Bodegas Quitapenas: Guided Visit + Wine Tasting

Thinking about exploring Malaga’s wine scene? This guided tour at Bodegas Quitapenas offers a peek into the oldest winery in Malaga, coupled with a tasting of some of their best wines. If you’re into discovering local flavors without the fuss of a full-blown winery visit, this experience might tick your boxes.

What really sets it apart is that it’s been a pioneer in Malaga for organizing tours and tastings, so they clearly know how to craft a good visit. Plus, the inclusion of local products like cheese or ham during the tasting makes it feel more authentic and satisfying. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience—about two and a half hours—and some might find the pace a little quick or prefer a more in-depth wine experience.

This tour works well for those who enjoy a relaxed, informative introduction to Malaga’s wine heritage, especially if you’re after good value and a charming setting. It’s not ideal for anyone under 18 or those with specific accessibility needs, but for wine enthusiasts or curious travelers wanting a taste of local tradition, it’s likely to be a hit.

Key Points

• Historic Winery: Visit Malaga’s oldest, with a focus on local winemaking traditions.
• Educational & Tasty: Learn about the production process while sampling a selection of wines.
• Local Products: Enjoy cheese, ham, or snacks included with your tasting, enhancing the experience.
• Great Value: The tour offers a lot for its price, especially considering the inclusion of local food and product shopping.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Post-tasting, you can unwind with music and buy your favorite wines to take home.
• Accessible: The experience is wheelchair friendly and conducted in both Spanish and English, making it approachable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at What to Expect

If you’re planning to visit, know that the experience kicks off at the winery’s main entrance on Carretera de Guadalmar 12. The place is straightforward to find — the sign “Bodegas Quitapenas” is clearly visible atop the building, and the entrance is through a gate you just ring the bell next to some red barrels. It’s a cozy, unpretentious setting that immediately puts you at ease, perfect for a relaxed exploration.

The Guided Tour

The tour lasts about an hour and covers the winery’s facilities, including access to the Viñeros room and the aging cellar. You’ll get a clear picture of how their wines are made, from grape to bottle, with explanations delivered in a friendly manner. The guide’s approach is appreciated, as one reviewer mentions, “the girl explaining the process is very pleasant,” which suggests you’ll get a genuine, engaging overview rather than a dry lecture.

During the walk, you’ll see the historic parts of the winery and learn how this place has contributed to Malaga’s wine scene. The fact that they’re pioneers in organizing these experiences means the process feels seamless and well thought-out. If you’re a bit of a wine geek, you’ll likely enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at aging rooms and production areas.

The Tasting Experience

After the tour, the focus shifts to the tasting room. Here, you’ll sample different Quitapenas wines, learning how to identify tasting notes and appreciate what makes each unique. The wines are paired with a choice of cheese, ham, or simple snacks, which adds a satisfying touch and helps balance the flavors.

The review notes that the final part of the experience is quite relaxing — with music playing gently in the background, allowing you to really savor each sip. For many, this is the highlight, as it’s an opportunity to compare wines side by side and get a sense of what you like most.

One review simply states, “the cata (tasting) at the end of the visit, genial,” highlighting how well the tasting rounds off the experience. The value here is good, especially since local products are included in every tour, making it more than just a tasting — it’s a mini culinary experience.

Shopping & Taking Home Your Favorites

Before or after the tasting, you’ll have a chance to browse the shop. Many visitors appreciate being able to purchase their favorite wines directly from the winery, often at a better price than elsewhere. The ability to take home a bottle or two to remember your day makes the whole experience more meaningful.

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Practical Considerations

• The entire experience runs approximately from 12pm to 2:30pm, but the exact timing depends on how long you spend tasting.
• The group size is naturally limited by the venue, which helps keep things intimate and personalized.
• While no food or drinks are allowed on site apart from what’s provided during the tasting, you can enjoy your purchase afterward.
• The tour is accessible and conducted in both Spanish and English, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

What We Loved and What to Keep in Mind

What stands out most is the combination of history, local culture, and quality wines at a very reasonable price. The inclusion of local products like cheese or ham makes you feel like you’re getting a taste of Malaga’s culinary traditions, not just their wines. The relaxed ambiance and the chance to buy bottles at the end are nice touches that elevate the experience.

However, some might find the duration somewhat short if they’re really passionate about wine or want a more in-depth visit. Also, as the experience isn’t suitable for minors, families with underage children need to look elsewhere.

This tour is perfect for:

• Wine lovers wanting an authentic, local experience without a heavy price tag.
• Travelers interested in learning about Malaga’s winemaking in a friendly environment.
• Visitors who enjoy pairing wine with local foods in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is not suitable for minors under 18, as it involves alcohol service, which is illegal for those underage in Spain.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts about 2.5 hours, from the start at 12pm, including the tour, tasting, and shopping. The exact duration depends on how long you spend enjoying your wines.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Absolutely. The winery shop is available for you to purchase your favorite bottles after the tasting.

What’s included in the tasting?
You’ll taste different Quitapenas wines paired with a choice of cheese, ham, or snacks, while learning about the tasting notes and wine-making process.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with the option to pay later.

In the end, if you’re after a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Malaga’s wine scene, Bodegas Quitapenas offers a charming and value-packed experience. It’s especially worthwhile if you appreciate local products and want a taste of the region’s winemaking tradition without overcomplicating things. Just be prepared for a short, pleasant visit that leaves plenty of room to enjoy the wines you love.

You can check availability for your dates here: