2024 Guide: Best Vineyards & Wineries in Spain

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Imagine sipping a glass of velvety red wine while gazing at lush vineyards, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, and immersed in centuries-old wine culture. Spain, the third-largest wine producer globally, offers precisely this experience at the numerous vineyards and wineries in Spain.

Spanish vineyards are not only significant contributors to the country’s economy and tourism, but they also create some of the most exquisite wines you’ll ever taste. This guide takes you on a journey through Spain’s finest wineries (including wineries near Barcelona and Madrid!), highlighting their unique offerings and wine varieties. 

Wineries in La Rioja

Overview of the La Rioja

Nestled between the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro River, La Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region. Known for its stunning landscapes, ancient winemaking history, and world-renowned red wines, it’s a must-visit for any wine aficionado.

Best Vineyards in La Rioja

Marques de Riscal: A pioneer in La Rioja, this winery features a vivid fusion of tradition and innovation. Don’t miss their stunning City of Wine complex, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. Click here to view their wine tours and book your spots. (I love that their basic wine tour with 3 tastings starts at under 30€!)

Bodegas Ysios: This architecturally striking winery, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. The vineyard offers breathtaking views complemented by world-class wines. View their wine tours here.

CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España): Founded in 1879, CVNE is a testament to La Rioja’s rich history. With its blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, CVNE offers a memorable experience. View their wine tours here.

Best La Rioja Wine Varieties to Sample

La Rioja is famous for its Tempranillo-based red wines, such as Rioja Reserva and Rioja Gran Reserva. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the region’s refreshing Viura-based white wines, too.

Other than the La Rioja wineries mentioned above, here are three other La Rioja wine varieties to try:

• Marqués de Murrieta “Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial”: This wine represents the epitome of traditional Rioja winemaking. It’s a blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo, aged for an extended period in oak barrels. Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial displays a perfect balance of fruit, oak, and earthy nuances.
• La Rioja Alta “Viña Ardanza Reserva”: Viña Ardanza is a classic Rioja wine produced by La Rioja Alta. It’s a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, displaying red fruit aromas, elegant structure, and a long, velvety finish.
• Remelluri Reserva: Remelluri is a historic estate that produces outstanding wines in La Rioja. Their Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, offering a harmonious combination of red fruit, spice, and mineral notes.

Ribera del Duero Wineries

Overview of Ribera del Duero

Situated along the Duoro River, Ribera del Duero is a prestigious wine region known for its full-bodied, robust red wines made predominantly from the Tinto Fino grape, a local variant of Tempranillo.

If you’re looking for vineyards near Madrid, the Ribera del Duero is a great option as you can visit them on a day trip. This full-day tour takes you to 4 awesome wineries in the region! With lunch and transportation included, you’re set for an amazing day out. 

Best Vineyards in Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Vega Sicilia: This legendary winery is synonymous with luxury and prestige and their wines are said to be the best in Spain. Unfortunately, they’re not open to the public but you should definitely try their iconic wine, Unico, if you get the chance. 

Dominio de Pingus: Home to the ultra-rare and highly sought-after Pingus wine, this boutique winery is a favorite with wine collectors and aficionados. No wine tours are available here.

Bodegas Emilio Moro: A family-owned winery with over a century of winemaking history, Emilio Moro is known for its passion, innovation, and exquisite wines that showcase the terroir of Ribera del Duero. View their wine tours here.

Best Ribera del Duero Wines to Sample

The red wines of Ribera del Duero have been stealing the hearts of wine lovers for years! Here are some suggestions on Ribera del Duero wines you should try:

• Vega Sicilia Único: You have to try the most iconic and prestigious wine from Ribera del Duero! A blend of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, Vega Sicilia Único is known for its complexity, elegance, and ability to age for decades.
• Pesquera Tinto: Produced by Bodegas Alejandro Fernández, Pesquera Tinto is a classic Ribera del Duero wine. It exhibits rich aromas of dark berries, well-integrated oak, and a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.
• Dominio de Pingus Flor de Pingus: This is an approachable and affordable option from the Pingus estate. Flor de Pingus still showcases the flavors of ripe fruit, velvety texture, and great aging potential.
• Emilio Moro Malleolus: Malleolus is the flagship bottling from Emilio Moro. It’s a powerful and concentrated wine with layers of black fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.

Priorat Wineries 

Overview of Priorat Wine Region

Are there any vineyards near Barcelona? Yes!

Located in Catalonia, the steep, terraced vineyards of Priorat produce some of Spain’s most distinctive and powerful red wines, primarily from the Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties.

You can DIY your winery visits but for a hassle-free day out (plus the ability to indulge in all the wines without worry), consider booking a day tour instead. This full-day private tour includes transportation, lunch, and visits to 2 wineries in the area. 

Must-Visit Vineyards in Priorat

Clos Mogador: Owned by René Barbier, Clos Mogador is a benchmark for quality. It offers intense, complex wines that beautifully express the region’s unique terroir. Click here for details of their winery tour.

Alvaro Palacios: A key figure in Priorat’s wine renaissance, Alvaro Palacios produces a range of exceptional wines. They include the iconic L’Ermita, which showcases the best of the region’s Garnacha. At the time of publishing, they are not offering any winery tours. 

Mas Doix: This family-owned winery is known for its old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena vineyards, crafting wines that balance power, elegance, and minerality. View their wine tours here.

Best Priorat Wines to Sample

While visiting Priorat, savor the intense red wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena. They are often blended with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.

Try these Priorat wines:

• Clos Mogador: Don’t miss sampling the flagship wine of the region! A blend of Garnacha, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, Clos Mogador wines are known for their concentration, elegance, and remarkable aging ability.
• Mas Doix: Their flagship wine, Salanques, is a blend of Garnacha, Carignan, and Syrah. Mas Doix wines are characterized by their rich fruit expression, firm structure, and balanced tannins
• Álvaro Palacios “Les Terrasses”: Les Terrasses is a more accessible and affordable wine from Álvaro Palacios. It is a blend of old-vine Garnacha and Carignan, showcasing the essence of Priorat with ripe fruit flavors, mineral undertones, and a silky texture.

Rias Baixas Wineries

Overview of Rias Baixas

If white wine is more to your taste, then don’t miss this wine region in Spain. Located in the cool coastal region of Galicia, Rias Baixas is famous for its crisp, aromatic white wines made from the Albariño grape, perfect for pairing with the region’s abundant seafood.

Top Wineries in Rias Baixas

Bodegas Fillaboa: Set on a stunning estate along the Miño River, Bodegas Fillaboa crafts elegant Albariño wines. They exhibit the region’s vibrant acidity and fresh fruity notes. You can find details on their wine tours here.

Pazo de Señorans: A historic winery with a beautiful 16th-century manor house, Pazo de Señorans is well-liked for its complex, age-worthy Albariño wines. Book a wine tour here.

Bodegas Terras Gauda: This winery is known for its innovative approach and diverse range of wines. From the famous Albariño to the lesser-known Loureiro and Caíño Blanco – you will find everything under the same roof. View their wine tours.

Rias Baixas Wine Varieties to Sample

Albariño is the star of Rias Baixas, but don’t miss the opportunity to try other local white grape varieties like Loureiro and Treixadura.

• Pazo de Señorans: Known for producing outstanding Albariño wines, their wines exhibit vibrant acidity, crisp citrus flavors, and a pronounced mineral character.
• Do Ferreiro Cepas Vellas: Do Ferreiro is highly regarded for its artisanal winemaking approach. Cepas Vellas is a standout wine made from old-vine Albariño grapes, displaying remarkable depth, complexity, and a lingering finish.
• Terras Gauda: Terras Gauda is recognized for its skillful blending of Albariño with other indigenous grape varieties like Loureiro and Caíño Blanco. Their wines offer a unique aromatic profile, complexity, and a harmonious balance of flavors.

Penedès Vineyards 

Overview of Penedès

Situated near Barcelona, Penedès is another awesome option if you’re looking for wineries near Barcelona. It’s a diverse wine region and different still wines are produced here. Besides, Cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine, was invented here. 

For a fun day out, check out this Penedes wine tour from Barcelona that includes visits to 2 traditional Catalan wineries, a tapas lunch, and tastings of up to 7 local products (including wines and cava)! 

Must-Visit Vineyards in Penedès

Cava Recaredo: With a focus on long-aged, biodynamic cavas, this family-run winery is dedicated to showcasing the potential of this versatile sparkling wine. View their wine tours.

Bodegas Torres: One of Spain’s most famous wineries, Torres produces an impressive range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, in addition to their exceptional Cavas. They offer various wine tours.

Parés Baltà: This organic winery is known for its innovative wines, including the unique blend of Xarel·lo and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as traditional cavas. Check out their wine tours here.

Penedès Wine Varieties to Sample

In Penedès, you can’t afford to miss the rejuvenation offered by Macabeo-infused cava. Besides, you should consider exploring the region’s diverse still wines, including,  Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Cava: Penedès is renowned for its production of sparkling wines known as Cava. Cava is made using the traditional method, similar to Champagne, with the primary grape varieties being Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Look for reputable Cava producers such as Codorníu, Freixenet, or Raventós i Blanc to experience the region’s excellent sparkling offerings.
• White Wines: Penedès produces a variety of white wines, often made from indigenous grape varieties such as Xarel·lo and Macabeo, as well as international varieties like Chardonnay. These white wines are typically crisp, refreshing, and showcase citrus and floral notes. Look for wines from producers like Albet i Noya, Jean Leon, or Torres for exceptional Penedès white wines.
• Red Wines: Penedès also produces red wines, with the primary grape variety being Tempranillo, locally known as Ull de Llebre. These red wines often exhibit ripe fruit flavors, medium to full body, and a good balance of acidity and tannins. Look for wines from wineries like Mas Martinet, Clos Mogador, or Jean Leon for notable Penedès red wines.

Wineries and Vineyards in Spain: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, a visit to these top vineyards in Spain will leave you with unforgettable memories. Plus, you’ll get a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking!

Visiting wineries in Spain is a fantastic opportunity to sample world-class wine while immersing yourself in the rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of the ever-beautiful Spain. 

The best way to enjoy visiting vineyards in Spain is to take a guided tour — this way, you don’t have to worry about having a designated driver (who’ll miss out on all the wine!) or being mindful of your alcohol consumption. 

That said, you can still rent a car in Spain and do your own circuit of wineries that you’re interested in! It gives the most flexibility and freedom but do be aware of the legal drinking limit and stay safe on the road. 

I hope this post on the best wineries in Spain has inspired you to plan your wine-tasting adventure today. Salud!

Wineries & Vineyards in Spain: Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the legal drinking age in Spain?

You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol in Spain. This legal drinking age applies to wine tastings as well. 

What is the best time to visit Spanish vineyards?

The ideal time to visit Spanish vineyards is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). In these months, you can expect pleasant weather and you will be able to explore bustling vineyards in full bloom.

Are guided tours available at the vineyards in Spain?

Yes, generally, most vineyards offer guided tours and tastings. However, you should still check in advance and book your visit, especially during peak seasons.

What are the accommodation options near wineries in Spain?

There are often various accommodation options near vineyards, ranging from boutique hotels and rural guesthouses to luxury resorts and charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Can I buy wine directly from the vineyards in Spain?

Yes, many vineyards allow you to buy wine directly from their on-site shops, often at better prices than retail stores. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up limited-release wines or older vintages not widely available elsewhere.

Are there any specific etiquettes to follow while visiting a vineyard in Spain?

When visiting a vineyard, be punctual for your tour, dress comfortably yet respectfully, ask questions, and show genuine interest. Also, it’s polite to taste the wines offered during a tasting session, but remember to spit or pour out excess wine to avoid overindulgence.

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