Spanish Wine Regions - Country Spain

Spain Wine Country

Spain, the third-largest wine producer globally, boasts a myriad of distinct wine regions, each showcasing unique viticultural treasures. Prominent among them is the iconic Rioja, famed for its exceptional Tempranillo-based wines. Navarre, often associated with diverse wine styles, also holds a significant place in Spain's wine map. Aragon, though less known, has recently gained recognition for its quality wines, particularly those from Somontano DO and the delightful Garnacha wines from Campo de Borja, Calatayud, and Cariñena DOs. From the effervescent Cava in Penedès to the robust Priorat and the crisp Albariño wines of Rías Baixas, Spain's wine regions offer a remarkable wine adventure.

Spain wine country with 968 000 ha vineyards is the largest wine-growing country in the world. The country is also a home to long-lasting traditions of flamenco, paella and bullfighting. Here, between siesta and fiesta, delicious tapas are eaten, and a glass of wine is often enjoyed.

Check out the list of the best wineries in Spain

The Diversity of Climate

Concerning the climate, most people think that Spain wine country is very hot, which brings with it the problem of drought. How can you produce there modern, not too alcoholic wines?

 Discover some of the best wine tasting tours in Spain

History of Spanish wine

Spanish wine regions have a rich, multi-layered history, stretching back over thousands of years. From the ancient vineyards established by the Phoenicians and Greeks to the expansion of viticulture by the Romans, the tradition of winemaking has deeply entwined with Spain's cultural fabric. The Middle Ages saw the emergence of several of today's prominent Spanish wine regions like Rioja and Priorat. In the 19th century, with the advent of the phylloxera epidemic in France, Spanish wine regions experienced a boom as they became an important supplier to the international wine market.

An unprecedented modernization of viticulture has taken place in Spain wine country since the 1980s. New cellars were built, old ones were upgraded technically in almost all Spanish wine regions. Young, passionate winemakers settled in forgotten corners of the country and polished the reputation of many small growing areas. Today Spanish wine regions show that they are ready for innovation and can also compete with the world's great sparklers.

Wine Map of Spain

Discover Spanish Wine Regions

All of Them Have Something Different to Offer

Northern Spain

The northern part of Spain wine country is something different from the rest of the regions. Here high mountains, wild coasts, green landscapes and extraordinary cities attract. Besides, you can visit wineries that produce wines, which are among the top products Spain wine country. So, Rioja, Rioja, and Bierzo are considered from many gourmets to be the best in all of Spain. There are many types of grapes in Northern Spain that ensure such good quality. The most popular are these: Albariño, Tempranillo, Godello and Mencia. Albarino is a small, sweet white grape variety in the Rías Baixas area on the northwest Spanish Atlantic coast in Galicia.

Galicia - Northern Paradise of Spain Wine Country

Galicia is considered an insider tip: it is the northernmost cultivation region of Spain wine country. Galicia boasts landscapes filled with green valleys and amazing beaches. The autochthonous grape variety there is Mencia which produces spicy aromas. For the whites, it is the Alvarinho. Ribeira Sacra is also the trend right now. The wines go perfectly with sea fears, which are often offered there in small charming restaurants near the sea. Furthermore, belonging to Galicia, Rias Baixas is particularly good for white wines, which are mainly obtained from Albarino, because of its humid Atlantic climate.

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Discover small towns and villages along the coast, as well as inland, are well worth a visit to explore their amazing traditions and delicious cuisine. The famous wines, Rías Baixas DO and Ribeiro DO produce in this region pair well with traditional gastronomy which includes shellfish, veal, octopus with potatoes, gammon and many more.

Learn more about wine tastings and tours in Galicia.

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Rioja - One of the Most Renowned Spanish Wine Regions

Rioja is probably the most internationally known region from Spain wine country. The region stretches along the banks of the Ebro River. Depending on the ageing and style, the wines have a ripe, berry fruit with notes of tar and chocolate or a strong tannin structure with soft, sweet tannin. The associated grape is the Tempranillo, which must contain at least 60 percent. Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano are also allowed.

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As many of Europe’s famous wine regions, Ancient Romans were first also here to start viticulture. Once travelling in Rioja, you will discover the traces of the history of the region. The region boasts beautiful countryside dating back to medieval times, a breathtaking hilly landscape dotted with fortresses. In addition to this, here, you will be able to discover fabulous wine museums, wineries with modern architecture, great restaurants and hotels.

We prepared the list of wine tastings & tours in Rioja to help you in planning your trip.

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Priorat - The Star in the Catalonian Wine Sky

A highly renowned wine-growing area that comprises 9 villages, belongs to Catalonia region. Most of the vineyards are planted with Carinena and Garnacha. A dense, multi-layered, concentrated wine with fresh fruit and fine tannins is produced here. The growing area is so well known for four reasons: First, the vines grow here at heights of up to 1000 meters. The so-called Clos wines stand as limited vineyards for outstanding qualities that make international headlines. The winegrowers are an adventurer who works with great passion and who brought the success of this region to life.

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Catalonia is one of the most popular destinations in Spain with amazing beaches its world-class gastronomy. Whether you decide to spend the day on the beaches of Catalunya or in the city, absolute splendour awaits. The unique architecture from the famous architect, Gaudi, Tarragona’s monastery of Poblet, the archaeological site at Tarraco, the churches of the Boí Valley in Lleida, are all not to be missed.

For the experiences, check out our list of wine tastings & tours in Catalunya.

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Cava – An Authentic Spanish Bubbles

The Majority of the region’s wines are the Cava blends. Catalan’s main sparkling wine producers agreed and adopted the name Cava after the Catalan word for a cellar, where the wines were traditionally stored. According to Spanish regulations, Cava can be produced in six Spanish wine regions but 95% of Spanish Cava production takes place in the Penedès region. The Cava DO as its designation of origin provides that the sparkling prickler is made from three grape varieties: Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. A cava must be on the yeast for at least 9 months, the vintage cava for at least two years, and a Gran Reserva for 30 months.

Castile and Leon  – The Land of Cathedrals and Castles

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Castile and Leon region offers a diverse natural landscape, majestic historical monuments, and a wide range of delicious regional cuisine.

Pair local delicacies like Botillo, roasted suckling pig and black sausages with some of the best wines from the region like those from Ribera de Duero appellation.

Check out Wine Tastings and Tours in Castile and Leon.

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Ribera del Duero

The most important growing region in the Castilla and Leon region lies on the banks of the Duero River. The floors are made of limestone with a sandy layer. The leading grape variety there is also Tempranillo but is called Tinto fino or Tinto del País. The berries in this region have thicker skin and are in general smaller than those in the neighbouring region of Rioja. Therefore, the winegrowers in Ribera del Duero extract a fairly concentrated must, which leads to full-bodied and tannic wines.

Rueda

Rueda, also located in the highlands, is the home of the Verdejo, which produces good and modern fruit-emphasized white wines. Besides, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura (Macabeo), and Palomino also play a role in white winemaking.

South of Spain

Sun-drenched coastlines, white villages sorrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

The southern part of Spain wine country promises exhilarating joie de vivre, sun-drenched coastlines and the historical and cultural heritage of the Moors. Here you drive through white villages, wide pasture areas for fighting bulls and olive groves with millions of gnarled trees.

Castilla - La Mancha

La Mancha is the largest contiguous wine-growing region in the world (170,000 ha). The main grape variety here is the Airén. But now well-known producers have settled here, who set new quality standards with cooler, pure varietal wines from Cencibel (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah as well as white international varieties.

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Castilla-La-Mancha is famous for its arts and crafts, charming towns and cities filled with unique monuments, and for being the setting for the adventures of the famous literary hero Don Quixote of La Mancha. Visit the region and enjoy rural products, such as honey from La Alcarria and marzipan from Toledo, as well as the wide range of wines including Valdepeñas.

Check out Wine Tastings & Tours in Castilla-La-Mancha

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Andalusia

Stands for fortified wines like no other area. The outstanding peculiarity lies in the region's soils: the so-called Albariza floors, which consist of white lime and store the liquid and the evaporation is so minimal. The white floors are cool and do not tear open. In the protected designations of origin of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santamaria, Sanlucar de Barrameda, the oxidative sherry is produced.

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When one thinks about Spain, the image of elegant Flamenco dancers passionately dancing to guitar music, the scent of delicious food wafting down the street corridors, and a country filled with timeless joy may come to mind. Let me tell you that this image is embodied in the region of Andalusia. Stunning landscapes are dotted with stark white villages surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The land is blessed with a multicultural, colourful diversity like no other region in Spain, as it is serene and passionate.

Enotourism experiences in Andalusia are a perfect combination of the oenological, cultural, historical, and traditional aspects. We prepared the list of wine tastings & tours in Andalusia to help you in finding a memorable one!

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