos’.
Take the wine route
The 20th Jumilla Wine Route Gastronomic Days will take place from October 30 to November 29 extending to the towns and villages that make up the wine route.
Nine local restaurants and a total of 14 wineries from the Jumilla PDO are taking part in this 20th edition.
The event has kept its attractive prices unchanged: participating restaurants offer full gourmet set menus for €35, while at partner wine bars, tapas menus can be enjoyed for €20, cementing this event as a key pillar of wine tourism in the region.
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