Wine Regions in Spain
Discover Spain's diverse wine regions and their unique varietals, from the robust reds of Rioja to the sparkling Cavas of Catalonia and the crisp whites of Galicia.
Centuries of Winemaking Tradition
Spain offers a perfect marriage of history, climate, and terroir for world-class wines
- Wine Regions
- 69+
- Denominations of Origin
- 138
- Wine Production
- 3rd
- largest in the world
Essential Spanish Wine Regions
Spain boasts 138 Denominaciones de Origen and two prestigious DOCa zones (Rioja and Priorat), forming a mosaic of climates, soils, and centuries‑old know‑how. From bold tempranillo to briny albariño, every corner of the peninsula offers a signature sip—and a stunning landscape to match.
Red Royalty
- Rioja DOCa: Tempranillo‑driven blends aged in American oak; explore avant‑garde wineries in Laguardia and the century‑old cellars of Haro.
- Ribera del Duero DO: High‑altitude vineyards crafting powerful, dark‑fruit reds with excellent ageing potential.
- Priorat DOCa: Garnacha and Cariñena vines claw into slate soils, yielding dense, mineral‑rich wines coveted by collectors.
- Toro DO: Intense tinta de toro (tempranillo) wines topping 14 % ABV—perfect with roast lamb and game.
Whites & Sparkling Stars
- Rías Baixas DO: Atlantic‑kissed albariño delivering citrus, peach, and saline notes—ideal with seafood.
- Rueda DO: Vibrant verdejo and sauvignon blanc boasting lime zest, fennel, and subtle tropical fruit.
- Cava DO: Traditional‑method sparkling wine centred in Penedès; look for premium Cava de Paraje Calificado labels.
Fortified & Unique
- Jerez‑Xérès‑Sherry DO: From bone‑dry Fino to luscious Pedro Ximénez, sherry offers unrivalled diversity and food‑pairing versatility.
- Montilla‑Moriles DO: Similar flor ageing to sherry, but hotter climates produce naturally higher‑alcohol finos without fortification.
Wine‑Travel Tips
Harvest Time: Late August–October brings grape festivals and vendimia celebrations. Reserve Ahead: Boutique bodegas often require booking 2 weeks in advance. Go Car‑Free: Base yourself in Logroño or Haro and join small‑group tours to avoid drink‑driving.
Bierzo
Atlantic-influenced wine region in northwestern Castile y León known for its elegant red wines made from the native Mencía grape. The region slate soils and cooler climate produce wines with distinctive minerality and finesse.
Famous Varieties: Mencía (red), Godello (white), Palomino
Best Time to Visit: September-October (harvest season), May-June
Campo de Borja
Historic Aragonese wine region specializing in powerful, fruit-forward wines made from old-vine Garnacha. Located in the Ebro Valley, this region produces some of Spain most concentrated and age-worthy Garnacha wines.
Famous Varieties: Garnacha (old vines), Tempranillo, Macabeo
Best Time to Visit: September-October (harvest), April-June
Jerez
The home of Sherry wine, a fortified wine unique to this region of Andalusia.
Famous Varieties: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel
Best Time to Visit: March-June or September-November
Jumilla
A wine region in Murcia known for its robust red wines.
Famous Varieties: Monastrell
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-November
La Rioja
Spain's most famous wine region, known for its high-quality red wines aged in oak barrels.
Famous Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo
Best Time to Visit: September-October (harvest season)
Montilla-Moriles
Andalusian wine region producing exceptional fortified wines similar to Sherry but made primarily from Pedro Ximénez grapes. The region unique albariza soils and solera aging system create complex, sweet wines with remarkable depth.
Famous Varieties: Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel, Airén
Best Time to Visit: September-November, March-May
Penedès
A wine region in Catalonia famous for producing Cava, Spain's sparkling wine.
Famous Varieties: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada
Best Time to Visit: April-October
Penedès
One of Spain's most diverse wine regions, located in Catalonia near Barcelona. Best known for producing Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) but also produces excellent still wines. The region combines traditional methods with modern innovation and sustainable practices.
Famous Varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada (for Cava); Garnacha, Cariñena, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (for still wines)
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October
Priorat
A small but prestigious wine region in Catalonia known for its powerful red wines from old vines grown on slate soil.
Famous Varieties: Garnacha, Cariñena
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October
Rías Baixas
A wine region in Galicia known for its crisp, aromatic white wines.
Famous Varieties: Albariño
Best Time to Visit: June-September
Ribeira Sacra
Emerging wine region defined by extreme 'heroic viticulture' on terraced vineyards with slopes up to 85% gradient along Sil and Miño river canyons. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with largest concentration of Romanesque monasteries in Europe. Hand-harvested vineyards accessible only by boat in some areas. Produces elegant, mineral wines gaining international recognition.
Famous Varieties: Mencía (red) - elegant with red berry and spice notes; Godello (white) - lush with honey, floral aromas and structured minerality
Best Time to Visit: September-October (harvest season with spectacular autumn colors on terraces)
Ribera del Duero
A prestigious wine region along the Duero River, producing some of Spain's most sought-after red wines.
Famous Varieties: Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino)
Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October
Rueda
A wine region in Castile and León known for its fresh, aromatic white wines.
Famous Varieties: Verdejo
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October
Sierra de la Demanda
High-altitude vineyards producing aromatic red wines
Famous Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha
Best Time to Visit: Late September
Toro
A wine region in Castile and León producing powerful, full-bodied red wines.
Famous Varieties: Tempranillo (locally called Tinta de Toro)
Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October
Valdepeñas
A historic wine region in Castilla-La Mancha, producing both red and white wines.
Famous Varieties: Tempranillo (locally called Cencibel), Airen
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October
Experience Spanish Wine Culture
Plan your wine tour across Spain's finest vineyards and discover the flavors and traditions that make Spanish wines world-famous.