Visiting the best wine regions in Spain is one of the tastiest ways to explore the country’s history, culture, and gastronomy. Each wine region offers a unique blend of flavors, landscapes, and traditions, making Spain a paradise for wine lovers.
This article explores the 15 best wine regions in Spain, providing insights into their history, geography, notable subregions, main grape varieties, typical wine styles, popular wineries, and tips for visiting.
In other words, my goal is to share everything you need to know about visiting the best wine regions in Spain. Whether you’re visiting a big city like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia or a small town in Galicia or Andalusia, there are plenty of scenic vineyards just a short drive away that offer glorious wine tourism experiences.
You can go ahead and browse TourScanner’s catalog of wine tours and tastings in Spain or continue below to learn more about each wine region and discover which ones would best pair with your next trip to Spain.
1 – Catalonia (Catalunya)
Catalonia is Spain’s most northeastern wine region, with Barcelona as its capital and a deep-rooted wine history dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Its diverse geography, from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains, creates varied terroirs conducive to different wine styles.
Notable Subregions
Penedès and Priorat are the standout subregions in Catalunya. Penedès is known for its Cava production, while Priorat has gained international acclaim for its powerful red wines. Other notable areas include Empordà, Montsant, and Terra Alta.
Main Grape Varieties
Catalunya is home to a wide range of grape varieties. For Cava, traditional grapes like Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada dominate. Red wine production in Priorat focuses on Garnacha and Cariñena, while Penedès experiments with both local and international varieties.
Typical Wine Styles
Catalunya is famous for Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, made using the traditional method. The region also produces exceptional red wines with concentration and minerality, especially from Priorat, and a variety of whites ranging from light and fresh to full-bodied and complex.
Popular Wineries
- Caves Codorníu: A leading Cava producer in Penedès.
- Torres: A global ambassador for Spanish wine with a wide range of products.
- Caves Freixenet: One of the most famous Cava producers in the world.
- Celler de Can Roca: Associated with the famed restaurant, producing high-quality wines.
- Albet i Noya: Pioneers in organic wine production in Penedès.
- Clos Mogador: A flagship winery in Priorat, known for its intense and complex reds.
Visiting the Catalunya Wine Region
Catalunya’s wine regions are easily accessible from Barcelona. Penedès is about an hour’s drive away and Priorat is approximately two hours. Public transportation, including trains and buses, offers connections to Penedès, though reaching Priorat will require a car or organized tour.
Probably the most popular option in Catalonia is a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona, where you can enjoy visits to a Benedictine Monastery before your Cava tasting. Half-day tours to Montserrat start as low as €80. A Jeep tour through the vineyards of Penedès is another great way to experience a wine tasting tour from Barcelona. Starting at only €110, it’s hard to resist.
See also: 97 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain, 18 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Barcelona for a Sophisticated and Memorable Experience
2 – Madrid
Madrid is not only a hub for culture and politics but also a significant wine-producing region. The area surrounding Madrid boasts a wine tradition dating back centuries, with a geography that favors vineyard cultivation in its varied landscapes, from rolling hills to flat plains.
Notable Subregions
The most important subregion within Madrid’s wine scene is Vinos de Madrid DO, which is divided into three main zones: Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. Each area has its unique microclimate and soil composition, contributing to diverse wine profiles.
Main Grape Varieties
The region primarily focuses on Garnacha and Tempranillo for red wines and Malvar and Airén for whites. These varieties thrive in Madrid’s continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
Typical Wine Styles
Madrid is known for its robust red wines with a strong fruit presence and aromatic whites. The region also experiments with rosé and young, unoaked wines that reflect the modern Spanish wine movement.
Popular Wineries
- Bodega Bernabeleva: Known for its expressive Garnacha wines.
- Bodegas Ricardo Benito: Offers a range of elegant, aged reds.
- Bodegas Tagonius: A modern winery producing award-winning wines.
- Viñedos de San Martín: Focuses on sustainable, organic wine production.
- Bodega Marañones: Renowned for its complex, terroir-driven wines.
Visiting the Madrid Wine Region
Most wineries in the Madrid wine region are within an hour’s drive from the city center, making them easily accessible for day trips. Public transportation options (e.g., buses and trains) are also available, but you normally still need a car to get to the vineyard.
Surprisingly, the Madrid wine region is relatively small, which is why most wine tours that don’t take place in the capital or nearby area will venture further north to Ribera del Duero or south to Toledo, Segovia or smaller towns in La Mancha.
Whether you go north or south, both directions are excellent options for combining a scenic day trip with a wine tasting tour from Madrid. You can find wine tastings with lunch in Colmenar de Oreja for only €20, while group tours to Toledo start at €45, and trips to Ribera del Duero cost around €150.
See also: 81 Fun Things to Do in Madrid, Spain, Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid – Everything you Should Know
3 – La Rioja
History and Geography
La Rioja is arguably Spain’s most famous wine region, celebrated for its outstanding red wines. Its wine history spans over a thousand years, with a geography that includes the Ebro River valley and the surrounding mountains, creating ideal conditions for viticulture.
Notable Subregions
La Rioja is divided into three main areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja). Rioja Alta and Alavesa are known for their high-quality, age-worthy wines, while Rioja Oriental produces fuller, fruit-forward styles.
Main Grape Varieties
Tempranillo is the king of La Rioja, forming the backbone of its red wines. Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo are also important for blending. Viura (Macabeo) is the predominant variety for white wines, along with smaller Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca plantings.
Typical Wine Styles
La Rioja is renowned for its red wines, which range from light and fruity Crianzas to complex and long-lived Gran Reservas. The region also produces fresh, aromatic whites and some rosés, though reds dominate the production.
Popular Wineries
- Miguel Merino: A family-run winery offering intimate tours of its facilities.
- Bodegas López de Heredia Viña Tondonia: Famous for its traditional-style wines.
- Marqués de Riscal: A landmark winery with an iconic hotel designed by Frank Gehry.
- Bodegas Muga: Known for its fine, artisanal wines and beautiful barrel room.
- CVNE: A historic winery producing a range of respected Rioja wines.
- Bodegas Roda: Combines modern techniques with traditional aging to produce distinctive wines.
Visiting the Rioja Wine Region
La Rioja is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Bilbao or San Sebastián and a 3 to 4-hour drive from Madrid. The region is also accessible by train and bus services, though renting a car provides more flexibility to explore the small wineries and beautiful landscapes.
Day trips to the Rioja from Bilbao start at €70, which is truly a bargain for a full-day tour through one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions. Private and small group tours are also available for less than €300.
If you’re staying near the seaside in the Basque Country, there are many day trips to the Rioja from San Sebastián. You can find group deals for under €200 per person, but expect to pay around €300 and up for small group and private tours.
4 – Andalusia (Andalucía)
Andalusia, in southern Spain, is most famous for its fortified wines, particularly Sherry. The region’s hot and sunny climate, influenced by the Atlantic and Mediterranean, creates the perfect conditions for these unique wines.
Notable Subregions
The Sherry Triangle, formed by Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María, is the heartland of Sherry production. Montilla-Moriles, though lesser-known, produces similar styles with Pedro Ximénez and other varieties.
Main Grape Varieties
For Sherry, Palomino Fino is the primary grape, with Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel used for sweeter styles. Montilla-Moriles also focuses on Pedro Ximénez for both dry and sweet wines.
Typical Wine Styles
Andalusia is world-renowned for its diverse range of Sherry, from dry and crisp Fino to sweet and luscious Pedro Ximénez. The region also produces unfortified wines, but fortified styles are the hallmark.
Popular Wineries
- González Byass: One of the most iconic Sherry producers, home to Tio Pepe.
- Bodegas Lustau: Offers a wide range of high-quality Sherries.
- Bodegas Tradición: Specializes in aged Sherries of exceptional quality.
- Alvear: One of the oldest wineries in Spain, renowned for its Pedro Ximénez.
- Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana: Known for its fine Manzanilla Sherries.
Visiting the Andalusia Wine Region
The Sherry Triangle is easily accessible from Seville, with Jerez de la Frontera about an hour’s drive away. Public transport options include trains and buses, making day trips feasible for those without a car.
You’ll find a wide variety of wine tours from Seville, including wine tastings combined with art workshops for €39, flamenco shows for €45 and up, or horse shows for as low as €105.
Málaga is also within the Andalusia wine region, but it’s much further away from the Sherry Triangle, so most wine tours and tastings in Málaga will be in the city or at nearby wineries. You can take a tapas and wine tour for about €70, enjoy horseriding or an e-bike tour for €80, or attend a flamenco show starting at €95.
See also: 80 Fun Things to Do in Seville, Spain, 73 Fun Things to Do in Málaga, Spain
5 – Valencia
Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coast, is a region with a long viticultural history enriched by the Mediterranean climate. Its diverse landscape, from coastal plains to inland mountains, allows for a variety of wine styles.
Notable Subregions
Utiel-Requena and Valencia DO are the main wine-producing areas, each with its unique characteristics. Utiel-Requena is known for its Bobal grape, while Valencia DO produces a wide range of wine styles.
Main Grape Varieties
Bobal is the dominant red grape variety in Utiel-Requena, known for its robust and deeply colored wines. Valencia also grows Tempranillo and Merlot for its reds. Merseguera and Macabeo are some of the prominent varieties for whites.
Typical Wine Styles
The region is known for its full-bodied and fruity Bobal red wines, along with refreshing whites and rosés. Valencia also produces sweet wines, including the renowned Moscatel de Valencia.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Mustiguillo: A pioneer in elevating the Bobal variety to fine wine status.
- Bodega Chozas Carrascal: Known for its quality wines under the Vino de Pago designation.
- Bodegas Utielanas: Produces a wide range of wines, focusing on local varieties.
- Dominio de la Vega: Specializes in Cava and still wines from Utiel-Requena.
- Bodegas Hispano+Suizas: Combines Swiss precision with Spanish passion to create exceptional wines.
Visiting the Valencia Wine Region
Valencia‘s wine regions are within a 1 to 2-hour drive from the city center, making them accessible for day trips. Public transportation options include trains and buses to Utiel-Requena, though a car is best for more in-depth exploration.
The wine tourism offers in Valencia are some of the most unique wine experiences in Spain. There are painting workshops with unlimited wine for €45, electric quad tours through the vineyards for €55, cheese factory tours for €99 and day trips to Utiel-Requena from €60 to €200.
See also: 80 Fun Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
6 – Basque Country (País Vasco)
The Basque Country, known for its unique culture and language, also has a lesser-known but strong wine tradition centered around the Txakoli (Chacolí) wine. The cool, rainy climate and coastal influence are perfect for producing this light, slightly sparkling wine.
Notable Subregions
The three main Txakoli-producing areas are Getaria (Getariako Txakolina), Bizkaia (Bizkaiko Txakolina), and Álava (Arabako Txakolina). Each area produces Txakoli with distinct characteristics influenced by their specific terroirs.
Main Grape Varieties
Hondarribi Zuri is the main grape variety for Txakoli, producing crisp, high-acidity whites. There is also a red version made from Hondarribi Beltza, though it is less common.
Typical Wine Styles
Txakoli is a light, refreshing, and slightly effervescent white wine, typically enjoyed young. It is characterized by its sharp acidity and subtle sparkle, making it an excellent companion to the region’s seafood.
Don’t be surprised when your waiter lifts the bottle above his head for your pour. This is the typical way to serve this lightly sparkling wine and part of the fun of drinking it.
Popular Wineries
- Txomin Etxaniz: A leading producer in Getaria, known for its classic Txakoli.
- Bodega Doniene Gorrondona: Renowned for both its traditional and experimental Txakoli in Bizkaia.
- Ameztoi: Produces one of the most sought-after Txakolis, with vineyards overlooking the sea.
- Itsasmendi: Crafts Txakoli that express the unique terroir of Bizkaia.
Visiting the Basque Country Wine Region
The Txakoli regions are very accessible from major cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to an hour by car. Public transportation options are available but may require transfers.
Wine tours and tastings in Bilbao offer experiences both inside and outside the city. The wine tours, which range from €50 to €100 per person, normally include a selection of tapas (or pintxos) and cider tastings.
There are also plenty of wine tours and tastings in San Sebastián, both in the city and in the countryside, to visit vineyards in the Basque Country or La Rioja. Wine tastings in the Basque County start at €120, while wine tours to La Rioja will cost at least €200 per person.
See also: 49 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain, 52 Fun Things to Do in San Sebastian, Spain
7 – Mallorca (Majorca)
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a wine history that dates back to the Romans. Its Mediterranean climate and varied terrain, from coastal areas to mountainous interiors, create unique conditions for viticulture.
Notable Subregions
The island is home to two main DOs: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Both regions produce a range of wine styles, from red and white to rosé and sparkling, utilizing both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Main Grape Varieties
Indigenous varieties like Manto Negro and Callet for reds, and Moll (Prensal Blanc) for whites, are prominent. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah are also cultivated, contributing to the diversity of wine styles.
Typical Wine Styles
Mallorca is known for its aromatic and flavorful white wines, structured and fruity reds, and refreshing rosés. The use of indigenous grape varieties adds a unique character to the island’s wines.
Popular Wineries
- Bodega Ribas: The third-oldest winery in Spain with a variety of wine experiences.
- Bodegas José L. Ferrer: A leading producer in Binissalem, known for its quality wines.
- Terra De Falanis: Renowned for its innovative approach to winemaking and focus on local varieties.
- Bodegas Macià Batle: Offers a wide selection of wines, including award-winning reds.
- Son Prim: A boutique winery known for its high-quality, single-varietal wines.
Visiting the Mallorca Wine Region
Mallorca’s wine regions are easily accessible from Palma de Mallorca, with most wineries within a 30-minute to 1-hour drive. The island’s compact size makes it possible to visit multiple wineries in a day, though renting a car or booking a guided tour is advisable for flexibility.
Wine experiences in Mallorca are as low as €35 for a basic winery tour and tasting. You can also combine winery visits with horseback riding or biking for €70 to €80. If you prefer a more intimate experience, small-group tours and private tours start at €135 and €175, respectively.
See also: 73 Fun Things to do in Mallorca, Spain
8 – Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa, have a unique wine tradition influenced by their volcanic soils and subtropical climate. The islands’ wines were highly prized in the 16th and 17th centuries, and today, they are gaining recognition for their distinctive character.
Notable Subregions
Each island has its own DO, with Tenerife being home to several, including Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güímar, and Ycoden-Daute-Isora. Lanzarote‘s La Geria is notable for its unique vine cultivation methods in volcanic ash.
Main Grape Varieties
Listán Negro and Listán Blanco are the most widely planted red and white grape varieties, respectively. Other important varieties include Malvasia Volcánica, Marmajuelo, and Vijariego Negro, which contribute to the islands’ diverse wine styles.
Typical Wine Styles
The Canary Islands produce a wide range of wine styles, from crisp, mineral-driven whites to aromatic and textured reds. The volcanic terroir imparts a unique mineral character to the wines, making them stand out.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Monje: Famous for its traditional Canary Island wines and innovative blends.
- Suertes del Marqués: Known for its focus on terroir and indigenous varieties.
- Bodega El Grifo: One of the oldest wineries in the Canary Islands, producing a range of styles.
- Bodegas Tajinaste: Offers wines that beautifully express the volcanic terroir of Tenerife.
- La Geria: Lanzarote’s iconic winery, renowned for its Malvasia Volcánica wines.
Visiting the Canary Islands Wine Region
The Canary Islands’ wineries are spread across the archipelago, making travel between them more challenging than in mainland Spain. Each island’s wine region can be explored by car, with most wineries within a short drive from the main towns and tourist areas.
One of the most popular options is a Lanzarote volcano and wine tour from Fuerteventura for only €69. You’ll find the widest selection of wine tours and tastings in Tenerife, with offers for full-day wine tours or half-day biking tours for €80 and quad tours with wine tasting for €140.
See also: 60 Fun Things to Do in Fuerteventura, Spain, 63 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Tenerife, 63 Fun Things to Do in Gran Canaria
9 – Castilla y León
Castilla y León, located in the heart of Spain, is one of the country’s largest and most diverse wine regions. It encompasses a wide range of climates and soils, from the Duero River valley to high-altitude plateaus, fostering a variety of wine styles.
Notable Subregions
Ribera del Duero, Toro, and Rueda are among the most prominent subregions. Ribera del Duero is known for its powerful Tempranillo wines, Toro for its robust reds, and Rueda for crisp, aromatic whites.
Main Grape Varieties
Tempranillo (locally known as Tinto Fino or Tinta de Toro) dominates in Ribera del Duero and Toro. Rueda focuses on Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc for whites, with a growing interest in red varieties.
Typical Wine Styles
Castilla y León is renowned for its red wines, which are often characterized by their depth, complexity, and aging potential. Rueda is celebrated for its Verdejo wines, known for their freshness, body, and aromatic complexity.
Popular Wineries
- Vega Sicilia: The most prestigious winery in Ribera del Duero, known for its exceptional wines.
- Bodegas Mauro: Produces high-quality, terroir-driven wines in Tudela de Duero.
- Bodega Numanthia: A benchmark producer of powerful and age-worthy wines in Toro.
- Bodegas José Pariente: Known for its modern and expressive Verdejo wines in Rueda.
- Abadía Retuerta: Offers a range of premium wines, combining tradition and innovation.
Visiting the Castilla y León Wine Region
Castilla y León’s wine regions are accessible from cities like Valladolid and Salamanca, with most wineries within a 1 to 2-hour drive. Public transportation options vary, so renting a car or booking a guided tour may offer more flexibility for exploring.
There are two main types of offers for wine tours and tastings in Valladolid, with or without accommodation. You can expect to pay from €12 to €50 for only a visit and tasting and €185 if you wish to include a 2-night stay in the area.
Wine tours in Salamanca offer visits to Sierra de Salamanca and vineyards in the Rueda wine region starting at €230.
10 – Castilla-La Mancha
Castilla-La Mancha, the vast plateau in central Spain and the setting for Don Quixote’s arid playground, is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the world. Its hot, dry climate and wide-open spaces are ideal for vine cultivation, with a wine tradition that dates back to Roman times.
Notable Subregions
La Mancha and Valdepeñas are the most significant subregions, known for their volume production and increasingly for quality wines. Other areas like Jumilla and Almansa are also gaining recognition for their high-quality output.
Main Grape Varieties
Tempranillo (locally known as Cencibel) is widely planted, along with Airén, the most planted white grape variety in the region. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also gaining ground.
Typical Wine Styles
Castilla-La Mancha is traditionally known for its value-driven, easy-drinking wines. However, the region is undergoing a quality revolution, with producers focusing on concentrated reds, aromatic whites, and innovative blends.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Juan Carlos Sancha: Focuses on preserving rare, indigenous grape varieties.
- Bodegas y Viñedos Verum: Known for its high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
- Finca Antigua: Offers a modern take on traditional Spanish wines.
- Bodegas El Vínculo: Produces powerful and expressive wines in La Mancha.
- Marqués de Griñón: A pioneer in the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon and other international varieties.
Visiting the Castilla-La Mancha Wine Region
Castilla-La Mancha is vast, with wineries spread out across the region. The area is accessible from Madrid, with travel times varying from 1 to 3 hours by car. Public transportation is available to larger towns, but a car is recommended for visiting multiple wineries.
If you’re staying in Spain’s capital, you’ll find many wine tasting tours from Madrid that combine visits to wineries in La Mancha with day trips to Toledo or Segovia. Group tours start as low as €45.
11 – Galicia
Galicia, in northwest Spain, is known for its lush, green landscapes and cool, maritime climate, ideal for producing crisp, aromatic white wines. The region’s wine history is ancient, with Celtic and Roman influences.
Notable Subregions
Rías Baixas is the most famous subregion, known for its Albariño wines. Other important areas include Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei, each producing distinct wine styles thanks to their unique terroirs.
Main Grape Varieties
Albariño is the flagship grape of Galicia, particularly in Rías Baixas, producing fresh, aromatic whites. Godello and Treixadura are also important for whites, while Mencía is the primary red grape variety, especially in Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras.
Typical Wine Styles
Galicia is renowned for its white wines, which are typically light, fresh, and high in acidity, with Albariño being the most celebrated. The region also produces some notable reds from Mencía, known for their elegance and minerality.
Popular Wineries
- Pazo Señoran: Boasts some of the finest Albariño in the region.
- Bodegas Terras Gauda: A leading producer of Albariño in Rías Baixas.
- Adega Algueira: Known for its exceptional Mencía-based wines in Ribeira Sacra.
- Godeval: A pioneer in the revival of Godello in Valdeorras.
- Quinta da Muradella: Produces a range of expressive, terroir-driven wines.
- Rafael Palacios: Specializes in high-quality Godello wines.
Visiting the Galicia Wine Region
Galicia’s wine regions are accessible from cities like Santiago de Compostela and Vigo, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours by car. Public transportation can be limited, especially to more remote wineries.
Although there is a small selection of wine tastings in Santiago de Compostela, most offers combine wine tastings with a day trip to Rías Baixas from Santiago de Compostela. Group tours are quite affordable at €40 to €55, whereas private wine tours with a sommelier driver start at €550.
See also: 30 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela
12 – Navarra
Navarra, neighboring La Rioja, boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from the Pyrenees mountains to the Ebro River basin. This variety in terrain allows for a wide range of wine styles. The region’s wine history is rich, with ties to the Camino de Santiago influencing its development.
Notable Subregions
The most notable subregions include Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, and Tierra Estella. Each area has its unique climate and soil types, contributing to the distinct character of Navarra’s wines.
Main Grape Varieties
While Tempranillo remains a staple, Navarra is also known for its Garnacha, which produces excellent rosés and reds. For whites, Chardonnay and Viura are prominent, along with indigenous varieties like Garnacha Blanca.
Typical Wine Styles
Navarra is versatile in its wine production, known for robust and fruity reds, elegant and aromatic whites, and some of Spain’s best rosés. The region also experiments with modern styles, including international varieties.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Julián Chivite: One of the oldest and most respected wineries in Navarra.
- Bodegas Ochoa: Known for its quality wines and innovative practices.
- Bodega Inurrieta: Produces a wide range of award-winning wines.
- Bodegas Nekeas: Combines tradition and modernity to craft expressive wines.
- Castillo de Monjardín: Specializes in Chardonnay and innovative winemaking techniques.
Visiting the Wine Region
Navarra’s wine region is easily accessible from Pamplona, with most wineries located within a 30-minute to 1-hour drive. Public transportation options are limited, so driving or joining a wine tour is recommended.
However, most wine tasting tours from Pamplona travel to the more well-known La Rioja wine region. All-inclusive, full-day tours start at €200. Expect to visit 2-3 wineries and have lunch at a local restaurant near the vineyards.
13 – Aragón
Aragón, not to be confused with Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, is located in northeastern Spain. It is a wine region with a rugged terrain that includes the Pyrenees mountains and the Ebro River valley. Its wine history dates back to Roman times, with a recent resurgence in quality and recognition.
Notable Subregions
The key wine-producing areas in Aragón are Somontano, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, and Calatayud. Each subregion has its distinct climate and soil conditions, which contribute to the unique character of their wines.
Main Grape Varieties
Garnacha is the star in Aragón, particularly in Campo de Borja and Calatayud, which are known for old-vine Garnacha that produces concentrated and flavorful wines. Other important varieties include Tempranillo and Syrah for reds and Macabeo and Chardonnay for whites.
Typical Wine Styles
Aragón is celebrated for its powerful and fruit-forward Garnacha-based reds. Somontano offers a broader range of styles, including elegant whites and reds from both local and international varieties. Cariñena and Calatayud are also known for their value-driven, robust red wines.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Alto Moncayo: Famous for its high-quality Garnacha wines from Campo de Borja.
- Enate: A leading producer in Somontano, known for its art-infused labels and refined wines.
- Bodegas San Alejandro: Offers exceptional value with its Calatayud wines.
- Bodegas Borsao: Recognized for its benchmark Garnacha wines.
- Viñas del Vero: A key player in Somontano, producing a wide range of styles.
Visiting the Wine Region
The wine regions of Aragón are best accessed from Zaragoza, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours by car. Public transport to some areas is available but can be infrequent, making car travel or wine tours preferable.
There are two popular options for wine tours and tastings in Zaragoza. You can stay in the city and enjoy a tasting in the €50 to €100 range or take a full-day wine tour with a stop at Alquezar and Goya’s birthplace for around €200.
See also: 35 Fun Things to Do in Zaragoza, Spain
14 – Murcia
Murcia, located in the southeast of Spain, is a wine region characterized by its hot, arid climate, making it ideal for grape cultivation. The wine history in Murcia is ancient, with viticulture practices dating back to the Phoenicians.
Notable Subregions
Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas are the key wine-producing areas in Murcia. These regions are known for their Monastrell-based wines, which thrive in the dry, sunny conditions.
Main Grape Varieties
Monastrell is the flagship grape of Murcia, producing powerful and fruit-forward red wines. Syrah and Garnacha are also popular for red wines, while Macabeo and Airén are common for whites.
Typical Wine Styles
Murcia is renowned for its robust and richly flavored Monastrell wines, which often exhibit notes of dark fruits and spices. Although this style of red wine dominates, the region also produces some white wines, rosés, and sweet wines.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Juan Gil: Famous for its high-quality Monastrell wines from Jumilla.
- Bodegas Castaño: Known for its pioneering work with Monastrell in Yecla.
- Casa de la Ermita: Produces a diverse range of wines, including innovative blends.
- Bodegas Barahonda: Offers a wide array of wines, focusing on local varieties.
- Bodega Monastrell: Dedicated to organic and biodynamic practices, producing expressive wines.
Visiting the Murcia Wine Region
Murcia‘s wine regions are about a 1 to 2-hour drive from the city center. While public transportation options are limited, renting a car allows for flexible exploration of the wineries and beautiful landscapes.
Beer tends to overshadow wine in this region not only because of the heat but also because Estrella beer has their main factory in Murcia. There are plenty of gastronomic experiences in Murcia that feature tapas and drinks of your choice, which could be wine or beer, for around €45.
15 – Extremadura
Extremadura, bordering Portugal, is a region with a long but under-the-radar wine history. Its diverse landscape, from mountainous areas to river valleys, offers varied terroirs for viticulture.
Notable Subregions
Ribera del Guadiana is the main wine-producing area in Extremadura, with six subzones that range from cooler, wetter climates in the north to warmer, drier conditions in the south.
Main Grape Varieties
Tempranillo and other local and international varieties such as Garnacha, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are widely planted. For white wines, Alarije and Macabeo are significant.
Typical Wine Styles
Extremadura produces a mix of traditional and modern wine styles, from fruity and approachable reds to fresh and aromatic whites. The region is also experimenting with organic and biodynamic practices.
Popular Wineries
- Bodegas Habla: Known for its modern, high-quality wines and sleek design.
- Bodega Carlos Plaza: Focuses on expressive, varietal wines.
- Viña Puebla: Produces a wide range of wines, including experimental and aged styles.
- Palacio Quemado: A collaboration with the Alvear family, producing excellent wines in Alange.
- Bodegas Martínez Payva: Offers both traditional and innovative wines, with a focus on quality.
Visiting the Extremadura Wine Region
Extremadura’s wine regions are relatively spread out, with most wineries located a 2 to 3-hour drive from major cities like Seville or Madrid. Public transportation is limited, so exploring by car or joining a wine tour is the best option.
Ready to Explore the Best Wine Regions in Spain?
Visiting the best wine regions in Spain not only allows you to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Spanish wines but also to experience the culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes of Spain.
Whether exploring the historic bodegas of Andalusia, the picturesque vineyards of Galicia, or the avant-garde wineries of Catalonia, Spain’s wine regions promise unforgettable journeys for every palate.
Are you ready to treat yourself and your palate, Iberian style? If you are, then don’t hesitate to check out TourScanner’s catalog of wine tastings and tours in Spain to find inspiration for your next gastronomic adventure.
¡Salud!