About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team did this tasting in Alicante, she spent two and a half hours learning to nose, swirl, and actually taste five natural and biodynamic wines with sommelier Martin Olivera. The session happens in a wine store run by José, a low-intervention wine specialist, and it's the kind of afternoon that teaches you what tannins actually feel like on your palate rather than just nodding along. You'll pick up real techniques—how to use a tastevin, what to look for in colour, how your senses work together—and leave with Martin's insider tips on where locals actually drink in Alicante, well beyond the postcard spots.
Highlights
- Learn tasting techniques with actual aroma wheels, not just guessing
- Five wines spanning natural and biodynamic producers, deliberately chosen
- Sommelier Martin walks you through colour, nose, and mouthfeel step by step
- Meet José, the store owner and low-intervention wine expert
- Get genuine local recommendations for Alicante beyond tourist hotspots
- Small-group feel in a working wine shop, feels like a mate's advice
- Bottled water included; totally accessible space and nearby public transport
What to expect
You'll rock up to José's wine shop and settle in for a structured but relaxed couple of hours. Martin kicks off by teaching you the mechanics—how to look at wine, what the colours tell you, how to use a tastevin if you're serious about it. Then you taste five wines in sequence, and Martin talks you through what's happening as you nose and sip each one. He's patient with questions and doesn't assume you know anything, which is nice. The vibe is conversational rather than stuffy; you're learning proper technique but in a place where wine is actually sold and drunk, not theatrically presented.
Pacing-wise, it's generous—two and a half hours means you're not rushing. By the end, you'll have spotted the difference between natural wines and conventional ones, and you'll have a clearer idea of what your own palate actually likes. Martin wraps up with genuine local intel: where to eat, what neighbourhoods are worth a wander, which bars locals choose. It's the kind of insider chat you'd get from a knowledgeable friend, not a rehearsed script.
What travellers say
- Martin teaches real technique, not wine-snobbery shortcuts
- Five wines showcase natural and biodynamic philosophy clearly
- José's expertise in low-intervention winemaking shines through
- Genuine local recommendations make your wider trip better
- Fully accessible space and nearby public transport
- Two and a half hours feels unhurried and thorough
- Not suitable for pregnant or those with heart conditions
- You arrange your own transport to the wine shop
- Small space can feel crowded during peak booking times
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want to move past "I like red" and actually understand wine, this hits the mark. Natural and biodynamic wines are having a moment, and learning the theory behind them from someone who sells them is proper. The small-group setup means Martin remembers your name and tailors his chat. You'll leave with notes and contacts, not just a fuzzy buzz. It's wheelchair accessible throughout, and public transport is close by if you're not driving.
It's not recommended if you're pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns—it's wine, after all. If you've got zero interest in learning the mechanics and just want a boozy afternoon, this might feel a bit school-like. You're responsible for your own transport to and from the shop; private pickups aren't included. The session happens in a working wine shop, so expect a fairly compact tasting room rather than a sprawling venue. It fills up, especially weekends, so book ahead.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.