Approximately three thousand hectares in La Axarquía consist of vineyards. The sweet wine, also called Vino de Terreno, made from the muscatel grape is the main product of the region. The wine route starts from Nerja and leads past the villages of Torrox, Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Sayalonga, Sedella and Algarrobo. But also out side this route, you will find various vineyards and corresponding bodegas.

The Muscatel wine has been highly praised for centuries. Over four hundred years ago, this sweet, fortified wine from the province of Malaga was one of the most expensive in the world. This province is one of the few places in the world where the sweet Muscatel grape thrives. Not only the wine is special, but also the way it is processed. Grapes are carefully cut from the vine cluster by cluster and carried off the ledges and slopes in crates, or traditionally in hand-woven baskets, with the help of mules and donkeys; this method has been used for centuries. According to tradition, the grapes are laid out on mats in the sun before they are pressed. The drying process gives the wine an even sweeter taste.

In the region of La Axarquía, several well-known and lesser known wine houses can be found. Apart from the Moscatel wine, they also produce other types of wines, for example, from the Romé grape. Romé is a red grape variety that was almost extinct but now belongs to the rich heritage of the province of Málaga. The altitude at which these grapes grow contributes to their specific flavour, and they thrive in the warm climate. The wine made from this grape has a fresh character and is subtle and elegant.

The above wines are produced by the following wineries, among others. They also offer the opportunity to book a guided tour or even to enjoy a fully catered dinner with accompanying wines. The wines are for sale in these bodegas, but you will also find them at other outlets in the region:

• Bodegas Bentomiz https://bodegasbentomiz.com<
• Bodegas Almijara http://www.bodegasalmijara.com
• Sedella Vinos http://sedellavinos.com