7 of the Top Spanish Wine Regions (and What To Try There)

There are more than 500 wineries in Spain’s Rioja wine region, which is home to the oldest wine appellation in the country. Wineries here grow several different grape varieties (you may recognize the most famous, tempranillo), and there are more than 160,000 acres (65,000 hectares) of vineyards. The area is also fun to travel in, featuring charming villages, medieval castles, and hearty Riojano gastronomic delights such as patatas a la Riojana, a dish with potatoes, peppers, and chorizo.

The region—which stretch across the La Rioja province, as well as parts of Navarra and the Basque Country—is separated into three different areas: Rioja Alta (which has a mild and moderate climate), Rioja Oriental (the driest area), and Rioja Alavesa (the coolest area, thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic). When tasting through the area, make sure to stop in Logroño, the region’s capital (an ideal hub for wine tours), and Haro, which boasts a wine museum and is the site of a yearly “wine fight,” when everyone drenches each other in red wine.

Insider tip: When ordering wine in Spain, use the phrase copa de vino. It translates to “glass of wine” in English, even though it sounds like you’re ordering a “cup” of wine.

Located just a few hours north of Madrid, Ribera Del Duero is an ideal wine region to visit on a day trip or overnight excursion. The region (almost) exclusively cultivates red wines, so it’s also a good spot for anyone who loves a full-bodied glass. While the area is known primarily for tempranillo (the varietal also grown in Rioja), wines made here tend to be more intense than in other places, thanks to the area’s higher-altitude vineyards and more dramatic temperature fluctuations. You may also notice a slightly higher alcohol content in wines from Ribera, as well as a more textured flavor.

This DOP sits in the northern part of Galicia, one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal regions. The area also includes the confluence of the rivers Miño, Sil, and Cabe and is full of gorgeous landscapes. Many of its vineyards, in fact, are set on cliffs or along hills overlooking the rivers. Wine has been cultivated in the region for more than 2,000 years and the area is separated into five different sub-regions. Don’t leave without sampling some of the white wines made from the popular godello grape.

Fans of sherry should head straight to Andalucia, home of the quintessential southern Spanish town of Jerez de la Frontera. The charming city is known for two things: It’s the birthplace of the Andalusian breed horses and home to some of the world’s best sherry. Here, you can take guided tours and participate in tastings at famous sherry makers such as González Byass and Tío Pepe—names you’re likely to see on sherry labels all around the world. Jerez is also an easy day trip from hubs like Seville and the beaches of Cádiz, making it a fun stop as part of a larger southern itinerary.

Related: 15 Traditional Spanish Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip

Spain's seven volcanic islands, when taken together, boast a total of 11 different wine appellations. Moreover, wine cultivation here is rather different than it is in mainland Spain: The local vines are planted in volcanic soil and are protected from the elements (including strong sea winds) by low walls made with volcanic stones. The islands’ volcanic soil gives many Canarian wines more mineral or acidic profiles, too. Another unique element of Canary Island wines is that the phylloxera (a tiny insect) that killed many grape vines all across Europe in the late 19th century never made it to the remote Canary Islands, so varieties like the popular listán negro (a red grape that produces a light wine) never had to be grafted onto separate rootstocks.

While you can go wine tasting on any of the islands, one of the best places to explore is Tenerife. The popular island (the largest and most populated of the bunch) is home to several wine touring companies and also offers lots of other activities, including whale watching, snorkeling, and hiking.

Insider tip: For a unique wine-tasting experience, head to the island of Lanzarote, where the wineries are located in and around actual volcanoes.

Located just an hour away from Barcelona, the Penedes wine region boasts a variety of idyllic spots, ranging from beaches to mountains to quaint fishing villages. It is also one of the best places to enjoy Cava, Spanish sparkling wine. The Penedes region is separated into three different subregions—low, medium, and high—and the area is known for dry reds and whites. While tasting and touring vineyards, you can also visit spots including the port city of Tarragona and beautiful, upscale Sitges. You may also want to stop to visit the region’s villages; top options include Pals, which is known for its historical buildings and its food, and the relaxed Vilafranca del Penedès.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get off the typical tourist circuit, head to the underrated wine region of El Bierzo, located near the city of León. The red wine here—made using the area’s main grape, mencía—is refreshing, refined, and slightly acidic and is sometimes referred to as the pinot noir of Spain. There are more than 70 wineries in El Bierzo, and the region’s wines are skyrocketing in popularity around the world. (Those who prefer white varieties can also find wines made with the godello grape here.)

Part of the region intersects with the famous Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has attracted devout and adventurous travelers for centuries. If you happen to be making the trek (for religious or non-religious reasons), the area makes a perfect stop, particularly as León also boasts a lively tapas scene.