Several of Country Finca’s properties are located in and around the old, historic town of Jumilla. Jumilla is about half an hours drive from Pinoso and is a town I’m very fond of visiting.It’s further inland than Pinoso, has a population of about 25,000 and it’s in the region of Murcia. It’s a wine-producing town, surrounded by vineyards,olive and almond orchards. Jumilla wine has its own D.O.(Denominacion the Origen) and there are many bodegas, 12 of which are included in its own wine route – Ruta del Vino Jumilla – which you can visit and enjoy tours and wine tasting sessions. There are several excellent restaurants in Jumilla and lively bars.

The town council is forward thinking and realises developing rural tourism goes hand in hand with economic development, as a result there are a couple of huge fiestas here and several smaller events, which are great fun. The annual grape harvest festival takes place in the middle of August, it starts with a mini-feria of Jumilla wines, where representatives from many of the local bodegas have stalls. For a modest 5€ you can purchase a wine glass and then start to explore the different bodega stalls, trying as many wines as you want. The week ends with a huge procession of floats from the various bodegas, where wine is thrown and sprayed onto the excited crowd, composed of mainly young people, who have a great time getting merrier and more purple as the night progresses.The Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations held here have been declared a fiesta of national interest. Every day sees the streets filled with thousands of people participating and watching the different cofradias processing solemnly through the streets. Other fiestas involve tapas tours, wine and music evenings in bodegas, La Tamborada and the traditional “Moors and Christians” processions.

Jumilla is not only famous for its wine and gastronomy, it also has a wealth of history. The town is watched over by a castle, which has a long history, Iberian, Roman, Islamic and Christian. The fortress still standing today was erected in 1461 by Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena and Lord of Jumilla.There are several old churches and chapels, beautiful squares and public gardens to explore.Jumilla benefits from an elegant theatre, Teatro Vico, built in 1883, which always has a complete programme of events going on.There are also a couple of museums and some evidence of architecture using the modernista (art nouveau) influences of the early 20th century.

Whatever you are interested in there will be something to suit you, Jumilla is a town well worth visiting. The tourist information office is very helpful and will provide maps and any additional information you need.I can also help you to arrange tours of bodegas and reservations at restaurants through my website Secret Wine Spain.
Salud!