November 23 Amateur wine-tasting competition and music in Yecla
The annual event at the municipal auditorium in Yecla takes place shortly before the Fiestas de la Virgen
Early December is a special time of year in Yecla, in the north of December, as the town celebrates its unique annual fiestas in honour of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, known locally as the Virgen del Castillo, and one of the events held shortly beforehand is this amateur wine-tasting contest at the Auditorio Municipal Juan Miguel Benedito Rodríguez in the Plaza Mayor.
The DOP Yecla wines are famed throughout the world and this event begins at 10.30 in the morning in the tasting rooms of the Consejo Regulador of the D.O.P. Yecla, with professional oenologists and wine waiters barred from entering. The only professional involved is the wine specialist Javier López Lorenzo, who directs the proceedings, and the registration price is 5 euros (which a maximum of 30 participants) – registration can be completed online at www.escuadraminerva.com.
In the evening the action moves to the auditorium, where a presentation by Sr López Lorenzo is followed by a musical recital offered by José Antonio Cecilia (piano) and singer Cristina Mira. Admission to the performance is free of charge.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
