Following the visit that several representatives of Ruta del Vino Almansa made last October to Quartu Sant’Elena (Sardinia, Italy), between March 10 and 12 we had the pleasure of welcoming the Italian delegation to our territory within the framework of the European project B.A.C.C.H.U.S.
This project promotes cooperation and cultural and wine-related exchange between different Mediterranean territories. During these days, the participants were able to discover our territory through a programme that combined heritage, gastronomy, culture and, of course, wine, visiting different locations across the region and experiencing some of the activities that form part of the Ruta del Vino Almansa.
The visit began on Wednesday, March 10 in Almansa with an institutional reception attended by representatives from both territories. The Italian delegation was represented by Rita Murgioni, President of the Municipal Council of Quartu Sant’Elena, and Rossana Perra, Councillor for Productive Activities and Territorial Development of the Italian municipality.
Representing the Almansa City Council, the mayor, Pilar Callado, took part in the welcome alongside different groups and organisations from the city, including the Denomination of Origin Almansa, Agrupación de Comparsas, Junta Festera de Calles, Asociación 1707 Almansa Histórica, Coros y Danzas Castillo de Almansa group and the Twinning Committee.
During this first day, the delegation visited the Battle of Almansa Museum to learn about its history, attended a talk about the Denomination of Origin Almansa and enjoyed a tasting of typical local products.
The programme continued the following day with a visit to Albacete in the morning, including an official reception at the Provincial Council of Albacete, followed by the B.A.C.C.H.U.S. Agricultural and Wine Congress, a space where different topics related to the sector were discussed. To conclude the morning, the delegation had the opportunity to discover some of the city’s most emblematic places, such as the Chalet de Fontecha and the Teatro Circo de Albacete.
In the afternoon they travelled to the municipality of Higueruela, where, after being welcomed by the mayor, Isabel Martínez, they enjoyed a guided visit to the Yacimientos de la Graja, one of the most representative heritage sites of the municipality, allowing them to better understand the historical and archaeological richness of the area.
They also visited Bodega Tintoralba, where they had the opportunity to learn about the work carried out in the territory and the wines produced with Garnacha Tintorera, one of the most characteristic grape varieties of DO Almansa.
The day concluded with a tasting of typical products and a wine tasting, accompanied by a showcooking by the restaurant +IDEAS carried out by Antonio González, a perfect moment to share gastronomic traditions and continue strengthening the ties between the territories participating in this European project.
The final day of the programme once again took place in Almansa. The delegation took part in a guided tour through the historic centre, followed by a visit and tasting at the winery Hacienda El Espino, where they were able to learn more about the wines produced in the territory under the Denomination of Origin Almansa. During this visit, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ramón Sáez, Provincial Delegate for Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.
The day continued in the afternoon with a visit to the Castle of Almansa and a demonstration about the city’s Fiestas Mayores, before the closing ceremony and the signing of the twinning agreement.
Initiatives like this help to continue building connections between Mediterranean territories, share experiences and showcase the cultural, gastronomic and wine-growing richness of each area.
For Ruta del Vino Almansa, projects like this represent an opportunity to highlight the value of our territory, strengthen collaboration with other destinations and continue promoting wine tourism as a way of connecting our culture and wine.
We hope that the delegation has enjoyed their stay and the experiences shared during these days in our town, trusting that this exchange will continue to strengthen the ties between both territories.
