Amongst countries in south Europe, Spain is part of the most important wine producing territories. Actually, Spain’s terroir is extremely diverse. While there are up to 69 wine regions officially recognized, each on of them has distinctive characteristics and offer different kinds of wines. From full-bodied reds of Rioja to fabulous Cava sparkling wines from Penedès, wine regions of Spain are all worth visiting for wine trips in south Europe.
Discover what are the main wine regions of Spain you should visit!
Map of Spain’s Wine Regions
Top 6 best wine regions of Spain
1. Rioja
Rioja wine region probably don’t need any introduction. Internationally popular wine region, wines from Rioja are part of top-ranked wines from critics and connoisseurs. This northern Spanish wine region is divided into 3 subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja.
As a region in itself, la Rioja offers beautiful landscape views: a mix a vineyards, mountains and rivers that snake the valleys. Most beautiful cities to visit would be Haro, Logroño, Laguardia and Elciego. While touring Rioja, make sure to visit several wineries to find gems and meet local passionate winegrowers. Explore wineries in Rioja right now.
2. Andalucia – Jerez
Clear south of Spain is where fortified Sherry wines are made, from Palomino grapes. The most notable subregion of Andalucia wine region is Jerez, an area of the Spanish country that reunites Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures and traditions. A rich heritage that you’ll see in architecture, food and local traditions. The region of Andalucia is simply splendid. Cities like Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz are must-sees. Plus, if you love your Sherry wines, this part of Spain will delight you! Visit the wineries in Jerez, Puerto de Santa Maria, and also Sanlucar de Berrameda for great Andalucia wine tastings and food pairings.
3. Castilla y León – Ribera del Duero
A younger wine region in terms of international fame, wines from the subregion of Ribera del Duero have gain serious international attention over the years. Today, Ribera del Duero wine region is considered as serious competitors in respect of best red wines from Spain. Located along the Duero River, red wines from this part of Castilla y Leon wine region are made from the Tempranillo grape. The best winery you don’t want to miss in the area is undoubtably the one of Vega Sicilia. During your tour near Ribera del Duero, make sure to explore Valladolid, the Old Quarter and the so-called tow of wine – Pedrosa del Duero.
4. Galicia – Rias-Baixas
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on both sides, the wine region of Galicia, Spain, traces its winemaking know-how back to the Middle Ages. If you are more of a white wine enthusiast, this is the perfect Spanish region for you to visit. The most well-known subregion of Galicia is Rias Baixa, that gained popularity thanks to Albariño grape variety that gives fruity and mineral wines – now considered as the flagship of Spanish white grape. This area of Galicia, Spain, is famous for excellent seafood, where the Atlantic offers quality shellfish and more. Once there, make sure you visit the cities of Santiago de Compostela, Cambados and Castro de Baroña for their beautiful beaches.
5. Catalonia – Penedès
The northern wine region of Spain, Catalonia, hosts the second greatest wine appellation of the country – Priorat. Its largest wine-producing subregion, Penedès, is also part of the few oldest wine regions of Europe. The area gathers ambitious and avant-garde wineries that adore their terroir and work passionately to create wine wonders. Penedès, close the Barcelona, is also where it all started for a fabulous Spanish sparkling wine: Cava wines. The Spanish version of Champagne and Prosecco, Cava is Spain’s flagship sparkling wine that make the country shine over the world. Catalonia is also a fascinating part of Spain, with an amazing local culture, language and set of traditions. Of course, if you are planning a wine tour in Catalonia, spending a couple of days in Barcelona is a must!
6. Valencia – Utiel-Requena
Next to Galicia, Valencia is like a grandmother: its winemaking history dates back to the Neolithic Ages. The sunny east coast of Spain offers a chalky, sandy and limestone-rich soil – an ideal terroir to grow Monastrell grape variety and produce fruity red wines. Its most famous subregion, Utiel-Requena, have been producing international-awarded wines. The main grape variety, Bobal, is the origin of bold red wines, but also more structured rosés and sparkling rosés wines. This beautiful Spanish wine region is home to splendid cities like Valencia, the art city “Ciudad de las Arte y las Ciencias” and the Albufera Natural Park. While touring there, make sure you taste their amazing local paella!
Wine Routes of Spain’s wine regions
- Txakoli Route
- Ribeiro Wine Route
- Ribera del Duero Wine Route
- Ribera del Guadiana Wine Route
- Rioja Alta Wine Route
- Rioja oriental Wine Route
- Rueda Wine Route
- Sierra de Francia Wine Route
- Alicante Wine Route
- Bullas Wine Route
- Carinena Wine Route
- Garnacha-Campo de Borja Wine Route
FAQ & Useful resources:
What are the major wine regions of Spain?
– Rioja
– Priorat
– Ribera del duero
– Rueda
– Toro
– Rias Baixa
– Valdeorras
– Cava
What is the best wine region in Spain?
Undoubtedly, the best wine region of Spain is Rioja.
How many wine regions does Spain have?
Altogether, Spain counts up to 69 different wine regions that are officially recognized.
What wine region is Barcelona?
Barcelona is near the wine region of Penedès, in Catalonia.
What is the most popular wine in Spain?
Most popular wines from Spain, in order of fame, are:
Rioja, Priorat and Ribera del Duoro in Red;
Cava for sparkling;
Albariño and Godello for whites.
