Yecla's grape growers optimistic for a 30-40% harvest boost after years of drought
Despite ongoing challenges, vintners expect a strong recovery in grape production this year
After a tough few years marked by persistent drought, the vineyards of Yecla are finally looking ahead to better times. The grape harvest for 2025 is expected to increase by between 30% and 40% compared to last year’s low point, when only 6.1 million kilos of grapes were harvested, the smallest yield in the past five years.Winemaker Antonio Candela explained the improvements but also offered a word of caution.
“We expect a 30% to 40% increase compared to last year,” he said, “but we’ve had years of drought and very low production. Compared to a normal year, there would still be a 10% to 15% decrease.”
This reflects the enduring impact of severe water shortages, which have not only reduced yields but also caused “severe wear” to the vines, according to the Yecla Regulatory Council. The vines are still recovering from three consecutive difficult seasons.
Another important point is that not all grapes grown in Yecla are declared under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label. Some winegrowers choose not to register certain harvests officially, either because of quality reasons or a preference to produce non-PDO wines, such as single-varietal or specialty batches.
Additionally, some bulk wines made from PDO grapes are deliberately not marketed under the designation, in line with decisions by the Regulatory Council. This means that official PDO figures may not fully capture the total volume of wine produced in the region.
The first picks of early white grape varieties are already underway in some estates, with the main body of the harvest scheduled to begin towards the end of the month. As growers prepare for the coming weeks, they remain cautious but hopeful that the improving weather conditions will help them produce grapes of both good quantity and quality.
The ongoing climate challenges make careful monitoring crucial, and growers keep a close eye on weather forecasts, particularly wary of the threat of late-summer storms that could affect the harvest’s progress.
Yecla’s grape growers, supported by local winemakers and the regulatory authorities, remain committed to building on this recovery. With the right combination of favourable weather and skilled craftsmanship, they hope this year marks a turning point toward more consistent and plentiful harvests.
For more local news, events and information, you can go to the home page of Yecla Today
Image: congerdesign/Pixabay
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
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
