Casa Montaña

If there's anything like a historic wine place in Valencia, Casa Montaña it is, with a history that dates back to 1836. With a central bar, old wooden barrels, traditional tiles and no (I repeat, NO) music, it feels as if time has stood still here. Though it has been listed in more and more tourist guides and therefore has seen an increase in international guests and fewer locals, that doesn't seem to have affected the quality of the food or the wine selection. Very un-Valencian, most staff speaks English well, which actually can be a bit of a relief once in a while. Reservation is a must! The food is purer and more elegant than in most places. For sure, try the dried tuna fish with spices and olive oil and the roasted artichokes (though obviously terrible for wine, they're just great, so who cares). Get over the surroundings and the neighbouring table perhaps speaking anything but Spanish; this is worth a visit when you spend time in Valencia.

Casa Montaña's wine selection is mouthwatering, with basically everything anyone wants. You could do a tasting menu with different glasses of Vega Sicilia's Valbuena (which will only set you back 140 Euro), but there are many Jerez and other wines by the glass worth trying. Local great value wines, but also more reputed Rioja and Ribera. With Coravin, there is also a selection of Spanish icons by the glass, some of which you can't find across the Spanish border. Though prices have increased in the last few years, it's still a bargain compared to many other countries.