The same couple who had recommended the restaurant in Guardamar also had a wine recommendation at Villena.

Bodega Nuestra Senora de las Virtudes Coop. V.

We would visit the castle and town of Villena whilst there but the primary reason for the visit was some cheap wine. The proprietor was helpful with the wine selections and allowed me to taste several different wines.

Whilst we were there, a constant stream of locals with their 5 litre plastic containers appeared through the doors and the wine was dispensed via machine. A bit like a sophisticated petrol pump! The wine of choice seemed to the Arcabucero Joven at around 1Euro20 per bottle or 5 Euros for a full 5 litres.

We opted for a dozen bottles of the Arcabucero Joven Tinto and another dozen bottles of Vinalopo Reserva. This was a bit more expensive at 4 odd Euros a pop but the entire supply of 24 bottles had cost a mere 72 Euros.

The castle consisted of guided tours but the last one of the morning prior to siesta had already departed and whilst not wanting to stick around all afternoon, the chap at the ticket office arranged for us to enter the castle un-accompanied and to explore on our own terms. This was a really nice touch.

 

 

 

 

Finally, this was the last day of antibiotics for Moe and the abscess has gone. The question now is whether to have the tooth extracted in the UK. Moe says she doesn’t want a general anaesthetic because once asleep she fears the dentist will hand over to the Hygienist to give her a little extra practice!