LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Think of La Marina as the scrappy coastal cousin in Spain's wine family, smaller than its inland counterpart, Vinalopó, yet punching way above its weight class. La Marina operates on a different frequency entirely, where Mediterranean breezes whisper through Moscatel vineyards and small-production wineries treat tradition like a jazz musician treats sheet music: respect the fundamentals, then improvise like hell.
Located on the northern coastline of Alicante province, La Marina DO represents one of two sub-zones within the broader Alicante appellation. This guide unpacks what makes La Marina special: its terroir, grapes, wine styles, the wineries worth visiting, and why this coastal corner of Spain deserves a spot on your wine radar.
La Marina stretches along the Costa Blanca between the towns of Denia and Calpe, encompassing villages such as Xaló (Jalón), Parcent, Teulada and Lliber. The town of Xaló, for example, is renowned for its historic wine cellars and vibrant local wine culture, reflecting the region's deep-rooted traditions of winemaking.
Located in Spain, La Marina benefits from the Mediterranean Sea, which isn’t just a scenic backdrop; it’s a winemaking partner, delivering the humidity and temperature moderation that allows Moscatel de Alejandría to thrive.
Officially incorporated into the Alicante DO in 1987, La Marina is the newer and smaller of the two Alicante wine regions. As part of Europe’s renowned wine landscape, La Marina stands out among European wine regions for its unique terroir and historical significance. The annual rainfall in La Marina is approximately 500 mm, contributing to its favourable growing conditions.
Unlike other wine regions, La Marina has a relatively small number of vineyards in terms of surface area. But, despite this, it makes a great contribution to Alicante in terms of white wine production.
Wine-growing in the Marina Alta (in the province of Alicante, Spain) has a very long history, stretching back over 2,500 years. Archaeological evidence (such as wine-presses at L’Alt de Benimàquia) shows that the Iberians and later the Romans were cultivating vines in the region. The Romans further developed viticulture in the Alicante area, setting the groundwork for the wine industry. Terraced vineyards and old vine systems still reflect the legacy of both Roman and later Islamic (Arab) viticultural practices in the broader region.
The official purpose-driven Denominación de Origen (D.O.) for the region, Alicante DOP (formerly D.O. Alicante), was established in 1932. It covers the two sub-zones: the inland “Vinalopó” and the coastal “La Marina” (i.e. the Marina Alta) region.
In the late 19th century, the phylloxera plague devastated much of Europe’s vineyards, including parts of Spain. The Marina Alta region (and Alicante more broadly) also suffered, though being somewhat more marginal in some parts may have mitigated worst-effects. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria) grape gained importance in the Marina Alta, both for fresh wine and for raisin and sweet wine production. The export of Alicante wines, including sweet wines, to northern Europe (England, the Low Countries) was a significant trade in earlier centuries, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries.
One of the distinctive wines of Alicante is Fondillón: made from over-ripe Monastrell grapes, unfortified, aged for at least ~10 years and naturally rich in alcohol (≈16%+). A royal decree dated 1510 by Ferdinand II of Aragon (Fernando the Catholic) prohibited the import of foreign wines into Alicante until local production was consumed, underscoring the local wine economy’s importance.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
La Marina is situated on the northern coastal strip of Alicante province, at approximately 38.5°N latitude. The Mediterranean Sea exerts a profound influence, with most vineyards within 10 kilometres of the coast. To the west, inland and higher-altitude areas add further diversity to the terrain and microclimates, contrasting with the coastal vineyards. The Montgó Natural Park and mountains protect while channelling maritime air into valleys.
Decidedly Mediterranean with coastal modulation: warm, dry summers and mild, humid winters. Unlike the continental Vinalopó interior, La Marina benefits from sea breezes that moderate extreme temperatures and provide crucial nighttime cooling. Annual sunshine exceeds 2,800 hours.
The region is recognized as a marine geological site, with ancient terroir shaped by the sea. This ancient terroir and marine soils contribute to the excellent quality of wines produced in La Marina. Predominantly limestone-based with varying clay content atop sedimentary rock. Fossils are frequently found in the vineyard soils, contributing to the unique mineral character and sense of place.
Coastal areas are characterized by dark limestone with low clay content, which provides excellent drainage and a distinctive mineral character. Higher-elevation inland plots show more clay with centuries-old dry-stone terracing. These poor, well-drained soils force vines to work hard, producing concentrated flavours. Grapevines are carefully planted and trained to adapt to these challenging soils and the region’s Mediterranean climate, ensuring healthy growth and optimal fruit quality.
In La Marina, you will not find typical grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc. Instead, this is the place where Moscatel (also known as Moscatel de Alicante), Merseguera, Macabeo, Monastrell and Garnacha thrive.
In recent years, some winemakers in La Marina and Alicante have begun experimenting with international grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Riesling to produce modern, fresh white wines that appeal to contemporary palates and export markets. Additionally, Tempranillo and Merlot are being planted or trialled in the region, further contributing to the diversity of wine styles and expanding Alicante’s reputation beyond its traditional varieties.
Moscatel de Alejandría is La Marina’s signature grape, occupying the vast majority of the vineyard area. In La Marina’s coastal conditions, Moscatel produces wines ranging from bone-dry whites with piercing acidity to luscious, naturally sweet wines and fortified mistelas. Sweet wines produced from Moscatel grapes achieve high must weights in warmer climates. Moscatel de Alicante can rival the finest dessert wines of Europe. Late-ripening characteristics suit La Marina’s extended growing season.
La Marina produces a wide range of wine styles, with the most typical being dry and sweet whites (which wine lovers appreciate due to their tropical fruit notes), Mistela, sparkling wines, red wines, and rosé wines.
Modern La Marina wines are increasingly recognized for their complexity, achieved through improved winemaking techniques and thoughtful blending, which adds depth and finesse to both traditional and contemporary styles.
Notable estates in La Marina, such as those situated on unique terroir, play a key role in producing high-quality wines and driving the region's modernization. Some estates in La Marina are gaining recognition for their estate’s dry white wines, known for their crispness, freshness, and aromatic qualities, often made from Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc. Wines produced in La Marina often exhibit tropical fruit and citrus flavours with floral and herbal hints, and they offer great value, providing excellent quality at accessible prices for wine lovers.
The modern La Marina story involves reclaiming Moscatel from its reputation as a sweet wine only. Pioneering producers now harvest earlier and employ temperature-controlled fermentation to create dry Moscatel whites that showcase aromatic intensity without cloying sweetness.
To enjoy La Marina wines at their best, there is a rule of thumb: what grows together, goes together. For this reason, dishes such as seafood, paella, light tapas, or even turron are some of the best companions for wines from this area. Moscatel de la Marina is a widely known sweet wine from La Marina, celebrated for its pairing versatility and rich flavours.
The region's traditional seafood paella, cooked over orange wood, finds its perfect partner in chilled dry Moscatel, with the wine's floral notes echoing Mediterranean aromatics while its acidity cuts through the rich seafood flavours. La Marina offers a variety of restaurants and tapas bars serving Spanish and international cuisine, often accompanied by live music.
La Marina offers intimate wine tourism far removed from commercialized regions. Small family wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings, often conducted by owners who've worked these vineyards for generations. The "Ruta del Vino" connects wineries throughout Marina Alta, passing through picturesque villages, terraced vineyards, and offering stunning views of both the coast and the mountains. Most require reservations. Additionally, La Marina's village center hosts a weekly market on Thursdays and Sundays, offering fresh produce and Spanish crafts. Wine tours in Alicante are run by local guides offering unique tasting experiences.
Beyond wine, the area offers Mediterranean beaches, Montgó Natural Park hiking trails, charming weekly markets (especially the Sunday Riurau Market in Jesus Pobre), and excellent restaurants serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Playa de La Marina and Playa El Rebollo are renowned for their crystal-clear, shallow waters, making them ideal for families. The beach at La Marina, Costa Blanca, is bordered by a large pine forest. Visitors can enjoy a wine and tapas walking tour in Alicante for a local culinary experience.
The vibrant city of Alicante is renowned for its art, fine cuisine and local drinks. La Marina, Costa Blanca, Spain, is also renowned for its stunning beaches, pine forests, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration. Additionally, it is near the Parque Natural de las Salinas de Santa Pola, which is great for birdwatching and hiking. The area near La Marina also features impressive sand dunes and natural reserves full of diverse wildlife, including flamingos. For those seeking adventure, La Marina offers a range of activities including sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving.
Best Wineries Within La Marina DO
La Marina is home to a handful of standout wineries—Bodega Gutiérrez de la Vega, Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola, Bodegas Xaló, Les Freses, and Bodega Teulada—each contributing its own personality, history, and winemaking philosophy to the region. Below is an overview of the most important producers, and what they’re known for:
La Marina's wine industry increasingly embraces sustainable and organic practices. Several wineries maintain certified organic viticulture, eliminating synthetic pesticides in favour of natural alternatives. Spain leads global rankings in organic vineyard area, and La Marina contributes significantly. The style of wines produced in Alicante has shifted towards premium and quality-driven styles, abandoning the previous reputation for bulk production.
Dry farming (secano) predominates, with many vineyards receiving no irrigation at all. This water-conservation practice produces concentrated, terroir-expressive wines. Old-vine vineyards (60–70+ years) have deep root systems that access underground water naturally. Traditional practices, such as hand-harvesting, goblet-trained vines, and dry-stone terrace maintenance, preserve agricultural heritage while supporting biodiversity.
Some producers practice minimal-intervention winemaking by utilizing indigenous yeasts, limiting sulphur use, and skipping filtration. Amphora fermentation and aging at wineries like Les Freses and Casa Agrícola represent ultimate low-tech, sustainable methods with roots stretching back millennia. The cooperative structure naturally supports sustainability by allowing small growers to pool resources and implement best practices collectively.
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