Spain is small, but mighty when it comes to wine production. Vineyards cloak the land from every corner, with grapes growing in some of the most unlikely places, be it large scale or small family plots with 100-year-old vines. Here, wine is just part of life. With such a varied climate and landscape throughout the country, the wines in Spain are also incredibly diverse. No matter what kind of wine you like, be it big and bold tannins, yeasty bubbles, or even dessert wines and funky naturals, Spain has it. And it does it well. Here we dive into some of the best wine regions in Spain and discover what makes them so special.
Rioja
This wine region spread along the areas of La Rioja, Navarre, and the Basque Country needs no introduction. Chances are if you’ve tried a Spanish wine, you’ve tasted a few riojas. The region is by far the most famous, producing mostly tempranillo wines—both red and white varieties—as well as 12 other grape varieties like garnacha (white and red), graciano, mazuelo, and viura. Here you’ll find loads of incredible wine-centric experiences and well-outfitted large wineries (there are over 500!) that may even be familiar to you. The region itself, with its medieval villages and mountains, is worth the trip alone.
Penedès
The Penedès region is just about an hour from Barcelona and is one of the most internationally recognized wine regions in Spain. Craving bubbles? This is where cava is made. It’s also one of the oldest wine-making regions, where growers and winemakers are beautifully harnessing the mineral qualities of their terroir. But don’t spend your whole trip popping bottles of cava. The areas in and around Penedès, or the larger Priorat region as a whole, also produce fantastic still wines from garnacha, cariñena, and tempranillo grapes. If natural wines are your thing, Catalonia also leads the way in the natural wine movement in Spain. Check out their plethora of small funky vineyards and restaurants highlighting natural bottles of orange wine or ancestral (natural sparkling) .
Sherry Triangle
The Sherry Triangle, located in the southern autonomous community of Andalucía, refers to three prominent winemaking areas: Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. These three areas primarily produce sherry wine. But don’t just think of that sugary sweet glass your grandma used to drink before bed. Sherry wines range from the driest white wines in the world to some of the most exquisite dessert wines, with everything in-between. The unique “albariza” soil (rich in calcium carbonate, clay, and marine fossils), coastal breezes, and a unique aging method attribute to aromatic wines unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. We always encourage our clients to try a few of them while in Spain, as well as brandies, which winemakers age in sherry barrels. And if sherries aren’t your thing, young winemakers in the area are harnessing local sherry grape varieties to produce some really exciting table wines.
If you’re traveling in the summer and want to visit the Sherry Triangle, we recommend staying on the beach (the region of Cádiz is a top coastal destination). There’s something magical about sipping a wine made just down the road with your toes in the sand. Otherwise, soak up sherry wine culture with few nights in Jerez de la Frontera.
Rias Baixas
Rias Baixas has been making a name for itself stateside. You may be familiar with its refreshing and crisp albariño whites. Rias Baixas is located in Galicia, Spain’s most northwest autonomous community, and has a climate mirroring the Pacific Northwest: rain, clouds, rugged coastlines, and lush landscapes. Here, the soils are rich in minerals. The dry white wines, with their citrus and honeysuckle notes, were practically made for the abundant seafood-forward gastronomy. There are 180 wineries in the protected region, and over 6,500 growers. Head to the wineries in the summer—the ideal time to visit Galicia—and see the lush vineyards sprawling from the rivers to the seas.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is one of the most well-known wine regions in Spain, especially for Spaniards. Swing by a typical tapas restaurant for a glass of red and your server is most likely to ask if you prefer a Rioja or a Ribera del Duero. Located in the Castilla y León region, Ribera del Duero refers to the river Duero that runs through it. The region is known for producing bold and leathery reds. The climate is harsh here (the region sits on a plateau), with blazing hot summers and chilly winters. But the dry air keeps mold and pests out of the vineyards and the river Duero feeds a fertile soil beneath.
Like Rioja, Ribera del Duero is home to a number of big wineries. And tempranillo is the prominent grape. But winemakers here often utilize their own rendition of tempranillo (there are few different names used for it) to express the local terroir in a unique way. Also look for garnacha wines, particularly along the Gredos mountain range.
El Bierzo
El Bierzo has more recently become one of the most internationally recognized wine regions in Spain. Nestled into a valley, the humble area in Castilla y León has a gentle microclimate with beautiful natural landscapes. Check out the famous Las Médulas gold mines in the photo above. The most prominent figure in El Bierzo’s revolution is Raúl Pérez, who is considered one of the best winemakers in the world. The heart of his work is in his home village of Valtuille. Inspired winemakers here and in surrounding towns have crated a strong and innovative wine country worth visiting.
Lanzarote
This island in the Canary archipelago is more off the beaten path, but it’s home to some of the most unique vineyards in Spain. Volcanic soil and moon-like terrain have growers cultivating grapes in hoyos, or stone-lined craters dug into the ashen soil. Malvasia, a white varietal, is the primary grape in Lanzarote. But look for listán (white and red) and moscatel, among others. The desert climate, ocean winds, and volcanic soil make for some truly incomparable wine with excellent acidity and minerality.
No matter where you’re traveling in Spain, there’s never a winery too far off. Ask your travel designer about adding these top wine regions in Spain and more to your itinerary.