If you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience during your time in Spain, look no further than the Utiel Gastronomic Fair, held in mid-October after the grape harvest season. This three-day festival is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local food culture of the Utiel region, just an hour away from Valencia.

• Dates: October 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024
• Location: Paseo de la Alameda, Utiel, Valencia

What to Expect

Utiel is known for its rich culinary traditions, and this fair celebrates all the town has to offer. Here, you can taste traditional dishes such as:

• Gazpacho
• Embutidos (local sausages)
• Tortas magras (savory flatbreads)
• Morteruelo (a hearty pâté)
• Ajoarriero (salted cod spread)
• Almortas (traditional stews)
• Turrón de burruecos and Ajalú (ancient desserts)

The local Sierra de Utiel olive oil is a must-try, enhancing the flavors of these dishes, all perfectly paired with wines from the Denomination of Origin Utiel-Requena, one of Spain’s renowned wine regions.

More Than Just Food

In addition to savoring these local delights, the fair offers plenty of activities:

• Tapa Route: Explore a dozen establishments in the town, each offering its signature tapa along with a glass of local wine for a very affordable price.
• Cocktail Tour: For night owls, Utiel’s cocktail scene comes alive after dark.
• Wine Tastings and Showcooking: Enjoy guided wine tastings and live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs.
• Live Music and Entertainment: There will be live music throughout the weekend to keep the atmosphere lively and fun.

Getting There

No car? No problem! Both Saturday and Sunday, a free bus service will run from Valencia to Utiel and back, courtesy of the local town hall. The exact schedule is yet to be confirmed, but it will ensure a convenient trip for visitors.