Planning a getaway and looking for an experience that connects you with the land, history, and most importantly the flavor?
Forget about conventional tourism. We invite you on a different kind of journey, one that takes you through some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes via one of its deepest cultural traditions: wine.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious Spanish viticulture will surprise you.
Here you’ll find everything from some of the oldest wineries in the world to the most cutting-edge architecture, all paired with spectacular gastronomy.
Get ready to discover Spain’s best wine routes, a journey that will delight your senses and leave a lasting impression.
1. The Rioja Wine Route
La Rioja is Spain’s wine region par excellence.
The route itself is divided into several subzones, such as Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, but whichever way you go, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of vineyards stretching to the horizon.
Along the way, you’ll find all kinds of wineries: some centuries old and others strikingly modern.
Charming medieval towns like Laguardia also make this route especially worthwhile.
Here’s a fun fact: some wineries were designed by world-renowned architects, like Frank Gehry, who created the famous Marqués de Riscal Hotel.
Of course, the food is another highlight. Don’t leave without trying local favorites like patatas a la riojana (Rioja-style potatoes) or chuletillas al sarmiento (lamb chops grilled over grapevine cuttings).
And the wine? Naturally, it takes center stage.
Red wine dominates here, primarily made with Tempranillo grapes, though Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo are also used.
And yes, there are also excellent whites worth tasting.
2. The Ribera del Duero Wine Route
If you’re after wines with real character, the Ribera del Duero route is ideal.
It’s one of Spain’s most prestigious denominations of origin, famous for wines that are both powerful and elegant.
One of the best parts of this route is how easily you can combine wine with history.
For example, don’t miss Peñafiel Castle (one of the best castles to visit in Spain), which houses a wine museum, or the Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena.
There’s a huge variety of experiences here: wine and cheese tastings, biking through vineyards, even hiking routes that showcase the region’s protected “singular trees.”
As for the wines, red is king made almost exclusively from Tinta Fina, a local variety of Tempranillo grape.
The result: wines with robust structure, deep color, and incredibly complex aromas.
3. The Jerez Wine and Brandy Route
For a truly unique experience, head to southern Spain’s Jerez Wine and Brandy Route.
Located in Cádiz province, it takes you through a special “wine triangle”: Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María.
Here, you’ll discover how wines are aged through both biological and oxidative processes in massive wineries called “cathedrals,” thanks to their soaring ceilings. The traditional criaderas y soleras system makes the process unlike anything else in the world.
In addition to visiting wineries and sampling wines, make sure to pair them with the exquisite local cuisine.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the grape harvest in Jerez, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a festival rich with history.
The stars here are fortified wines like Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and the sweet Pedro Ximénez.
And of course, you can’t forget the world-famous Jerez brandies.
Seafood rice and Andalusian tapas at a poolside villa near Jerez, Cádiz.
4. The Rías Baixas Wine Route
If you’re in the mood for a wine route with an Atlantic touch, Rías Baixas is exactly what you’re looking for.
Located on the coast of Galicia, it offers a unique landscape of vineyards trained on trellises right by the ocean. This setting gives its wines a very distinctive and special character.
It’s the perfect plan if you want to combine wine tourism with Galician culture and stunning scenery.
Along the way, you can visit sections of the famous Camino de Santiago, stroll through the Pazo de Rubianes gardens, or simply indulge in the region’s seafood-based gastronomy.
The route includes more than 50 wineries you can visit, along with plenty of leisure and lodging options.
Here, the undisputed queen grape is Albariño, producing fresh, fruity white wines with vibrant acidity.
Paired with the region’s seafood, it’s an experience you simply can’t miss.
5. The Penedès Wine Route
If you’re in Barcelona or planning a trip there the Penedès Wine Route is a must.
It’s just outside the city and is famous for its long winemaking tradition, especially sparkling wines (cava).
Because of its location, it’s one of the most accessible wine routes, with many options for day tours.
Pro tip: don’t leave without visiting one of the iconic cava houses, like Freixenet or Codorníu. There, you’ll learn about the fascinating process of producing sparkling wine.
Beyond tastings, there are plenty of outdoor activities, like biking through vineyards, making the experience even more fun.
And of course, food is part of the adventure pair your glass with traditional Catalan dishes for the perfect match.
Here, cava is the star a natural sparkling wine but the region also produces fresh young whites and high-quality reds.
6. The Bullas Wine Route
If you want to explore one of Spain’s most historic wine routes, Bullas in Murcia is a hidden gem.
This area offers an authentic experience full of history, heritage, and strong ties to wine culture.
Don’t miss the traditional “El Zacatín” market, a local favorite, and enjoy regional gastronomy that’s deeply connected to wine.
If you visit in late September, you may catch the Fiesta del Vino, a major event for the town and a great way to connect with local traditions.
As for the wines, the undisputed star is red, made from the Monastrell grape.
This variety gives the wines deep color and unique properties that locals have appreciated for centuries not only for flavor but also for health.
7. The Utiel-Requena Wine Route
For a wine region rich in tradition and far from the typical tourist crowds, Utiel-Requena in Valencia is an excellent choice.
Set on a high plateau, this area’s winemaking history goes back centuries.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this route is the chance to explore the history of wine through medieval underground cellars.
You can also stroll through neighborhoods with Mudejar architecture and uncover the cultural heritage of its villages.
Extra tip: don’t miss our guide with the best medieval towns and citys in Spain.
Despite being close to the big city of Valencia, Utiel-Requena remains one of the lesser-known treasures of Spanish wine tourism, offering a more intimate and authentic experience.
The flagship grape here is Bobal, almost exclusive to the region. From it, winemakers craft fresh reds and excellent rosés.
If you’re looking to taste something truly unique, this route is for you.
The Perfect Pairing: Wine and Homemade Cuisine
You’ve now discovered Spain’s best wine routes, but we suggest taking your journey a step further.
Imagine pairing these incredible wine landscapes with a culinary experience that connects you deeply to local culture.
At Sazón The Folk Cook, our hosts open their homes so you can enjoy the most authentic flavors of each region.
Don’t just admire the scenery live an unforgettable experience, try traditional dishes cooked by the people who know them best, and for a few hours, feel what it’s like to live like a local.
Book your experience and discover the true flavor of Spain with Sazón The Folk Cook.
Explore our experiences with local cooks.
