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Jumilla is entering one of the most exciting times of the year for wine lovers, with the annual grape harvest under way and wineries across the area opening their doors for special experiences.

 

Among them is Bodegas Luzón, which is celebrating the 15th edition of its Vendimia Abierta programme with events running until November 22. The programme gives visitors the chance to experience different stages of wine production while enjoying tastings, food, family activities and some more unusual experiences.

 

The Family Harvest sessions have already proved hugely popular, selling out within days of tickets going on sale. Families can get involved in grape harvesting and traditional grape stomping before taking a guided tour of the winery and enjoying wine, grape juice and refreshments.

 

There are plenty more events planned through the autumn, including From Grape to Wine and The Wine Journey, which explore different grape varieties and follow the transformation from freshly pressed must into wine.

 

October brings a more hands-on approach with Winemaker for a Day, where participants can create their own blend and take home a personalised bottle. Other events include comparative tastings between Jumilla and Rioja wines, along with Painting and Wine and The Senses of Wine.

 

One of the more unusual additions comes for European Wine Tourism Day on November 7 and 8, when wine tasting will be combined with live comedy from Murcian comedian and presenter Rubén Serrano. The experience includes a winery tour, wine and appetisers followed by a performance.

 

The programme will finish on November 21 and 22 with New Vintage Stories, offering visitors the chance to taste the first young wines produced from the latest harvest.

 

Luzón's programme is just one way to discover Jumilla's wine culture, with the town also forming the heart of the Jumilla Wine Route. The route brings together wineries offering tours, tastings and other experiences designed to introduce visitors to the area's winemaking traditions.

 

Among the bodegas taking part are well-known producers including Juan Gil, Bleda, Alceño, Carchelo, Silvano García and Viña Elena, alongside cooperatives and smaller producers. Each offers its own way to explore the wines and landscapes that have made Jumilla an important wine-producing area.

 

The wine tourism experience also stretches beyond the cellar door, with local food, olive oil, restaurants and the surrounding countryside adding to the appeal of a visit.

 

For visitors looking for something different from the Region of Murcia's coastal resorts, harvest season provides a particularly good opportunity to explore inland Jumilla. The vineyards take centre stage at this time of year, while the wine route offers plenty of ways to discover the traditions, people and produce behind one of the Region's best-known food and drink industries.

 

Visitors should check individual winery opening times and book in advance where required, as experiences and availability vary between bodegas.

 

For more local news, events and visiting information please contact the local tourist office (968 780237) or go to the home page of Jumilla Today.