Each year approximately 10,000 workers across the Hondon Valley tie white paper bags to each fledgling bunch of grapes. The bags are used for the protection of the grape harvest. These protective paper bags prevent pest infestations, feeding birds and shield the grapes from direct pesticide sprays and the fierce sunlight here. It apparently also adds to the flavour, colour and texture of the grape., makes the skin is thinner and easier to eat, plus fortifies the vitamin and nutritional qualities of the fruit.

On Sunday there was an international competition of bagging grapes in the Honton Valley. We decided to go with some of our friends and check it out. The competition is called ” Bases Concurso Embolsado de Uva de Mesa de Novelda”. This was something we never knew existed and wanted to see what it was about.

The competition which is the only one of its kind in the world is held at the Bodega Heretat de Cesilia.  It is based on the skill of bagging grapes which are done for the harvesting of a particular type of grape. It is only short distance outside of Alicante so we headed off early on Sunday to get a good seat to see it.

What was surprising was the size of the event. When we arrived, the parking lot was nearly full and there were crowds of people gathering well in advance of the event.

We walked down the path towards the competition and there were beautiful palm trees all along the path.

We found a beautiful gazebo covered in vines providing great shade and an excellent view of the competition. We sat down on a bench and enjoyed a nice shaded area with great views of the rows of grape vines.

There was a brass band playing music and a beer garden set up for everyone. They had a booth that was giving out free hats and ball caps. We donned our new hats and settled in to watch the Grape bagging.

There was an emcee and she drew numbers to determine which row the competitors would compete in. There were 20 competitors that ranged in different ages.

The race begins with a gunshot and the competitors run to the end of their row and begin bagging grapes. Each competitor has 150 bags and must tie each one-off in an approved knot. It was very impressive just how fast they could bag the grapes. The video below is in real-time and it is the competitor who won the competition.

After the race was completed, there was music and drinks on the patio. We had an opportunity to meet the winner and have our photo taken with her.

We went into the Bodega for the official awards and banquet meal.

After the official awards were completed we sat at our table and enjoyed our six-course traditional Spanish meal. The meal was very enjoyable and we had a wonderful time.

It was a long day but well worth going to see the competition. It was entertaining, educational and lots of fun with friends.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”