6 Best Wine Regions in Spain

Possibly the most popular wine region in Spain, the wineries in north-central La Rioja embody a specific boldness.

The breathtaking landscape, home to the Ebro River, sets the scene for the growing of tempranillo, for which the area is famous, created to impress every kind of oenophile.

The La Rioja region focuses on a variety of winemaking methods and ages, each layer complementing traditional Spanish dishes.

Popular Wines from La Rioja: Tempranillo • Garnacha • Tinta • Graciano • Mazuela

Discover the hidden secrets of the Valencia wine region on Spain's east coast, thought to be one of the oldest wine-making areas in the country.

The earthy flavors of Valencian wines are delectable, so be sure to sample white varietals such as merseguera, macabeo, and chardonnay.

Enjoy Valencian wine with regional culinary favorites such as paella and turron, and take some time to explore the gorgeous surroundings and nearby coastline. Tasting your way along the Spanish coast is one of the Top 7 Food and Wine Things to Do in Spain, and a stay in Valencia shares plenty of this immersive culinary experience.

Popular Wines from Valencia: Tempranillo • Macabeo • Garnacha • Chardonnay • Merlot • Bobal

Spend a few days in the beautiful southwest of Spain, an area synonymous with sherry production, most notably in Jerez, near Cadiz.

With a Mediterranean climate, the weather is perfect for producing reds such as petit verdot, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, as well as for walks through vineyards and lazy days beneath the sunshine.

Andalucia is one of the most populous regions in Spain, an area in which you can enjoy a bold red or dessert wine such as the delicious Montilla-Moriles.

Popular Wines from Andalucia: Moscatel • Palomino • Airen • Pedro Ximenez • Petit Verdot

Sparkling wine is a fan favorite in the Catalonia region in the northeast of Spain, an area steeped in history and beauty, that you can embrace during the Best Time to Visit Spain for a Wine Tour.

An easy one-hour drive from the city of Barcelona in the Costa Brava area, the wine-producing region is well-known for its refreshing roses, with a strong focus on organic wines too.

Take a bike ride through this coastal winner, noting when you taste how generous rainfall creates a lush environment that delivers a fruitiness to the wines.

Popular Wines from Catalonia: Granada • Carignan • Xarel-lo • Garnacha Blanca

Up in Spain's northwest, you will find a humble region comprising five wine-producing areas. Local pride can be experienced in tasting rooms and surrounding villages, all in the relaxed atmosphere the area promotes.

Known to be home to mostly white wines, grapes grown in the Rias-Baixas coastal setting and those found in Bierzo produce outstanding reds.

Watch local fishermen go about their day while savoring the fruits of nearby labor and taking in the coastal quiet in northern Spain. You can also explore the small and charming Galician village of Cambarro, one of the 7 Best Places for Food and Wine in Spain.

Popular Wines from Galicia: Albariño • Godello • Mencia • Caino Tinto

Wide-open spaces comprising rocky terrain, the Ribera del Duero wine-producing region in Spain’s northern plateau has been producing wine for over 2000 years.

Discover delicious tempranillos in an area known for delectable reds while visiting a few of over 300 wineries that call this landscape home.

Explore the small towns of Pesquera and La Horra, where locals will entice you with stories of old, accompanied by varietals of today.

Popular Wines from Ribera del Duero: Cabernet Sauvignon • Merlot • Garnacha • Malbec

From cellar tours to food-and-wine pairings, breathtaking landscapes to secret vineyard gems located near coastal favorites, discovering and enjoying the varied regions and varietals of Spanish wine production unveil history and a contemporary wine culture.

Take a look at our Food & Wine Tours in Spain or explore our Spain Travel Guide to discover exciting new ideas on how you can explore and experience Spain’s flavors and wine culture at your pace.