Spain is one of the world's leading wine producers, with a wide range of wine regions shaped by history and diverse landscapes. Unlike countries such as France or Italy, where vineyard tourism is often driven by international visitors, wine tourism in Spain tends to be more relaxed and locally oriented. This creates a closer, more genuine connection with wineries, many of which are family-run and rooted in centuries-old traditions. Spanish wines also stand out for their excellent quality and notably accessible prices.
What are the protected Designations of Origin in Spain?
Wine appellations in Spain, known as Denominaciones de Origen (DOs), are official certifications that define specific wine-producing areas and set clear standards for production and quality. Similar to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system used across the EU, these labels ensure that each wine reflects the characteristics of its region, including grape varieties, production methods and local identity - what the French refer to as terroir.
A well-known international comparison is Champagne. By law, only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France, following specific methods, can use that name. In Spain, DO wines follow the same principle: they must come from a defined area and comply with established regulations to guarantee authenticity.
With nearly 100 recognised DOs, Spain offers an extraordinary diversity of wine styles and profiles. In this article, we highlight some of our favourites and explain what makes each one distinctive.
Wine Regions in Spain
Map: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Government of Spain)
Rioja
Rioja is Spain's most well-known Denomination of Origin, located in the north of the country. The region is best known for its red wines made mainly from the Tempranillo grape and for the use of oak barrels, which add complexity and elegance.
What to expect from rioja wines
Young reds are fresh and fruity, while Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines show notes of vanilla, spice and oak as a result of ageing in barrel. Although Rioja also produces whites and rosés, red wines are the region's main highlight.
What to do
- Top wineries to visit: Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Ramón Bilbao, Bodegas Vivanco, Bodegas Ysios — and many more.
- Local cuisine: Try classic dishes like stuffed peppers and roast lamb, perfect pairings for the local wines.
- Best time to visit: September and October, during the harvest season.
Best places to stay
- Logroño: The capital of Rioja is a great base for exploring the region. Known for Calle Laurel, full of traditional tapas bars — ideal if you're looking to pair food and wine.
- Haro: Considered the heart of Rioja’s wine scene, Haro is home to many prestigious wineries and hosts the Wine Battle every June (next edition: 29/06/2025).
- Elciego: A peaceful and charming village, famous for the Marqués de Riscal winery and its luxury accommodation.
- Laguardia: One of the most beautiful medieval villages in the area, and a fantastic spot to enjoy wine in family-run wineries or local bars.
Toro
Located in the province of Zamora, in north-western Spain, Toro is a Denomination of Origin known for the strong character of its red wines, made mainly from the Tinta de Toro grape.
What to expect from Toro wines
The reds are intense and structured, with notes of ripe black fruit, spice and earthy nuances. The dry climate results in firm tannins and good ageing potential. The region also produces fresh, aromatic white wines made from the Malvasía grape.
What to do
- Unmissable wineries: Bodegas Numanthia, Bodegas Vega Sauco, Bodegas Pintia (Grupo Vega Sicilia), Bodegas Rejadorada and more.
- Local cuisine: Try traditional dishes like arroz a la zamorana (a rich rice dish with pork), roast lamb and local cheeses.
- Best time to visit: September and October, during the harvest season, when the vineyards are at their most scenic.
Where to stay
- Toro: The main town in the region offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of options for winery visits.
- Zamora: A nearby city known for its Romanesque architecture, with easy access to the Toro wine region.
- Valladolid: Slightly further away, but a great base if you’d like to combine Toro with other wine regions such as Rueda and Ribera del Duero.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is located in Castile and León, along the Duero River. The continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, combined with the predominant use of the Tempranillo grape, results in wines with an intense and well-defined profile.
What to expect from Ribera wines
The wines are full-bodied and structured. Young reds show fresh red fruit aromas, while Reserva and Gran Reserva wines develop notes of spice and oak, with more refined tannins.
What to do
- Must-visit wineries: Bodegas Vega Sicilia, Bodegas Protos, Bodegas Emilio Moro and Bodegas Pesquera.
- Local cuisine: Don’t miss the region’s signature dish, lechazo asado (roast suckling lamb, slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven).
- Best time to visit: September and October, during the harvest season.
Where to stay
- Peñafiel: A key wine town, home to the impressive Peñafiel Castle and the Wine Museum.
- Aranda de Duero: Ideal for those looking to explore underground wine cellars and enjoy local food.
- Burgos: A larger city with historical interest and great connections to nearby wineries.
Penedès
Located in Catalonia, the Penedès region is known as the birthplace of cava, Spain's sparkling wine. Vineyards stretch between the Mediterranean coast and the inland hills, allowing for a diverse wine production.
What to expect from Penedès wines (Cava)
Cava is the region's main highlight, produced using the traditional method. In addition, Penedès makes light, aromatic white wines and reds ranging from fruit-forward styles to more structured expressions. The region also stands out for its modern and sustainable approach to viticulture.
What to do
- Must-visit wineries: Codorníu, Freixenet, Torres, Gramona and Raventós i Blanc.
- Local cuisine: Try traditional Catalan dishes such as esqueixada (salt cod salad) and calçots (grilled spring onions), best enjoyed with a glass of cava.
- Best time to visit: Spring (April and May) brings vibrant vineyard landscapes, while September offers the harvest season and special events.
Where to stay
- Sant Sadurní d'Anoia: The cava capital, full of renowned wineries and guided tours.
- Vilafranca del Penedès: A historic centre with local markets and easy access to nearby vineyards.
- Sitges: Though outside the main wine area, it offers fantastic beaches and is just a short drive from the region’s wineries.
¿Quieres más información? Echa un vistazo a nuestro artículo dedicado a la región del Penedès.
Rías Baixas
Rías Baixas is a wine region strong on white wines. Internationally recognised for the Albariño grape, it features an Atlantic climate, granite-rich soils and its own winemaking practices.
What to expect from Rías Baixas wines
Albariño wines are fresh and aromatic, with balanced acidity. They show notes of citrus fruit, green apple and a pronounced mineral profile, making them a natural choice alongside seafood, a cornerstone of local cuisine.
What to do
- Must-visit wineries: Bodegas Martín Códax, Pazo de Señoráns, Adegas Valmiñor, Terras Gauda and Albariño Paco & Lola.
- Local cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood such as scallops, mussels and the famous pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), perfectly matched with local wines.
- Best time to visit: Between July and September, during summer. Don't miss local festivals like the Albariño Festival in Cambados.
Where to stay
- Cambados: Known as the capital of Albariño, offering winery tours, festivals, and rich Galician culture.
- Sanxenxo: A seaside destination ideal for combining beach time with wine and food experiences.
- Vigo: A larger city with excellent infrastructure and easy access to Rías Baixas and other parts of Galicia.
Ribeira Sacra
Located inland in Galicia, Ribeira Sacra is defined by vineyards planted on steep slopes along the Sil and Miño rivers. Viticulture here relies on manual work in demanding terrain, resulting in wines with a clear identity and strong character.
What to expect from Ribeira Sacra wines
Red wines made from the Mencía grape, producing elegant, fresh wines with red fruit notes. The region also produces quality white wines from Godello and Albariño grapes, with good acidity and added complexity.
What to do
- Must-visit wineries: Regina Viarum, Adega Algueira, Ponte da Boga and Vía Romana.
- Activities: Take a catamaran trip through the Sil River canyons to admire the vineyards clinging to the slopes and the medieval monasteries scattered throughout the region.
- Best time to visit: Between April and October, when the weather is ideal for exploring the area and enjoying outdoor activities.
Where to stay
- Monforte de Lemos: Considered the capital of Ribeira Sacra, it offers good infrastructure and is close to many of the region’s wineries.
- Ourense: A great option for those wanting to combine wine tasting with relaxing in the city's famous hot springs.
- Chantada: A peaceful and charming village, perfect for a more authentic stay in the heart of Ribeira Sacra.
...And much more
In addition, Spain is home to many other wine regions worth exploring, including:
Ribeiro: Located in Galicia, known for its fresh and aromatic white wines made from grapes like Treixadura and Godello.
Somontano: Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, renowned for combining traditional and modern techniques, producing balanced reds and elegant whites.
Jerez: In Andalusia, the birthplace of the famous fortified Sherry wine, with styles ranging from dry Fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Montsant: A compact region in Catalonia, adjacent to Priorat, famous for its full-bodied reds made from Garnacha and Cariñena.
La Mancha: One of the world’s largest wine regions, producing a wide range of affordable wines, with a focus on Tempranillo reds and Airén whites.
Priorat: Internationally recognized for its intense and complex wines, made from unique llicorella (schist) soils.
Despite being one of the world’s largest wine producers, Spain does not hold the same commercial position as some of the most famous regions in France or Italy. This is partly due to the country’s strong domestic market and the sale of part of its production in bulk. For visitors, however, this reality works in their favour.
Wine tourism in Spain is simpler, less staged and closer to the producers. Added to this is a value for money that is hard to match elsewhere, with high-quality wines available at accessible prices.
Between regions such as Ribeira Sacra and Penedès, Spain offers direct experiences linked to the land and to real wine production, without losing authenticity.
