For any wine enthusiast, a wine tourism trip to Spain is akin to a pilgrimage. This country, ranked among the top 5 global wine producers, boasts numerous wine regions and an impressive variety of native and international grape varieties. Add to that its Mediterranean climate, breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, festive events, and exquisite cuisine, and you have all the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable wine tourism experience. During your stay at our Tossa de Mar campsite in Spain on the Costa Brava, indulge in unique experiences along the Spanish wine routes.
Why Choose Spain for Wine Tourism?
Far more than traveling from region to region to discover vineyards, wine tourism is a true art of living. An oenophile appreciates fine wines but is also eager to immerse themselves in culture, history, and delightful sensory experiences. From this perspective, Spain is an ideal destination for wine tourism for many reasons.
Wine Tourism in Spain: A Journey Off the Beaten Path
Wine tourism in Spain invites you to step away from mass tourism. You can stay at a campsite, wander through extraordinary landscapes, visit picturesque villages, meet wonderful people, and take part in exquisite wine tastings. In short, you’ll enjoy an intensely rejuvenating experience while indulging your passion for discovering exceptional wines.
A Terroir, A Discovery
In Spain, terroirs abound, each distinct from the other. As you explore a wine region, you simultaneously discover a unique and authentic tourist destination. From Rioja to Catalonia, passing through Ribera del Duero, you’ll encounter a multitude of wines and winemaking styles. Your journey will lead you to historic wineries, impressive cellars, and fascinating new oenological insights.
Spanish Viticulture: A Story of Culture and Tradition
Viticulture in Spain is steeped in a history spanning millennia. The Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans each introduced their own grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Later, the Moors and Catholic monks contributed their own wine sciences. This rich history gives Spanish viticulture its distinctive characteristics compared to France, Australia, or other wine-producing countries. Wine tourism in the Iberian Peninsula, therefore, promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
La Rioja: Cradle of Spanish Wine
Traveling the wine routes of La Rioja is a journey into the heart of one of Spain’s premier wine tourism destinations. This northern wine region enjoys international acclaim for the quality of its vintages.
Wines of La Rioja
Along the wine routes of La Rioja (Alta, Alavesa, and Oriental), you’ll find both small producers and bodegas, meaning large estates that have been established for decades. The region produces all types of wine: claret, red, rosé, and white. Most are balanced wines, fresh on the palate, and easy to enjoy. Varieties include Tempranillo (a Spanish grape), Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Among the best-known estates are Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Marqués de Cáseres, and Marqués de Murrieta.
The Appellations
The wine region differs slightly from the administrative region, as it includes parts of the Álava territory (Basque Country) and Navarre. It is divided into three distinct appellations:
- Rioja Alta: Located west of the city of Logroño, on the southern bank of the Ebro River and a small area on the northern bank;
- Rioja Alavesa: Situated on the northern bank of the Ebro, entirely within the province of Álava;
- Rioja Oriental: Found east of Logroño on both sides of the Ebro, with a small southern portion in Navarre.
Wine Tourism Activities in Rioja
To enhance your stay in this picturesque region of Spain, there are plenty of recreational wine-related activities to enjoy:
- Winery tours: Of the 500 wineries in Rioja, 80 are open to visitors. This is an opportunity to discover vineyards, cellars, winemaking techniques, and more.
- Visit one of the world’s best wine museums: The Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. On the agenda: wine history, collections of wine-related objects, and an introduction to the 220 grape varieties from around the world.
- Various unique activities: Grape harvesting, picnicking in a vineyard, Segway tours through the vines, or hot air balloon rides over the vineyards during the harvest.
Ribera del Duero: Between Tradition and Modernity
It’s hard to indulge in wine tourism in Spain without exploring the Ribera del Duero wine region. The figures speak for themselves: 115 km of wine routes, 300 wineries, over 2,200 brands, nearly 7,900 winegrowers, 23,000 hectares of vineyards, and approximately 50 million liters of wine produced annually.
Exceptional Conditions Behind Unique Grapes
Ribera del Duero sits on a plateau at an altitude ranging from 720 to 1,100 meters. Its soil alternates between layers of clayey or silty sand and layers of limestone and calcareous concretions. The region faces harsh climatic conditions: dry summers, harsh winters, and low rainfall. These extreme conditions give rise to small grapes with thick skins and perfect, slow, and late ripening.
A Tribute to Spanish Grape Varieties
Like other Spanish regions, Ribera del Duero wine producers rely on Tempranillo as their primary grape variety. For red wines, vineyards also incorporate Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha Tinta, and Cabernet Sauvignon (Tempranillo's rival). For white wines, Albillo Mayor is the main authorized variety. These unique regional characteristics allow for the production of exceptionally high-quality grapes.
Exceptional Wines
Wines produced under the terroir's strict conditions earn the “Ribera del Duero” designation of origin. They include:
- Young, fresh, and fruity white wines,
- Fruity and refreshing rosés,
- Young, fruity red wines and high-quality aged wines.
Ways to Enjoy a Bottle of Ribera del Duero
You can experience the region's wines through various activities offered by local estates:
- Simple tastings or guided sessions led by professionals,
- Tastings paired with the region’s traditional dishes,
- Taking home bottles purchased from the wineries you visit.
Andalusia and its Sherry Wines
Wine tourism in Andalusia invites you to take a short trip to southern Spain, a land renowned worldwide for its remarkable diversity of wines. This time, the focus of wine tourism is on one specific region: Jerez. It is here that a quintessential Spanish wine is produced: Sherry.
Jerez de la Frontera, a charming southern town
When thinking of Andalusia, most people picture Seville or Cádiz. However, Xérès, or Jerez de la Frontera, deserves just as much attention. Situated in the fertile plain (vega) of the Guadalquivir River, just 12 km from the Atlantic Ocean, Jerez is famous for three things: its horses, its flamenco, and its namesake wine.
Sherry wines: a local and international celebrity
Jerez, Xérès (in French), or Sherry (in English) is a fortified wine, meaning a white wine fortified with brandy. There is a wide variety of Sherry wines, but they can be categorized into four main types:
- Fino, the classic aperitif, recognizable for its floral aroma. It pairs excellently with fish or a seafood platter.
- Amontillado, a heavier and sweeter wine than Fino, with notes of wood and almonds. It pairs perfectly with olives, cheeses, pâtés, or risottos.
- Oloroso, a golden-colored Sherry. Dry, full-bodied, and very aromatic, Oloroso pairs wonderfully with all types of meat.
- Pedro Ximénez, a very sweet and dark-colored wine (almost black), which goes perfectly with blue cheeses and desserts like vanilla ice cream.
Visiting a bodega to discover the best Sherry
For an authentic wine tourism experience in Spain, visiting a bodega is a must. In Spain, the term "bodega" refers to a winery or wine estate. Most wineries in Jerez de la Frontera now offer guided tours that can be booked online. You can also visit establishments that sell wine directly.
Catalonia: Cavas and Mediterranean Wines
What better place than Catalonia to conclude a wine tourism journey through Spain? This region is home to Camping Cala Llevado, an ideal destination for holidays on the Costa Brava and for exploring wine routes. It is in the Catalan vineyards that Cava, sparkling wines with a protected designation of origin, are produced.
Cava: The Delightful Bubbles of Catalonia
Cava is to Spain what Champagne is to France. This sparkling wine is produced in the Penedès region, south of Barcelona. It is distinguished by its bubbles, radiant golden color, balanced strength, and sufficient acidity. You can enjoy it as an aperitif or during brunch.
Exploring the Penedès Wine Route
To experience Cava in all its forms, why not visit its place of origin? In Penedès, 70 wineries actively promote local wine tourism. Their goal is to offer visitors of all ages a wide range of experiences during their holidays.