Visit the Underwater Wine Cellar by Boat with Tapas Tasting and Medieval Castle

Visit the Underwater Wine Cellar by Boat with Tapas Tasting and Medieval Castle

Imagine sipping wine while surrounded by the vast Mediterranean Sea, with a centuries-old castle watching over the cliffs nearby. This experience, offered by Paella Travel in the Region of Murcia, combines the thrill of an underwater winery with a scenic boat ride and a touch of history. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that promises a sensory feast for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the underwater winery where wines are aged beneath the waves—an innovative twist on traditional winemaking. Second, the inclusion of tapas and four carefully selected wines, blending gastronomy with craftsmanship. Lastly, the small group size (max 8 people) ensures a personalized, intimate experience. However, it’s worth considering that children under 12 and pregnant women are not advised to participate, given the nature of the environment and alcohol consumption.

This tour is best suited for adventurous wine lovers, curious travelers eager for a unique story, and those seeking a scenic escape with a touch of medieval charm. If you’re after a traditional wine tasting, this might not be the best fit, but for something different and memorable, it could be perfect.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Unique experience: Underwater wines paired with scenic boat views.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants for a more personal touch.
• Expert guide: Knowledgeable tour guide explaining the wine process and underwater aging.
• Beautiful scenery: Views of a medieval castle and diverse marine life.
• Inclusive package: Transfers, boat ride, wine tasting, tapas, and sometimes dolphin sightings.
• Duration: Around 5 hours, with flexible start times.

An Honest Look at the Underwater Wine Cellar Tour

When considering a tour like this, it’s essential to understand what makes it so different from standard wine tastings or boat trips. The combination of marine environment and winemaking innovation is what sets this experience apart. We’ll break down each part of the journey so you know exactly what to expect and how it might fit into your travel plans.

Pickup and Transportation

The adventure begins with pickup options from three convenient locations: Habaneras Shopping Centre, Zenia Boulevard, or Estación de Autobuses de Santa Pola. The use of a private van makes for an easy and comfortable transfer, lasting around 1.5 hours. This is especially appealing for travelers staying outside the immediate coastal areas, as it simplifies logistics and ensures a smooth start to the experience.

The Boat Ride and Scenic Views

Once at the mooring point, guests are greeted by a professional team who will guide you onto the boat. The boat itself offers panoramic views of the coast, providing immediate gratification for those who love seaside scenery. During the approximately 1.5-hour cruise, you’ll learn about the underwater winery’s story and its connection to the marine environment. The narrative, delivered by a knowledgeable guide, highlights the innovative idea of aging wine beneath the sea—taking advantage of constant temperature and pressure conditions that help develop the wines’ character.

Guests also report the chance to spot marine biodiversity during the journey, and occasionally, dolphins might make an appearance, adding to the magic of the outing.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the Underwater Winery

The boat anchors in front of the underwater winery, which is the tour’s centerpiece. Here, a wine expert introduces the process of winemaking, emphasizing the benefits of aging below the sea—such as improved maturation and unique flavor profiles. Visitors learn about the harvest, production, and bottling techniques used to create these distinct wines. The environment at the bottom of the sea is carefully maintained to ensure the quality, with the temperature and pressure mimicking traditional cellar conditions, but in a more natural and dynamic setting.

The Wine Tasting and Tapas

The highlight for many guests is the wine tasting session. Held in a sophisticated, sea-facing tasting room, the experience involves sampling two underwater wines and two land wines—a nice balance that highlights the differences aging underwater can produce. The wines are presented with detailed descriptions about their origin and production process, helping guests appreciate the craftsmanship and the influence of the marine environment.

The four wines are paired with gourmet tapas, designed to complement each sip. Reviewers especially appreciated the quality of the tapas, which added a gourmet touch without overshadowing the wines. This pairing elevates the tasting from just sipping to a full sensory experience.

Relaxation and Scenic Reflection

Post-tasting, guests have an opportunity to sit outside the boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the cliffs and the medieval castle perched on them. Many find this moment ideal for sharing impressions, laughing over stories, or simply soaking in the scenery. The combination of gourmet wine, scenic beauty, and history makes this a truly memorable pause in your day.

Visiting the Medieval Castle

After returning to port, the tour includes a visit to medieval castles on towering cliffs. The castles, with their ancient stone walls and commanding views, provide a perfect finale—adding a historical dimension to this coastal adventure. While not a guided castle tour, the sight of these structures offers a striking contrast to the underwater world experienced earlier.

Return and Drop-off

The trip concludes with a comfortable transfer back to the original pickup points. The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, making it suitable as a half-day activity, especially if you have other plans later in the day.

Is it Worth the Price? Analyzing the Value

At $223 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest in the region. But when you consider the all-inclusive nature—transfers, boat ride, expert guide, four wines, tapas, and the unique underwater winery—the value becomes clearer. It’s a premium experience designed for those who want more than just a tasting; it’s about the story, the environment, and the novelty.

Guests have noted that the small group size (max 8) enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized attention and conversations. The inclusion of liability insurance and the professional guides adds peace of mind, particularly for those unfamiliar with maritime or wine environments.

Authenticity and Unique Appeal

The tour’s standout feature is the underwater winery—a true conversation starter. Its claim to fame as an exclusive experience makes it attractive for travelers wanting something different from standard coastal activities. Many reviews mention that the story behind the winery and its connection to the sea enhances the overall experience, making it educational as well as enjoyable.

Practical Considerations

Guests should note that the tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions. The environment involves boat travel and some enclosed spaces, which might be uncomfortable for claustrophobes or those with mobility issues.

The tour also involves moderate walking around the castle area, so those with mobility impairments should consider this. Bringing comfortable shoes and sun protection is advised, especially in summer.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for adventurous wine lovers looking for something more than a regular tasting. It suits those interested in innovative winemaking techniques, marine environments, and medieval history. If you value small groups and personalized experiences, you’ll appreciate the intimacy this tour offers.

However, if you’re seeking a relaxed, casual day or traveling with children, this may not be the best fit. The focus on underwater wines, combined with scenic boat rides and history, makes it a memorable, somewhat niche outing—well worth the investment for those eager to try something extraordinary.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, pick-up and transfers are included from selected locations, making logistics simpler.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, boat ride, wine tasting, and castle visit.

Can I see marine life during the trip? Yes, during the boat ride, you’ll have opportunities to see marine biodiversity, and dolphin sightings are possible.

What wines are tasted? The tour features 2 underwater wines and 2 land wines, with detailed explanations provided about each.

Are tapas included? Yes, gourmet tapas are served alongside the wine tasting, designed to enhance each sip.

Is this suitable for children? No, children under 12 are not allowed, and the experience is geared toward adult guests.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German, accommodating a diverse group.

This experience offers a fantastic blend of gastronomy, history, and marine environment, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a memorable and distinctive outing in Murcia. Whether you’re curious about underwater aging or simply love scenic boat trips paired with good wine, this tour is worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: