If you have ever looked at a wine menu, it’s likely that you’ve heard about La Rioja. This northern region is home to some of Spain’s most famous winemakers. Lovers of Spanish sparkling wine are probably familiar with Penedès, Catalonia, a northeast region filled with cava vineyards. While aperitif enthusiasts will definitely recognize CádizAndalusia has some of the finest sherrys in the world. Wine lovers should not limit themselves to these famous names.
To say the least, wine is a big part of Spanish culture—it’s enjoyed to socialize with friends at local bars, to accompany meals, or as a pre- or post-dinner drink. No wonder then that vineyards and vinyards are scattered across the landscape. SpainThere are 17 autonomous communities in Spain, and each produces a different type of wine. Catalonia and Castilla y Léon, for example, have multiple wine-growing regions to explore.
Find out where you can find the best restaurants, vineyards and accommodation in seven lesser known Spanish wine regions.
Gran Canaria
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Gran Canaria, the largest of the Canary Islands, is located off the northwestern coast Africa. A geographically diverse island, it boasts more than 20 local grape varieties, including reds—castellana, listán negro, listán prieto, tintilla—and whites—burra blanca, baboso blanco, and listán blanco. Canary Islands vines are still indigenous, as phylloxera never reached the islands. Gran Canaria was granted its own Denomination of Origin (DO) in 2005. Today, there are dozens of vineyards ranging from the northwest all the way to the northeast.
Visit WineriesDo not miss the wine tasting at Señorío de Cabrera, a small winery owned by couple Agustín Cabrera and Felisa Vega, who grow four grape varieties near the town of Telde. Visit family-run Bodegas Bentayga Caldera de Tejeda is a volcanic basin located in the Tejeda Mountains where red and white wine grapes are grown between elevations of 3,280 to 4,265 feet.
What to do: Enjoy nature in the midst of the Parador de Cruz de TejedaThe location is central and offers stunning views of the mountains. You can also see the neighboring island Tenerife, which has the highest mountain in Spain. Choose the southern side and stay at the Seaside Palm Beach Hotel.
Lanzarote
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Lanzarote is the northernmost Canary Island. It has a unique terrain. Some parts of Lanzarote resemble Mars or the Moon, thanks to an eruption that occurred in 1730. It lasted for 6 years, and part of Lanzarote was covered in volcanic ash.
Vineyards in Lanzarote are one of a kind—mini craters, or HoyosThe grapes are grown in volcanic ash using a technique called picón. The island is a dry place, so the ash holds moisture from morning dew. This is its main source of water. Many wineries create a semicircle with rocks around their vineyards. HoyosEach with their own style to protect the vines against the Atlantic Ocean Trade Winds. La Geria is composed of approximately 30 wineries, and was granted the Denomination of Origin status in 1993.
Wineries to Visit The oldest winery of the Canary Islands. El Grifo has been making vino since 1775 with the prized varietal malvasia volcánica. Visit also Vega de Yuco, a family-run winery that produces white, red, and rosé wines and offers a vino pairing with chocolate.
What to do: You’re never more than one hour away from the wine regions, no matter where you choose to stay. Elegant and sprawling Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort Playa Blanca offers all the comforts of home on the southern side of the island, while the house is comfortable. Hotel Fariones is less than a 20-minute drive to La Geria.
L’Empordà, Catalonia
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Situated in the autonomous community of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, L’Empordà hugs the Costa Brava of the Mediterranean Sea. The Catalan word for the city comes from the Greek word Empty BottlesThere is evidence of wine production in the area dating back to the 6th century.
In 1975, the Empordà Denomination of Origin There are now more than 50 vineyards, many of which grow white grenache as well as grey grenache or red grenache grapes, along with red carignan. The area is also known for full-bodied reds, whites, and rosés.
Visit Wineries: Cala JóncolsLocated in the Cap de Creus Natural Park, is a certified organic vineyard that prides itself in being the smallest in Catalonia. Family-owned winery revived vineyards in 2000. Martín Faixó makes white, rosé, and red wines.
What to do: Relax between the Pyrenees and the sea in Costa Brava. Hotel Cala Jóncols You can also Casamar Restaurant & Hotel, run by brother and sister María and Quim Casellas. If you want to be in a central location, consider staying at Palau FugitA palace from the 18th century in Girona’s old quarter.
Rueda, Castilla y León
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Castilla y León is the biggest autonomous community in Spain, and Rueda is one of its 13 Denominations of Origin. Rueda is famous for its white wine. Rueda has around 70 wineries. Wine Route. The scenic Douro River passes through the north of the region between the cities of Segovia and Ávila.
Verdejo, a white grape variety, is the most common in Rueda. Due to the hot summers and cold winters, wineries often harvest their grapes late at night. This helps prevent fermentation.
Wineries To VisitVisit the last working wine cellar in Tordesillas. Bodega Muelas, a fifth generation winery which grows its own grapes. It combines traditional techniques with modernity in the production. Yllera Bodegas & Viñedos The wine cellar is large and houses a lot of bottles. Arrope restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui.
What to do: Base yourself Parador de TordesillasA manor house hotel located in a small town along the Douro River. This is where Portugal and Spain split territory in 1494. They also signed the Treaty of Tordesillas.
Priorat Catalonia
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Priorat, a region known for red wine, is a mountainous terrain where vineyards grow on steep slopes and in different microclimates. This gives grapes their distinctive flavor profile. About two hours away from Barcelona, Priorat is a mountainous region.
Slate is also known as llicorella The slate, or sarsaparilla in Spanish, helps to keep the soil moist during harsh winters and hot summers with little rain. The slate also forces the roots of the grapes to grow deeper in order to gain access to water and nutrients. This gives the grapes a richer flavor.
Priorat is named as one of Travel + Leisure‘s best places to travel in 2025In the mid-’80s, winemakers returned to Priorat. Today, there are around 115 wineries, which grow grenache and carignan, as well as the French varieties cabernet and syrah. Priorat was repopulated by winemakers in the 1980s. Today, there are 115 wineries that grow mostly grenache and Carignan as well as French varieties like cabernet and Syrah.
Wineries To Visit: Perinet has three vineyards—some north-facing and south-facing, providing different flavor profiles in the grapes. A must-visit place is Mas Martinet, owned by Pérez Ovejero, who began in 1981 with a focus on sustainability and artisan wine.
What to do: The renovated farmhouse is a great place to stay. Gran Hotel Mas d’en BrunoRooms overlooking vineyards are available. Staff can also arrange visits to wineries.
Toro, Castilla y León
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Toro is famous for its bold red wines made from the native variety Tinta de Toro. One of the Denominations of Origin in Castilla y León, Toro is also one of nine wine routes that have been certified by the Spanish Association of Wine Cities (ACEVIN). Toro produces rosé and white wines with varietals that include malvasía castellana, verdejo, and albillo real.
Wineries to Visit Since 2000 Elías Mora Victoria Benavides owns and operates the business. She combines ancestral knowledge with modern technology. Another highlight is Bodegas FariñaThe winery, which is run by a family of third generation, hosts an abstract art competition every year to select the label for its Primero wines.
What to do: Renovated castle will make you feel like a king or queen Castillo de Monte La Reina Visit wineries and their on-site vineyard outside of the historic town of Toro. Bodega Monte la Reina.
Basque Country
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Txakoli is a Basque effervescent wine that’s often served as an aperitif, or with seafood. Each Basque province has its own Denominations of Origin. Txakoli de Álava in the province of Álava, Bizkaiko Txakolina Bizkaia Getariako Txakolina Getaria, Zarautz and the surrounding coastal towns.
The indigenous grape varieties have citrus and floral notes. These include hondarrabi zui (zuri is Euskera for white) and hondarribi ziratia (small or little) as well as hondarrabi belza (black).
In a region with a lot of rain and overcast skies, it’s important to grow vineyards on steep slopes facing south or southeast. Some wineries in Bizkaia make rosé txakoli, which is a combination of two varietals—hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza.
Wineries to Visit Experience Bizkaia Bodega Gorka IzagirreThe vineyard has been producing three Basque grapes varieties since 2005, or near the town Getaria. GañetaA third-generation winery, where they produce three types of Txakoli.
What to do: Visit the rural areas for stunning views Hotel San Prudentzio Getaria is a hilly region.
