In this overview of the rich gastronomy of the Valencian Community, we have dedicated special attention to its wines and traditional beverages. Throughout the three provinces, we find Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs) and Designations of Origin that promote and protect the quality of these drinks.

• Wines from Castellón. The winegrowers of the province sought to revive the splendor of a sector that enjoyed great prestige until the 19th century, when it was devastated by phylloxera. Since 2003, wines meeting the following three conditions have been protected under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation of Castellón: they must be produced in vineyards located in Castellón (in the wine-growing areas of Alto Palancia-Alto Mijares, Sant Mateu, and Les Useres-Vilafamés), the wineries where they are produced are located in the province, and they must have undergone the rigorous quality controls established by the PGI. The wines protected by this designation are: red wine, aged red wine, white wine, barrel-fermented white wine, rosé wine, fortified wine, wine made from overripe grapes, quality sparkling wine, and semi-sparkling wine.
• Wines from Valencia. The four production sub-zones that make up the Valencia Protected Designation of Origin are: Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel, and Clariano. These sub-zones are spread throughout the province and give the wines their distinctive characteristics. The most important grape varieties cultivated for these wines are the red varieties Bobal, Monastrell, Tempranillo, and Tintorera, and the white varieties Macabeo, Malvasía, Merseguera, Moscatel, and Verdil.
• Wines from Utiel-Requena. West of the province of Valencia, the Utiel-Requena Designation of Origin production area lies at an altitude of approximately 750 meters and encompasses 35,000 hectares. Wine has a long and rich history in the area, spanning over 2,700 years, and is the economic engine of the region. The flagship variety of this DO is Bobal, a native grape that occupies the majority of the cultivated land due to its excellent adaptability to the climate and soil. Other varieties authorized by the Regulatory Council include the red varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, and the white varieties Macabeo, Merseguera, Tardana, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Parellada, Verdejo, and Moscatel de Grano Menudo. 
• Cava de Requena. The area's topography and the contrasting temperatures created by the climate have made the region a perfect place for cultivating grape varieties destined for Cava production. Producers in the area have positioned these wines among the best in Spain thanks to their exceptional quality.
• Wines from Alicante. The Alicante Protected Designation of Origin Regulatory Board is one of Spain's oldest institutions dedicated to the protection and control of native grape varieties. Alicante red wine is made with Monastrell grapes and may be blended with other varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot. Moscatel is used for white wines, and the province's most historic product is Fondillón Alicante, made from Monastrell grapes left to overripen on the vine without any additives. 
• Drinks Spirits Traditional dishes from Alicante. The Regulatory Council of Specific Designations brings together four drinks: Herbero de Sierra de Mariola, Cantueso alicantino, Anís Paloma de Monforte del Cid and Aperitivo café de Alcoy.

Why not take advantage of the upcoming holidays to taste and enjoy these specialties from the Valencian region?