Malaga: Vineyard Day Trip & Organic Wine Tasting with Tapas

Summary

Organic wines, farmhouse cellar and sea views near Malaga with local tapas

You’ll wander an organic vineyard near Malaga with a small group and meet the winemaker himself before tasting six unique wines paired with homemade tapas in his rustic cellar. Expect farm animals underfoot, Mediterranean breezes, and real stories behind every glass — all with pickup included so you can just relax into it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to meet a goat before my first sip of wine — but that’s how our day trip from Malaga started. We piled into the van (eight of us, plus our guide), still half-awake, winding up through those dry hills toward Mijas. The air felt sharp and clean after the city. When we stepped out at the vineyard, I caught this salty breeze off the Mediterranean and heard hens clucking somewhere behind the vines. Our guide, Carmen, waved us over — she’d already found a sun-warmed cat sprawled on a wall.

The winemaker himself greeted us at his little farmhouse. He had that calm way about him; you could tell he’d spent years among these vines. I tried to say “gracias” in my best Spanish — not great, but he grinned anyway. We walked through rows of grapes while he explained how everything here is organic, no shortcuts. There were five stops along the way where Carmen pointed out odd things: wild herbs growing between the plants (she crushed one in her fingers for us to smell — earthy and sharp), old tools hanging by the shed. The view opened up suddenly and you could see Africa’s mountains on a clear day — or so they said; it was hazy for us, but I liked imagining it.

The cellar was more like someone’s garage than any fancy winery I’ve seen. Just barrels stacked against cool stone walls and the smell of fermenting grapes — sweet but not too much. Six wines lined up on a battered table: reds, whites, rosés, even a sparkling one that fizzed when he poured it. Each glass came with a different tapa — manchego cheese with olive oil, some kind of smoky sausage I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). No pressure to buy anything; just stories about each bottle and lots of laughter when someone guessed wrong about flavors.

I still think about that last glass in the sun outside — something about drinking wine where it’s made makes it taste different. Maybe it’s just being there with people who care about what they do. Anyway, if you’re looking for an easy day trip from Malaga that doesn’t feel like a tour at all… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vineyard visit and wine tasting

• Meet at Plaza de la Marina Malaga
• Drive 30 minutes to vineyard in Mijas
• Walk among vines and animals
• Learn about organic cultivation process
• Enjoy views of Mediterranean and Africa
• Visit exclusive wine workshop
• Meet owner and prepare wine tasting
• Taste six organic wines with tapas

Top questions

How far is the vineyard from Malaga?

It’s about 25-30 minutes by van from central Malaga to the vineyard near Mijas.

Is pickup included in this wine tour?

Yes, pickup from Plaza de la Marina in Malaga city center is included.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?

You’ll taste six different organic wines: reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling.

Are food or tapas included?

Yes, specially crafted tapas are served alongside each wine tasting.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The group size is usually limited to 8 people plus guide/driver.

Will we meet the winemaker?

Yes, you’ll be welcomed by the owner/winemaker at his farmhouse cellar.

Are animals present at the vineyard?

You’ll likely see hens, goats, dogs and cats wandering around the property.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Malaga by air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi onboard; bottled water throughout; a guided walk through an organic vineyard near Mijas; six exclusive organic wine tastings paired with homemade tapas; time spent with both your local guide and the winemaker himself before returning comfortably to Malaga.