Wine region of Andalusia

Travel Guide to Andalusia Wine Region

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 Andalusia wine region. 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.

Experiences in Andalusia wine region 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!

The Land of Sherry

Where is Andalusia and Why is it So Special?

Andalusia wine region is the southernmost wine region of Spain and home to the world-famous fortified wine, Sherry. It has borders with Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha to the north, Murcia to the east and Portugal to the west. From the southeast and southwest, it is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean climate and mild average temperature make Andalusia wine region an ideal place for viticulture and winemaking. The region is famous worldwide for tantalizing Sherry wines of Jerez and Montilla–Moriles wines.

Andalusia wine region has been under the influence of many different invaders throughout history, which today brings colourful, cultural diversity to the region. No other region of Spain has this mix of multicultural heritage. A unique way to discover this culture is by visiting the UNESCO world heritage sites such as the historic city centre with the Great Mosque in Córdoba, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Alcázar Palace and the Indies Archive in Seville, and the monumental sites of Úbeda and Baeza. Platters of fried fish ‘Pescaíto Frito’ from Cadiz and Malaga, cured ham of Huelva and Cordoba, olive oil, and other typical dishes such as Gazpacho and Salmorejo are a must-try here.

Andalusia Wine Map

Glance at the Wine Region

Andalusia wine region has a long history of winemaking and produces several interesting and renowned wines that are known the world over. The topography, geology, and climate of Andalusia are all ideal for the cultivation of vines. All of the different microclimates, the mild average temperatures (16ºC), the lack of frosts and hailstorms, and the long hours of sunshine create wines of exceptional quality, with ideal Sherry-making characteristics. This focus on high-quality production has remained up until the present day. More than 70% of Andalusian vineyards are run under the auspices of one of the five DOs, Denominations of Origin, which were set up and monitored by their respective Regulatory Councils.

What to Taste in the Andalusia Wine Region

There are over 40 000 hectares of vineyards in Andalusia divided into five wine-growing areas. The story of the Andalusia wine region can be told through these DO wines and the authentic territories that produce them:

DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry - The Andalusia wine region produces one of the most famous wines in the world, Sherry, produced in the three cities that make up the "Sherry Triangle". An authentic Sherry can only come from Andalusia, no other place, from the vineyards surrounding the Triangle. Traditionally, it is consumed as an aperitif wine before meals.

Most of the time, Sherry wines are stereotypically considered as a sweet dessert or cooking wines. This is a stereotype though because Sherries are quite diverse. You will find a perfect Sherry for every palate, there is a large range of dry, blended, and sweet Sherries.

In the production of Sherry, they include Manzanilla, Amontillado, Moscatel, and Pedro Ximénez grape varieties.

DO Sierras de Málaga (Ronda Wines) - Ronda wines are produced in the Serrania de Ronda, which forms part of the DO Sierras of Malaga. These wines are young, red wines made from Romé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Tempranillo. Their white wine varieties include Chardonnay, Macabeo, Colombard, and Sauvignon Blanc. Ronda wines perfectly paired with local food. Reds go well with meat and ham from the mountains, when white ones pair well with seafood.

Check out the best wineries near Ronda!

Malaga region that has a long history of winemaking, starting from Roman times, also produces sweet fortified wines from Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grape variety under the DO Málaga.

In other parts of Andalusia, Huelva wines are made from the indigenous white grape variety, Zalema. Traditionally it is used to make an amber-coloured Oloroso-style fortified wine, Condado Viejo, an earthy, nutty, mouth-filling wine which goes well with the famous hams of the Huelva Sierras.

Keep these wines in mind while you are travelling in Andalusia wine region. In addition to this, you can also taste nice DO Montilla-Moriles red and white wines produced in the south of Córdoba. Wines are similar to Sherry but have their distinctive characteristics. Also in the province Cádiz they produce some of the best Manzanilla wines which have got DO status because of their distinctive characteristics. Manzailna from here is dry, pale in colour with the elegant aromas of chamomile.

A Typical Harvest In Andalusia Wine Region

The busiest time in the vineyards of Andalusia is at the end of August and the beginning of September when the harvest begins. Large numbers of workers are taken on to harvest the grapes just as they reach their optimum maturity, the collection goes on from very early in the morning until midday so that the fruit is as fresh as possible when it reaches the press. The grapes should be crushed within an hour to avoid microorganisms developing. The Bodegas then collect the new wines to begin the maturing process.

Where to Taste Andalusian Wines

Over the centuries, wine producers of Andalusia wine region have gradually adapted and beautified their bodegas to create an equilibrium between functionality and aesthetics. The high ceilings and thick walls of the bodegas with their sandy soil floors maintain the ideal temperature and humidity for the successful maturing of fine wines. In the Jerez wine-producing area, the bodegas are situated on the coast or on raised areas of ground so that the wines receive the morning sea breezes and the humid winds of the ocean. With the growth of wine tourism, numerous haciendas, estates and bodegas have opened their doors to the public.

Have a look at the list Wineries in Andalusia, or bodegas, which would be more authentic!

The bodegas offer guided visits and tastings, and some even organize equestrian or flamenco shows to complete this unique experience. 

Top-3 Places to Visit in Andalusia Wine Region

The many different influences of Andalusia wine region create a beautifully culturally diverse region. Even the name Andalusia is derived from the Arabic word "Al-Andalus", which first appeared on the coins in 716 released by the Muslim government in power at that time. This cultural diversity had an influence on every aspect of life. Discover the distinct lifestyle of Andalusian people through its cities and heritage. You can also visit our partner winery Bodega Ramos-Paul to taste the wines that are awarded 90+ points by famous American critic - Robert Parker.

Granada - The Festival Capital of Spain

Granada is so wonderful that more than 2.5 million tourists visit this city every year. The city is perfectly located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where the rivers Darro, Genil, Monachil and Beiro meet.

The most popular attraction in Granada, which should not be missed, is the Alhambra. The Alhambra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is a palace city consisting of a defensive zone, a palace, and incredible palace gardens. Attached to the Alhambra is the Generalife, a beautiful garden area which historically was a place of rest for Garanadan Muslim Kings.

Another popular attraction in Grenada is the famous cathedral which was built over the Nasrid Great Mosque in the centre of the city. The construction of the Mosque began during the Spanish Renaissance and it is made of numerous spectacular smaller buildings.

In addition to these attractions, other sites that should not be missed on a visit to Grenada include the Royal Chapel of Granada, the Albayzin architectural site, the Sacromonte neighbourhood, the Charterhouse of Granada, the Mosque of Granada, the Palace of the Marques de Salar, the Monasterio de San Jeronimo, the Castril Palace, and the Madrasah of Granada.

Marbella - The Heart And Soul of The Spanish Tourism

The town of Marbella is widely acknowledged as the most popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol of Spain because of its high-quality tourist facilities and services. The perfect climate, pristine beaches, and beautiful natural surroundings make Marbella a must-see for all visitors to Spain. The coastline of Marbella offers visitors 26 kilometres of perfect coastline with sun-drenched beaches that offer services and facilities to suit the needs of each and every tourist.

One of the most popular attractions in the town is Puerto Banus which is home to an exclusive leisure area and a beautiful marina. The marina annually welcomes some of the world's biggest and most luxurious yachts and also has a range of excellent restaurants and shops. More recently Marbella has become recognised as a prime golf destination in Spain with a dozen excellent courses that allow golfers to play against the backdrop of the Spanish sea and mountains.

The beautiful historical part of the town of Marbella is located in a perfect bay with whitewashed houses and orange trees sheltered by the surrounding mountains. This is the perfect location to relax and sample some of Marbella’s excellent Andalusian cuisines. Some of the dishes that should not be missed are the fried fish, Ajoblanco (cold soup with almonds, garlic and olive oil) and gazpacho.

Seville - Journey Across 6 Civilizations

The city of Seville is one of the most beautiful in Spain, a perfect holiday destination, which hosts around 2,5 million visitors per year. The city is located on the lower slopes of the Guadalquivir River along the Iberian Peninsula.

One of the most popular attractions in Seville is the St. Mary of the See Cathedral which was built in 1401 and is one of the largest medieval and Gothic cathedrals in the world. The interior of the cathedral boasts the longest nave in Spain and is decorated with plenty of opulent gold finishes.

The Royal Alcazar of Seville is located opposite the cathedral and is a royal palace that was originally built for King Peter of Castille. The palace is a perfect and unique example of Mudejar architecture but also features Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque elements in its design. Both, the St. Mary of the See Cathedral and the Alcazar, have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For those who enjoy spending time outside in the Spanish sunshine, Seville has a number of parks and gardens including the Parque de Maria Luisa, the Alcazar Gardens, the Gardens of Murillo, the Gardens of Catalina de Ribero and the Parque del Alamillo. There is also the American Garden which was completed for the 1992 World Expo and which represents plants donated from the different countries that attended the event. For music lovers, Seville has a vibrant and bustling music scene and the Triana District is considered to be the birthplace of flamenco, a dance and art form that is based on the music traditions of Spain.

_{Check out our list of wineries near Seville to discover amazing wine experiences.}

Cadiz - A melting pot of culture, knowledge and art

Cadiz is a port city in southwestern Spain and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in western Europe. This charming city is surrounded by the sea and is famous for its well-preserved historical monuments. Cadiz boasts a rich history, wild landscapes, and a brilliant food scene. Along with genuine, kind locals, these are the main attractions of the historic city of Cadiz.

Why should one visit Cadiz?

First of all, Cadiz holds a long and rich history which makes it a true paradise for history lovers. You will discover several castles, cathedrals, and ruins of old city walls. The city has more than 100 watchtowers, which traditionally was used for spotting ships. Explore different characteristic quarters of the old town such as El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María.

Cadiz is also surrounded by breathtaking sandy beaches, where locals, as well as visitors, enjoy their holidays. There are several beaches you should not miss, La Caleta, La Victoria, and La Playa de la Cortadua, which is the longest beach in the southern part of the city.

After you enjoy a historic tour of the sites and experience the fresh ocean breeze, you may feel hungry. Explore the plentiful and diverse food scene in Cadiz and discover local tapas as well as restaurants specialized in modern Spanish cuisine.

Wine & Dine

20 minutes drive from Cadiz, you can have an amazing gastro experience at the bar-restaurant of Bodega Gutierrez Colosia.

The history of the winery goes back to 1838 and they produce high-quality wines from Palomino, Moscatel and PX grape varieties.

They offer divesity of wine experiences. You can simply have tasting of their wines paired with local food and apetizers, enjoy the Flamenco show with group of friends and enjoy delicious food at their bar-restaurant!

Discover the finest Andalusia Wine Tour Guide and embark on unforgettable Guided Wine Tours in the heart of Andalusia.

Natural Heritage of Andalusia Wine Region

The diversity of landscapes and geographical terrain gives rise to an array of different environments from the heart of the Guadalquivir River Valley. Mid-mountain areas, volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert, and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada are all included in this terrain. In just forty kilometers you will experience alpine mountain landscapes to tropical zones on the Mediterranean Coast. Explore Andalusia wine region through its wild nature.

Meandro Melero - Dramatic Scenery, Not for the Faint Hearted!

Meandro Melero is a nature park and wildlife area with breathtaking views and landscapes. To reach the Meandro Melero you need to travel along a very narrow dirt road with plenty of rock, and drop-offs, this is not a journey for those afraid of heights. If you don’t mind the long drive, the views are more than worth the effort.

Garganta Mayor - Breathtaking Waterfalls Meet Meandering Rivers

The Garganta Mayor is a river with many waterfalls near a very picturesque medieval town in Spain. It is great for swimming in the natural pool of the river and visitors can hike along the riverbanks while listening to the cascading water. The river walk begins about a half-mile from the village to the top of the trail. In the spring, the stream is a scenic torrent which is home to various birds and beautiful flora.

Las Piletillas de Abajo - Take a Dip and Cool Down in Nature's Own Swimming Pool

Las Piletillas de Abajo is a natural gorge that is nestled in the mountains and that leaves behind small swimming pools. The lower Las Piletillas is the largest pool and the most suitable for swimming. Visitors must remember that the pool is closed in the Summer. The Piletillas are three swimming pools, Piletillas de Arriba, Charco Calderón, and Piletillas de Abajo. They are not far from the Monastery of Yuste or the German Military Cemetery.

Check out the best Andalusia Wine Tour Guides and Guided Wine Tours in Andalusia.

The Only Thing Better than Reading about Food is Eating It

Top 3 Andalusian Soups to Try

Andalusian gastronomy reflects the historic past of the region, its geography amd mediterranean culture

The turbulent history of Andalusia left a distinct mark on the culture and cuisine. The Moors brought exotic spices and new ingredients that are still prominent in Andalusian dishes. These ingredients include saffron, almonds, zucchini, dates, lemons, oranges, rice, cinnamon and sweet peppers. Moorish tradition also led to the institution of multi-course meals featuring several smaller dishes rather than one giant plate. The custom still prevails in Spanish homes, as most families tend to eat each course slowly while focusing more on conversation rather than the actual act of eating.

Potaje de Garbanzos - Soup that Warms the Belly and the Soul

Potaje de Garbanzos, or spinach and chickpea soup, is a warming vegetarian soup recipe garnished with hard-boiled eggs. This is a Castilian version of a thick soup that is eaten in many parts of Spain during Lent. Bits of salt cod are sometimes added. At other times of the year, pieces of ham or bacon may go in. It is surprisingly delicious and satisfying, with a rich texture and an intriguing flavour that comes from the mashed paste of fried bread, garlic, and spices that are stirred in at the end. Versions of the soup are served in tapas bars in different parts of the country.

Sopa Blanca de Ajos - Spanish White Garlic Soup

Every time the word soup comes up, we all think of a cold winter’s day, cuddled up with our favourite blanket. In Spain, soups are enjoyed all year-round, and they are famously known for their cold summer soup. Sopa Blanca de Ajos is a delicate soup which is refreshing and has a range of excellent health benefits. Ajo Blanco translates to White Garlic Soup, but don´t let the name fool you, the main ingredient in this soup is actually blanched almonds.

Gazpacho Extremeno - Spanish Classic that Cannot be Missed

Gazpacho Extremeno is the classic Spanish chilled vegetable soup made with bread, tomatoes, garlic, spring onion, cucumber, and sherry. Often in Spanish tradition, the soup is served with a topping of Iberico ham, onion, red pepper, and egg. The soup originated in the southern region of Andalusia and is now widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during hot summers, as it is refreshing and cool.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andalusia Wine Region