Wine Bars of Costa Blanca: Where to Taste Local Wines
The Revival of Alicante’s Wine Culture
Costa Blanca is experiencing a true wine renaissance. For a long time, the region was perceived merely as a supplier of cheap wine for export, but today the situation has changed dramatically. The province of Alicante, home to one of the oldest designations of origin in Spain (DOP Alicante, established in 1932), has regained its status as a land of great wines. The local Monastrell grape, which was previously used only for color and strength, now produces elegant, complex, and profound wines that receive high ratings from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. The legendary Fondillón – the “wine of kings,” aged for decades – has once again become a source of pride for local bodegas.
Alongside the improvement in wine quality, the culture of consumption has evolved. Simple beachside chiringuitos have been replaced by conceptual wine bars, enotecas, and gastro-boutiques. Today, “going for wine” (ir de vinos) means not just having a glass of homemade tinto de verano, but immersing yourself in the world of indigenous varieties, learning the difference between Monastrell from the coast and from the Vinalopó valley, and trying rare samples from vines over 100 years old. Wine bars of Costa Blanca have become centers of education, where sommeliers share stories, and the interiors encourage leisurely tasting.
In this guide, we have collected iconic spots along the coast – from the provincial capital to the northern towns of Dénia and Calpe. We selected establishments where wine takes center stage: specialized bars, historic bodegas, and modern shop-bars where you can taste a bottle before purchasing. All of them are united by a love for local products and a high culture of presentation. Get ready to discover new dimensions of flavor along the White Coast.
Alicante: The Epicenter of Wine Trends
The provincial capital sets the tone for the entire coast. In Alicante, the concentration of wine venues per square meter is impressive: modern bars with neon signs stand next to ancient taverns where wine is still poured from barrels. The city is perfect for a wine route: all the main spots are within walking distance of each other, especially in the streets of Castaños, San Francisco, and San Vicente.
El Portal Taberna & Wines
Starting your journey through Alicante’s wine scene is impossible without mentioning El Portal. This establishment is not just a bar or restaurant; it is a true gastronomic theater and a social salon of the city. El Portal was the first in Alicante to introduce the “Krug Ambassade” concept, becoming an official ambassador of the legendary Champagne house. However, their love for local wines is equally strong. The wine list here resembles an encyclopedia: over 500 labels, with a significant portion dedicated to the best DOP Alicante wines.
The interior changes every season, but the atmosphere of luxury and celebration remains constant. In the center of the room, a team of professional sommeliers is ready to guide you through all the nuances of the terroir. It is worth trying top wines from the bodegas Enrique Mendoza or Gutiérrez de la Vega. A unique feature of El Portal is the ability to order even very expensive and rare wines by the glass (copa), thanks to the Coravin system. It is the perfect place to compare the powerful Monastrell with delicate Pinot Noir in an exquisite setting.
The wine is accompanied by “haute cuisine in miniature.” Be sure to order their signature cecina (cured beef) or red prawn tartare – dishes created to highlight the flavors of complex red and white wines. El Portal is a place for special occasions, where every sip is accompanied by impeccable service.
Contact Information:
Address: Calle Bilbao, 2, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 965 14 32 69
Website: www.elportaltaberna.es
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Bar Manero Mollá
If El Portal is the social buzz, Bar Manero is intimate, chamber-like luxury in the style of the “Belle Époque.” The owners (the same group as El Portal) created a concept of neo-traditional Spanish delicacies here. The interior is designed with incredible attention to detail: velvet curtains, antique mirrors, mosaic floors, and soft warm lighting. It is a bar-boutique, where everything you see – from wines to preserves – can be not only tasted but also purchased to take home.
The wine concept at Manero is built on exclusivity. They have their own line of wines, “Manero,” created in collaboration with the best winemakers in Spain. Try their signature vermouth on tap – perfectly balanced, with notes of herbs and citrus. For lovers of more serious drinks, they have a collection of Alicante’s great wines, including rare vintages of Fondillón. A glass of this sweet, thick wine, aged at least 10 years, is the perfect way to end the evening.
The gastronomic pairing at Manero is impeccable. It is a kingdom of delicacies: caviar, truffles, top cheeses, and Iberian ham sliced in front of you. Their famous “truffle and brie sandwich” has become a city legend and a must-try for any gourmet. The atmosphere encourages slow, thoughtful tasting and quiet conversations over a glass of excellent wine.
Contact Information:
Address: Calle Médico Manero Mollà, 7, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 966 60 11 32
Website: barmanero.es
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Benidorm: Skyscrapers and Ancient Cellars
Benidorm is often unfairly considered a city of mass tourism, cheap beer, and English pubs. However, if you turn off the noisy Levante promenade into the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), you enter a completely different world. The area known as the “Basque Zone” (Zona de los Vascos) is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where the concentration of excellent wine bars and taverns rivals San Sebastián. Here, wine is serious business, and competition forces owners to maintain the highest quality standards.
In Benidorm, wine culture has acquired a cosmopolitan touch. Alongside robust Monastrell reds, there is high demand for sparkling (Cava) and fresh white wines made from Muscat of Alexandria, perfectly suited to the hot coastal climate. Local sommeliers know exactly what the clientele wants: a balance between the recognizable classics of Rioja and Ribera del Duero and bold experiments from Alicante winemakers, who every year win more gold medals.
La Cava Aragonesa
This establishment is a true monument to Benidorm’s gastronomic culture. Located on Constitution Square, La Cava Aragonesa has been operating for several decades and is a must-visit for any serious wine enthusiast. The interior immerses visitors in old Spain: hundreds of hanging jamón legs from the ceiling, walls lined with dusty bottles, and a wooden bar polished by the elbows of thousands of visitors.
The wine list at La Cava Aragonesa is staggering – over 700 wines from all over Spain. Particular attention is given to selections from the Valencia and Alicante regions. Rare vintages from Enrique Mendoza or iconic wines from Bodegas Gutierrez de la Vega can be found here. The main feature of the establishment is the huge selection of wines by the glass. You do not need to purchase a full bottle of expensive wine to taste it. Experienced bartenders (many of whom have worked here for years) will recommend the perfect pairing for your mood.
As accompaniments, they offer classic tapas and pinchos displayed on a long counter, as well as hot dishes. Their tostadas (toasted bread with various toppings) and boards with Iberian sausages perfectly complement the structure of full-bodied red wines. This is a lively, authentic place where wine flows freely from lunch to late night.
Contact Information:
Address: Plaza de la Constitución, 2, 03501 Benidorm, Spain
Phone: +34 966 80 12 06
Website: lacavaaragonesa.es
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Altea: Bohemian Spirit and Artisan Wines
Just 10 kilometers from Benidorm lies Altea – the “white pearl” of Costa Blanca. This town of artists and poets dictates a completely different lifestyle and wine culture. There is no hustle and bustle here. Altea’s wine bars are tucked away in the whitewashed alleys of the old town, atop a hill offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere is intimate, romantic, and infused with art.
Xef Pirata – Gastrobar
In the maze of Altea’s old town, one of the most original establishments of the coast hides – Xef Pirata. Although it calls itself a gastrobar, its wine concept deserves separate attention in our guide. It is a small, cozy venue with only a few tables – a territory of freedom and experimentation. The owners are true gastronomic punks, respecting traditions but unafraid to break them.
The wine list at Xef Pirata is a manifesto of love for natural and organic wines. You will not find boring commercial supermarket brands here. Each bottle is handpicked from small family wineries. The sommelier, with passionate eyes, will offer you a “pet-nat” (natural sparkling) from local producers or a rare red Giró grape, grown exclusively in this region. The wines are lively, sometimes cloudy with sediment, but full of incredible energy and honest flavor.
The food at Xef Pirata complements the wines perfectly – signature tapas that change daily depending on what the chef bought at the market. It could be fresh ceviche, mini oxtail burgers, or vegetable tempura. The venue’s format encourages friendly interaction: sharing food, discussing wine with your table neighbors, and enjoying the moment. Reservations are mandatory, as the place is iconic and very small.
Contact Information:
Address: C/ de l’Àngel, 22, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 966 88 58 55
Website: xefpirata.com
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Dénia: UNESCO Creativity and Barrel-Aged Vermouth
Our wine route concludes in Dénia – a city holding the title of “UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.” This designation is well-deserved: the culture of food and drinks is palpable in every stone of the cobblestones. Dénia is geographically closer to Ibiza than Alicante, which is reflected in its relaxed, hedonistic atmosphere. The city’s wine selection is shaped by two factors: proximity to the sea (perfect white wines for fish) and its historical production of raisins and sweet wines.
Dénia has less pomp than Alicante but more history. Many bars here have been operating for 50–100 years, passed from father to son. Vermouth is a local custom – fortified wine infused with herbs, ideal as an aperitif before a long lunch.
Bodega Casa Benjamín
If you want to see what wine bars looked like in the early 20th century, this is the place to go. Casa Benjamín opened in 1906 and has changed little since. It is living history of Dénia. The moment you step inside, you are enveloped by the scent of old wood and wine. The walls are lined with rows of large oak barrels, from which wine is still poured “a granel” (by the measure) – a tradition almost lost in other cities.
The main drink here is undoubtedly homemade vermouth (vermut casero). Served in small glasses with a slice of orange and an olive, sometimes with a splash of soda for freshness. It is not just a drink, but a time machine. Vermouth is best paired with high-quality canned seafood (latas) or salted fish. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly: local fishermen and gourmet tourists often share tables, discussing the latest news.
Besides the draught wines, Casa Benjamín has an excellent collection of bottled wines from the Marina Alta region. The owners carefully preserve traditions while keeping up with trends, so their bar shop offers the latest releases from local winemakers. This is a soulful place you want to return to again and again.
Contact Information:
Address: C/ de Ramón y Cajal, 14, 03700 Dénia, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 965 29 83 84
Website: www.casabenjamindenia.com
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Els Magazinos
Els Magazinos is the complete opposite of a traditional bodega but equally important on the map. It is a modern gastronomic and cultural market located in the historic Baix la Mar district. The creators call it “a place where life tastes better.” It is a huge space combining more than 20 food and drink corners, terraces, and exhibition areas.
The wine culture here is represented by multiple points. You can take a glass of chilled white wine from the Merseguera grape and step out onto the terrace overlooking Dénia Castle. The wine selection is vast and democratic. Els Magazinos is perfect for trying wines from small producers who do not reach large supermarkets. Wine fairs and new vintage presentations are often held here.
The atmosphere is always festive and cosmopolitan. It is an excellent option for a large group: everyone can choose their own wine and snacks – from oysters and sushi to traditional cocas (local pies) – and gather around one large outdoor table.
Contact Information:
Address: Carrer del Pont, 19, 03700 Dénia, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 696 65 02 24
Website: elsmagazinos.com
Google Maps: view on map
Grape Guide: What to Order from the Sommelier
To feel confident in any wine bar along Costa Blanca, it is enough to know a few key terms. The Alicante region has a unique terroir, and local grape varieties produce wines with a distinctive character.
Monastrell – The King of Reds
This is the main grape of the region (over 75% of plantings). If you enjoy rich, full-bodied, “meaty” red wines with aromas of ripe fruits, blackberry, and spices, Monastrell is your go-to. Young wines are bold and fruity, while oak-aged (Crianza, Reserva) wines acquire elegance with notes of chocolate and tobacco. Look for wines from the Vinalopó subregion.
Moscatel de Alejandría – White Gold
Forget the stereotype that Muscat is only sweet wine. In the Marina Alta region (northern Costa Blanca), it produces amazing dry white wines. They are incredibly aromatic – smelling of jasmine, orange blossoms, and honey, yet remain fresh, dry, and mineral on the palate with a slight saltiness. Perfect pairings include paella and shrimp.
Fondillón – Wine of Kings
A unique Alicante treasure, recognized by the European Union on par with Champagne and Sherry. This naturally sweet (non-fortified) wine is made from overripe Monastrell and aged in barrels for at least 10 years. It has the color of old mahogany and a complex flavor with notes of figs, dates, and nuts. It is a luxurious dessert wine.
Giró – The Indigenous Mystery
For a long time, this grape was confused with Garnacha, but it is a unique variety native to Alicante and the Balearic Islands. It produces lighter, more acidic red wines than Monastrell, with delicate aromas of red berries and herbs. Giró is now at the peak of popularity among wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Costa Blanca has proven itself as a self-sufficient, world-class wine destination. The drinking culture here is free of snobbery: open, friendly, and inseparable from gastronomy and social interaction. The region’s wine bars are portals to the local traditions, where a glass of wine tells the story of the land and the people who work it.
Traveling from Alicante to Dénia, do not be afraid to experiment. Try indigenous varieties, trust the bartenders’ recommendations, and remember: the best wine is not the one with the highest critics’ rating, but the one you drink in good company with a view of the Mediterranean. Salud!
