Destinations Europe
Camila Pérez B
One of the greatest things about travel is getting in touch with the local culture — and what better way to immerse yourself in a country’s soul than through local food and drink? After all, different destinations around the globe offer a palette of culinary experiences that allow travelers to understand a country’s rich traditions and heritage while sampling unique flavors.
Enter: Spain. Known for its flamenco rhythms and delectable tapas menus, this vibrant destination is a haven for travelers looking to indulge in a cultural and gastronomic journey — especially if they love wine. Known as the country with the most vineyards in the world — an impressive 969,000 hectares, to be exact — the Spanish culture’s deep-rooted love for wine is evident in every sip.
Its wine regions — like the iconic Rioja, known for its bold reds, and Castilla-La Mancha, famous for its vast vineyards — offer a variety of tastes and experiences that cater to every preference. All of these ultimately come together to make Spain more than a tourist destination, but a prime spot for wine lovers.
Spain’s grape expectations
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While France and Italy have always held the limelight in the wine world, Spain presents a compelling case for the top spot. At the end of the day, Spain’s wine story isn’t just about having the most vineyards — it’s about the diversity, quality, and unique wine-making traditions that date back centuries.
Let’s start off with diversity. First, there are the flavor profiles: from earthy to fruity, rich to bold, and, sometimes, even with a hint of the sea. Whether it’s the citrusy notes of a Galician Albariño, the complexity of a Riojan Tempranillo, or the sparkling effervescence of a Cava from Catalonia — also referred to as the “champagne of Spain” — there’s a Spanish wine that pairs perfectly with pretty much every moment of your trip.
Then, there’s a matter of tradition and innovation. For starters, some of Spain’s winemakers are currently working to combine its rich wine-making history with modern efforts. The result? Bringing back near-forgotten grape varieties and even identifying new ones. Moreover, Spain also stands out for its sustainability in wine production. Home to the largest number of organic vineyards worldwide — with 27% of the world’s organic vineyards — the nation’s commitment to organic wine-making is unparalleled.
Navigating Spain’s wine trail
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For an authentic Spanish wine experience, regions like Castilla-La Mancha and Rioja, as mentioned above, are a must-visit. These places not only offer a plethora of tasting opportunities but also transport you into the world of wine-making — from vine to bottle. If you’re heading to La Rioja, you can’t miss a stop by Bodegas Altanza, which specializes in the Tempranillo variety; Bodegas Tritium, housed within a restored 15th-century winery; or Bodegas David Moreno, originally founded in 1988. When it comes to exploring Castilla-La Mancha’s wine-making traditions, must-see stops include Bodegas Real, which features an in-house restaurant, and Viñedos Cigarral de Santamaría, an independent winery that produces just 4,500 bottles a year.
Looking for organic wineries? Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, in Valladolid, is often hailed as one of the top wineries in Spain — with over 1,000 hectares and different grape varieties that come together to produce award-winning wines.
When it comes to planning your trip to Spain, spring and autumn are optimal. The weather is perfect, and the season also coincides with exciting phases of wine production — from grape harvests to early fermentation stages.
