One road trip, lots to look at. This small-group tour pairs an old winery founded in 1707 with a Gaudí-style church and the medieval Castle of Mola, then finishes with real wine tasting and snack time. If you end up with a guide like Yevgen or Stas, you’ll get clear explanations in English, plus useful tips for the rest of your Alicante stay.

Two things I really like: the group size (under 12) keeps questions welcome, and the tastings are structured around three local styles (white, rosé, red). One thing to consider: it’s a short, tasting-focused visit, so you shouldn’t plan on a big meal, and lunch is not included.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small group, max 11 travelers for real conversation
• Three-wine tasting (white, rosé, red) with snacks
• 1707 winery tour with vineyard, old house, and production facilities
• Gaudí-style church + Castle of Mola built in the XII century
• Tips for the rest of your trip from your guide
• Lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly

Why Novelda Makes a Great Wine Day Trip from Alicante

Novelda is one of those places that feels like a side route into the real Alicante region. You trade beach views for hills, village streets, and the kind of sights you remember after you’ve left the bus. The tour is built around a simple idea: see the setting, learn how wine is made locally, then taste several types without turning it into a long day marathon.

I like that this isn’t just a warehouse tasting room. You’re guided through the winery experience in context—vineyards, the old house, and the working production areas—so the wines make more sense in your head. And because it’s English and small-group, you can ask practical questions instead of watching a slideshow in silence.

If you’re the type who likes to get your bearings fast, this works well. You’ll also get a bit of “what else should we do next” guidance from your guide, which can save you time later.

The 1707 Old Winery: What You’ll Actually Tour

The heart of the experience is the old Spanish winery founded in 1707. That date matters because it signals this is not a brand-new tasting concept. You’re walking through an older working environment where you can connect the story of winemaking to what you see today.

The guided visit covers the vineyard, the old house, and the winery and production facilities. You’ll get an explanation of the process (including how wine is handled and aged), and you can expect the kind of back-and-forth where your guide will answer questions if you ask. The pacing is relaxed enough to look around, but not so slow that you’ll get bored.

What you should keep in mind: this is still a short tour. You’re touring multiple areas in a few hours, so you’ll leave with a solid overview rather than a deep, lab-style course. Still, it’s a strong way to understand the basics before you start buying bottles on your own.

The Wine Tasting: White, Rosé, Red (Plus Snacks)

You’ll taste three different wines—white, rosé, and red. This is the kind of tasting setup that helps you compare styles and decide what you genuinely like, not what a label promised.

And yes, there’s food. You get breadsticks, olives, and a small tapa along with the tasting. That matters because wine tastes different with a little salt and something to chew. You’re not just sipping and hoping your taste buds cooperate.

One small caution from the field: don’t expect huge pours. Some portions are best described as small glasses for each wine. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does affect how you should plan your day. If you’re hoping to leave feeling completely satisfied, you’ll want to schedule lunch elsewhere afterward.

Gaudí-Style Church and the Castle of Mola: Two Sights That Change the Mood

This tour includes the Gaudí-style church and the Castle of Mola, built in the XII century. It’s a smart pairing because it shifts the day from “product and process” to “place and power.” Wine culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and these stops help you see what kind of community made this region what it is.

The church part adds a playful twist. Even if you don’t consider yourself an architecture person, Gaudí-inspired design tends to make you pause. It also gives you great photo moments without needing a separate ticket day.

The Castle of Mola brings in the medieval angle. Expect views and a different rhythm as you spend time around the castle area. The tour includes these sights as part of the plan, so you’re not gambling on whether you’ll have time for them.

In practice, guides sometimes add small extras when timing allows. People have reported additional time at nearby churches or castle areas, including Santa Magdalena. Don’t count on it every day, but it’s the kind of flexibility you can benefit from if your day runs smoothly.

Small-Group Touring: Why This Feels Personal

This is capped at a maximum of 11 travelers, and that changes the whole experience. Instead of funneling questions into a big group format, you can ask your guide things like how local grapes differ, how the production facilities work, or what to look for when you taste different styles.

The guides you’ll most often see named include Yevgen and Stas. Their English is specifically praised, and they’re described as polite, friendly, and well-prepared. There’s also a focus on keeping the timing tight and the driving comfortable, which matters because you’re in and out of different areas rather than staying in one location.

I also like that the vehicle is air-conditioned. Alicante heat can be sneaky, so comfort in transit helps you enjoy the time outside once you arrive.

If you want a social day without the chaos of a huge bus tour, this is a good fit. It’s also a nice option for couples, small friend groups, and solo travelers who want company without losing conversation quality.

Price and Value: Is $64.89 a Good Deal?

For $64.89 per person, you’re paying for transport plus a guided winery visit and structured tasting. You’re not just doing a stop-and-sip.

Here’s what you get that typically drives value:

• Guided access to vineyard, old house, winery, and production facilities
• Tasting of three wines (white, rosé, red)
• Snacks: breadsticks, olives, and a small tapa
• Included sights: the Gaudí-style church and the Castle of Mola
• Air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes included

What’s missing: lunch. That’s the biggest “budget reality” point. If you book this tour, plan on eating afterward, and consider reserving lunch if your schedule is tight.

Also note that the winery stop is marked with free admission in the tour outline. That means your money goes toward the guide and the experience rather than just paying entry fees.

All in, if you want a compact day with both wine education and major local sights, it’s priced in a way that makes sense for the mix you’re getting.

Timing, Weather, and a Smooth-Day Checklist

The tour starts at 10:30 am and runs about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot. It’s long enough to see the winery and the major sights, but short enough that you can still plan a late lunch or an afternoon activity back in Alicante.

Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled because of poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. So if you’re traveling in a shoulder season week with changing skies, it’s smart to keep your expectations flexible.

Practical tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for church and castle areas.
• Bring a light layer if you tend to run cold in vehicles.
• If you’re a serious wine fan, be ready to take notes during the tasting. Small glasses mean you’ll want to remember what you liked quickly.

And if you care about good timing later in the day, keep your plans simple right after the tour. The tour returns you back to the meeting point, so your schedule can flow from there.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Want Something Different)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Wine tasting without a full-day commitment
• A guided visit that includes production facilities, not just a storefront pour
• A small group where English explanations actually land

It also works for families and group-minded travelers because the format is straightforward and the group size stays small.

You might choose a different option if:

• You’re expecting a long, deep wine course with large tastings
• You want lunch included as part of the price
• You prefer to explore historic sites on your own, at your own pace

But if your goal is to get a solid taste of the region—literally and visually—this hits the mark.

Should You Book This Old Winery, Church, and Castle Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced, small-group day that blends a 1707 winery, three local wines, and major sights like the Gaudí-style church and the Castle of Mola. The price is fair for the mix, and the English guides (often Yevgen or Stas) make the explanations feel clear and useful.

Skip it or consider a different format if you’re hoping for a big meal, long free time at each site, or a wine tasting heavy enough to replace lunch. This is a tasting and sight combo, not an all-day feast.

If you’re unsure, here’s your simple rule: if you like mixing culture with wine in about three hours, this is one of the better ways to do it from Alicante.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs approximately 3 hours.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste three different wines: white, rosé, and red.

Are snacks included with the tasting?

Yes. Breadsticks, olives, and a small tapa are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What sights are included besides the winery?

You’ll visit a Gaudí-style church and the Castle of Mola.

Does the tour use a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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