| The region of Murcia in Spain is famous for its old | | | | still influences the production of Jumilla wine today. |
| world character, rich history and gorgeous | | | | The Reconquest of Spain, which began in 722 |
| weather. Connoisseurs know that Murcia is also | | | | A.D., saw locals reclaiming the wine industry. Wine |
| synonymous with wine. Wine lovers who want a | | | | was a key component in the rituals of the various |
| Spanish holiday with class and good taste, | | | | orders of monks and friars of the time. After |
| consider Murcia's history. | | | | ousting previous conquerors, they began to take |
| Murcia's wine is produced in the region of Jumilla. It | | | | back wine production. Wine-making flourished for |
| covers the northern part of Murcia and the | | | | several centuries. Wines from Jumilla became |
| south-east portion of Albacete. It boasts 33,000 | | | | distinguished on the world market, thanks in large |
| hectares of wine-producing grapes. Its vineyards | | | | part to those early monks. |
| turn out 220,000 hl of wine every year. In fact, | | | | Notwithstanding, the region has seem some |
| the region actually comprises five separate | | | | challenging times. Phylloxera has plagued the |
| denominations of origin. Each DO is closely | | | | Spanish wine-making industry at various points |
| regulated by the local government. It helps to | | | | over the last several centuries. One of the most |
| ensure that only the best grapes are grown. In | | | | recent phylloxera attacks in 1989 led to the |
| the case of organic wines (which are increasingly | | | | replanting of thousands of hectares of vineyards |
| in demand), it ensures that growing regulations are | | | | in Jumilla. The new vineyards produced a lighter |
| followed. This provides quality assurance to | | | | variety of wine than had previously come from |
| consumers around the world. It is undoubtedly | | | | the area. Naturally, the phylloxera attack was |
| one of the reasons that Jumilla wines have been | | | | financially devastating to the economy. However, |
| critically acclaimed in the last decade. | | | | the newly produced wines fueled new and greater |
| Superb cuisine and exquisite wine is as much a | | | | public interest in Jumilla wines. |
| part of Spanish culture as language and heritage. | | | | The Jumilla Wine Route is famous with locals and |
| This tapestry of culture is what fuels the wine | | | | visitors alike. Travelers can book a wine tour |
| industry in Spain, and Jumilla, Murcia in particular. | | | | through their travel agent, online or in person in |
| Jumilla wines are acclaimed the world over. | | | | Murcia. A wide range of accommodations is |
| Thousands of tourists flock to the region annually | | | | available in the area to suit any budget. Rental |
| to get a firsthand look at the production of Jumilla | | | | villas, condos and hotels in variety of price ranges |
| wine. | | | | are abundant. There are also a number of hostels |
| Archaeological evidence suggests that the | | | | in Murcia. Several all-inclusive resorts in the area, |
| production of Spanish wines dates back to 4000 | | | | including the world-class LaManga Club, attract |
| B.C. An abundance of native species of grapes | | | | many visitors each year. Other resorts are |
| likely fueled interest in the production and | | | | currently under development. When finished, Spain |
| consumption of wine in the region. Wine | | | | tourism officials predict a healthy boost to the |
| production in Spain pre-dates the establishment of | | | | local economy. |
| Cadiz, the oldest port in Spain, by a few hundred | | | | Wine lovers may find themselves enthralled and |
| years. However, it was upon its founding that | | | | dazzled by the exotic and fruity wines of Murcia. |
| Spanish wines began to be traded around Europe. | | | | In fact, connoisseurs find themselves returning |
| Later, Jumilla's wine industry took new shape | | | | again and again to the lure of the vineyards of |
| under the settlement of the Romans. Although | | | | Jumilla. It may be the wine-lover's ultimate Spanish |
| Roman rule has long since disappeared, its culture | | | | holiday. |