Bullas is a typical Spanish town that lies at 643 metres above sea level in Northwest Murcia on the edge of the River Mula. It has a population of around 11,500 and the town boasts some beautiful old houses in the little narrow streets. Some of these houses retain original features such as beautifully carved doors and pretty ‘rejas’ and balconies. The Romans colonized this river basin which is 53 km from Murcia and is famous for its fruit trees and vineyards. The winters are cold, often with snow, which together with hot summers, is ideal for the growing of vines. Although white and rosé wines are produced, the most famous Bullas wines are produced from the sturdy dark grapes that grow in abundance. The growing of wine in the Bullas area dates back not only centuries, but millenniums. There is evidence that vines existed in this area as early as 3000 BC. Unfortunately the vines were devastated by phylloxera in the late 19th century, but the industry recovered and with the help of local cooperatives and wineries combining more modern methods with the more traditional ones, Bullas has become a leading force in the wine making throughout the world. Visitors will marvel at the rich verdure of the Bullas vineyards which yield distinctive wines such as Carrascalejo. Robust reds wines, brandies and fruity rosés combine the flavour of the countryside with the uniqueness of the local vines. There are various ‘bodegas’ in the area each producing their own special wines.
In Bullas, the Monastrell grape is by far the most popular among the local wine growers and it is this grape that traditionally produces the red wine of the area. It grows well in the local conditions, although the Tempranillo grape is also grown for reds and clarets. The Macabeo and Airén are most popular for white wine, although in recent years other varieties have been introduced. The old 19th century wine cellar is now a wine museum and forms part of a project to invigorate and personalize tourism in the area. You can take a visit round the museum and see the brick vaults and earthenware jugs which were found buried in the ground. When the family of the Melgares de Aguilar owned the winery they used to produce 350,000 litres of wine annually. There are many other old cellars in Bullas and even the ancient remains of the Roman sculpture of Bacchus in the Villa de los Cantos. There is a special wine route that you can follow, showing you the old cellars and special buildings in the centre of Bullas. Years ago the wine was transported in wine skins to Lorca and Totana along the Camino Real, using mules or oxen.
Other traditions in Bullas include the making of ‘migas’ to celebrate the end of the winemaking. The wines are tasted and the whole town takes part in tasting comments about the colour, aroma and flavour of the wines. The local dish of ‘talvina’ is a pancake fried in an earthenware bowl with garlic, peppers, bacon, tripe and sausage. Bullas is also famous for the thick soups made of meats and beans. These are especially popular during the cold winters.
Bullas celebrates its fiesta in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary, who was elected by the people of the town to be their Patron Saint in 1723. They celebrate all the local produce by having a craft market on the first Sunday of every month. The day of the Virgin is 7th October.
Fiestas
April 25th San Marcos
October 7th Virgen del Roserio