Table of Contents
- Wine in Spain
- A History as Deep as the Vines
- The Main Wine Regions In Spain
- Wine Events and Festivals in Spain
- Worldwide Wine Celebrations
- Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Experiencing Wine in Spain: Tasting Rooms and Bodega Tours
- Trusted Publications and Expert Insights
- Fine Wine Stockists & Wine Clubs in Spain
- Browse our recommended wine retailers and clubs to start your journey today.
- How to Use This Guide
- The Joy of Pairing Spanish Wine and Food
- Why Visiting Spain’s Wine Regions Is Unforgettable
Wine in Spain
As passionate ambassadors of the Mediterranean lifestyle, we believe that fine wine is typically part of enjoying life in Spain! Whether you are discovering new regions, building your cellar, or searching for the perfect bottle to celebrate with friends, this guide offers a handpicked directory of the most reputable wine stockists and clubs.
Spain is a land steeped in centuries of tradition, from Moorish palaces shimmering in the Andalusian sun to the passionate swirl of flamenco dancers beneath whitewashed arches. But among all its gifts to the world, one of the greatest is undoubtedly wine.
As someone who has the privilege of living and working here in Andalucía—a region as rich in vineyards as it is in culture—I feel compelled to share the story of Spanish wine. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious, I hope this article will inspire you to explore Spain’s legendary wineries, tasting rooms, and wine-producing landscapes for yourself.
A History as Deep as the Vines
Spain is the oldest winemaking country in Europe, with archaeological evidence of grape cultivation dating back at least 3,000 years. From the Phoenicians who planted the first vines in Cádiz, to the Romans who exported Spanish wine across the empire, to the monks who tended vineyards throughout the Middle Ages, every era left its mark.
By the 19th century, Spain’s wine industry began modernising. When phylloxera devastated French vineyards, demand for Spanish wines soared. This period saw the establishment of some of today’s most famous bodegas, particularly in regions like La Rioja, Jerez, and Catalonia.
Even now, Spain holds the title of the largest vineyard area in the world—nearly one million hectares under vine. And while international recognition for Spanish wine has only surged in recent decades, locals have always known that the wines here are something truly special.
The Main Wine Regions In Spain
While almost every corner of Spain produces wine, a few regions stand out for their distinctive character and heritage. Here are just some of main ones:
1. Andalucía
As my adopted home, Andalucía holds a special place in my heart. The region is famous above all for sherry, produced around Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. If you’ve never tried a chilled glass of Manzanilla on a summer afternoon, you’re missing one of life’s simple pleasures.
In the rugged mountains of Málaga and Granada, sweet Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez wines are still crafted much as they were centuries ago. Small-scale bodegas welcome visitors for tastings, often with breathtaking views of the surrounding sierras.
If you’re dreaming about life among Andalucía’s rolling vineyards and white villages, I’d be delighted to help you explore property options in the area. From restored cortijos to modern townhouses near the bodegas, there’s something to suit every lifestyle.
2. La Rioja
The spiritual heart of Spanish red wine, La Rioja is synonymous with Tempranillo grapes aged in oak barrels. The region’s Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status is the highest classification of quality. Here you’ll find iconic names like Marqués de Riscal, CVNE, and Bodegas Muga.
Touring Rioja is an unforgettable experience: rolling vineyards, avant-garde wineries designed by world-renowned architects, and medieval towns like Haro, where annual wine festivals are the stuff of legend.
3. Ribera del Duero
Northwest of Madrid lies Ribera del Duero, another stronghold of Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino). This region produces powerful, structured reds with deep colour and intense flavour. Many Spanish collectors treasure wines from Vega Sicilia, one of Spain’s most prestigious estates.
4. Priorat
Tucked into Catalonia’s rugged hills, Priorat is a gem of old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena. These low-yield vineyards produce concentrated, mineral-driven reds—wines of almost mystical reputation. If you ever get the chance, visit the medieval villages of Gratallops or Porrera to sample them at the source.
5. Rías Baixas
In Galicia, along the misty Atlantic coast, you’ll find Rías Baixas—home of Albariño. Crisp, aromatic, and brimming with notes of stone fruit and sea spray, these white wines are perfect with the region’s superb seafood.
Wine Events and Festivals in Spain
One of the greatest joys of living in Spain is experiencing the countless festivals where wine flows as freely as conversation. Whether you time your visit for harvest season or spring fairs, you’ll be welcomed like family.
Here are just a few of the annual celebrations worth planning a trip around:
La Batalla del Vino de Haro (The Wine Battle)
Every June 29th in Haro, La Rioja, thousands gather in white clothes to drench each other in red wine. This unique tradition commemorates a centuries-old land dispute, now transformed into one of the most exuberant festivals imaginable.
La Batalla del Vino de Haro (The Wine Battle)
Fiesta de la Vendimia (Harvest Festival)
Celebrated across many regions—Jerez, Rioja, Ribera del Duero—these festivals take place between August and October. Expect grape treading, parades, and, of course, plenty of tasting.
Feria de Jerez (Horse Fair)
Although famous for flamenco and Andalusian horses, this May fair in Jerez de la Frontera is also a showcase for local sherry. Casetas (tents) line the fairgrounds, each offering music, dancing, and endless glasses of Fino and Amontillado.
Feria del Vino de Cómpeta
Held every August 15th in the charming white village of Cómpeta (Málaga), this festival is a heartfelt celebration of Moscatel wine. You’ll see traditional grape crushing and be invited to share plates of tapas with locals.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check each festival’s official website or the local town hall for up-to-date schedules.
Worldwide Wine Celebrations
Explore the world's most captivating wine festivals—where culture, tradition, and unforgettable tasting experiences meet.
Europe
La Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle)
📍 Haro, La Rioja, Spain
🗓 June 29 (Feast of San Pedro)
Thousands of revellers in white and red scarves climb to the Cliffs of Bilibio to drench each other in Rioja wine before dancing and feasting in the town below.
Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
📍 Montmartre, Paris, France
🗓 Second Weekend of October
Paris’s last working vineyard celebrates harvest with a parade, free tastings, fireworks, and culinary markets in a magical neighbourhood.
Douro Valley Harvest Festival
📍 Various Quintas, Douro Valley, Portugal
🗓 September
🌐 Visit Portugal (check local quintas for specific dates)
Participate in grape picking, traditional foot treading of Port grapes, and harvest feasts in this UNESCO-listed region.
Vienna Wine Hiking Day (Wiener Weinwandertag)
📍 Vienna, Austria
🗓 Late September / Early October
Follow marked trails through 700 hectares of vineyards, stopping at heuriger taverns for fresh Sturm and regional delicacies.
Vinum Festival Neuchâtel
📍 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
🗓 Last Weekend of April
Taste Pinot Noir and Chasselas in historic cellars and enjoy live performances in the old town’s cobbled squares.
North America
Napa Valley Wine Auction (Auction Napa Valley)
📍 Napa Valley, California, USA
🗓 First Weekend of June
A prestigious charity auction combining vineyard dinners, barrel tastings, and rare collector lots.
Niagara Icewine Festival
📍 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
🗓 Three weekends in January
Sample award-winning icewines at cozy wineries, outdoor street festivals, and gourmet pairings.
International Pinot Noir Celebration
📍 McMinnville, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
🗓 Last Weekend of July
Winemakers and enthusiasts celebrate Pinot Noir with seminars, tastings, and vineyard lunches.
Oceania
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
📍 Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
🗓 Second Saturday in February
Savor Sauvignon Blanc among the vines, with artisan food and live music.
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations
📍 Coonawarra, South Australia
🗓 October (all month)
A month-long exploration of Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring masterclasses, blending sessions, and winery feasts.
Africa
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
📍 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
🗓 February
Three days of tastings, live music, and food in South Africa’s most famous wine region.
Asia
Yamanashi Nouveau Festival
📍 Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
🗓 Mid-November
Celebrate Koshu Nouveau with tastings, vineyard picnics, and traditional Japanese performances.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
✅ Book Early: Especially for Napa, Mendoza, and Montmartre.
✅ Dress Appropriately: Comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
✅ Stay Local: Boutique hotels and vineyard accommodations enhance the experience.
✅ Check Official Websites: Dates sometimes shift by year.
✅ Consider Guided Tours: Many regions offer packages including transport and exclusive tastings.
Experiencing Wine in Spain: Tasting Rooms and Bodega Tours
Wine tourism in Spain has never been easier or more rewarding. Most regions have well-marked wine routes (Rutas del Vino) with dozens of bodegas offering guided tours, tastings, and even accommodation.
In Andalucía, here are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Sherry maturing under centuries old beams
Bodegas Tradición (Jerez)
Specialising in rare, aged sherries, this bodega combines art and oenology—its private collection includes Goya paintings alongside barrel tastings.
Bodegas Bentomiz (Sayalonga, Málaga)
Perched in the hills east of Málaga, Bentomiz produces elegant Moscatel and red blends. Their restaurant offers seasonal menus paired with estate wines.
González Byass – Tío Pepe (Jerez)
Among the most famous names in sherry, Tío Pepe’s vast cellars can be toured by foot or little train. The experience includes sampling Fino straight from the barrel.
Throughout Spain, nearly every winery requires booking, especially during harvest or festival seasons. I recommend checking the region’s Ruta del Vino websites, which often allow online reservations.
Trusted Publications and Expert Insights
Below, I have curated a list of top-tier wine media outlets where you can dive deeper into the world of wine, covering news, reviews, education, culture, and storytelling:
For Beginners
Wine Folly’s clear visual guides are perfect, while industry pros may prefer Harpers for insider updates.
Wine Folly
What it offers: An educational website featuring visual guides, tasting infographics, and video content created by Madeline Puckette
Why it matters: Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts who prefer learning through visuals and structured lessons.
Website: winefolly.com
Wine for Normal People
What it offers: Podcast, book, and classes that demystify wine in plain English
Why it matters: Especially helpful for readers intimidated by wine jargon or seeking a friendly introduction.
Website: winefornormalpeople.com
For The Enthusiast
Wine Spectator
What it offers: One of the world’s most widely read wine magazines, known for its 100‑point wine ratings, Top 100 annual list, and global coverage of wine trends
Why it matters: Ideal for both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts, with restaurant guides, event coverage, and in‑depth tasting notes.
Website: winespectator.com
Decanter
What it offers: A UK-based monthly magazine with in‑depth analysis, region‑focused features, and home of the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards
Why it matters: Expert-led tasting reports and insightful context make it perfect for readers who appreciate detail and narrative.
Website: decanter.com
Wine Enthusiast
What it offers: An American wine lifestyle magazine offering reviews, pairing suggestions, travel articles, and events.
Why it matters: Great for those seeking accessible, consumer-friendly content with a wide variety of features beyond just wine.
Website: wineenthusiast.com
For The Professional
The World of Fine Wine
What it offers: A quarterly publication with scholarly articles on culture, history, terroir, and global tasting trends
Why it matters: Perfect for readers who view wine as a cultural and intellectual pursuit.
Website: worldoffinewine.com
Vinography
What it offers: A long‑running blog with wine reviews, restaurant experiences, and commentary by Alder Yarrow
Why it matters: Offers authentic, engaging storytelling with both local and global wine insights.
Website: vinography.com
Harpers Wine & Spirits Trade Review
What it offers: A respected UK trade magazine covering industry news, analysis, and trade trends
Why it matters: For professionals in the wine business or enthusiasts interested in the market forces behind their favourite bottles.
Website: harpers.co.uk
Honourable Mentions
Wine Advocate: (subscription-based) Known for deep tasting analysis and influential wine scoring
Wines & Vines: / Wine Maker / Vineyard & Winery Management: Trade-focused publications valuable to industry insiders
Slow Wine Guide: Part of the Slow Food movement, emphasising sustainable, ethical wine production
Fine Wine Stockists & Wine Clubs in Spain
Discover and Order the World’s Best Wines Online
Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a serious collector, finding trustworthy merchants makes all the difference. From prestigious Bordeaux houses to artisan Spanish bodegas, this curated list of fine wine stockists and wine clubs in Spain and the UK offers something for every palate and budget.
Explore rare vintages, join subscription clubs, and have outstanding wines delivered directly to your door.
Browse our recommended wine retailers and clubs to start your journey today.
Vinissimus
Website: vinissimus.com
One of Europe’s biggest online retailers specialising in Spanish wines—Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and more. Fast delivery across Europe.
Decántalo
Website: decantalo.com
Excellent selection of fine Spanish wines plus international labels. Detailed tasting notes and frequent special offers.
Club Verema
Website: verema.com
Spain’s most active online wine community with tasting panels, events, and a subscription club offering curated cases of premium Spanish wines.
Bodeboca
Website: bodeboca.com
Very popular Spanish online shop with a large portfolio—from affordable bottles to collectibles. Also offers private sales and membership perks.
La Tintorería
Website: latintoreriavinoteca.com
Madrid-based fine wine boutique focused on small producers, organic viticulture, and rare finds.
Club Torres
Website: clubtorres.com
The Torres winery’s own wine club members get exclusive access to limited releases, discounts, and experiences.
Lavinia España
Website: lavinia.es
Upscale wine retailer with a flagship store in Madrid. Wide selection of Spanish and international prestige wines.
Winederlust Malaga
Website: Winederlust Malaga 
Linda McIntosh is the owner of Winederlust Malaga which offers wine tastings in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and an online shop. wine enthusiast, certified Sherry geek, and your friendly host behind Winederlust. Originally from Manchester and now happily rooted in sunny Málaga, I turned a deep love for storytelling and artisan Spanish wines into a full-blown adventure.
10 Minutes with Linda McIntosh
Note: Mediterranean Homes is not affiliated with these companies. We share these resources for informational purposes only.
How to Use This Guide
✅Click the links above to explore each retailer’s website.
✅ Consider joining clubs for exclusive allocations.
✅For the best experience, subscribe to newsletters—you’ll get early access to offers and events.
✅ Always check delivery restrictions (some merchants don’t ship outside EU/UK).
✅ If you’re building a cellar, consider merchants offering professional storage or provenance guarantees.
Here are a few standout wines to look for:
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904
A classic Rioja, offering notes of dried cherry, tobacco, and spice.
Barbadillo Manzanilla Solear
A fresh, saline sherry—ideal as an aperitif.
Vega Sicilia Único
Ribera del Duero’s flagship wine, complex and age-worthy.
El Nido Clio
A powerful blend from Jumilla, full of ripe black fruit and chocolate.
Palo Cortado VORS 30 Years (Bodegas Tradición)
A rare old sherry, combining richness and bracing acidity.
The Joy of Pairing Spanish Wine and Food
Spain’s culinary tradition is the perfect companion to its wines. If you’re visiting, I encourage you to try classic pairings:
Fino Sherry & Jamón Ibérico
The saltiness of the ham complements the delicate dryness of Fino.
Albariño & Grilled Seafood
A bright, citrusy Albariño lifts the flavours of Galician octopus or prawns.
Rioja Reserva with Roast Lamb
A mature Rioja, with soft tannins and spice, is a match made in heaven for Castilla-style lamb.
Pedro Ximénez and Blue Cheese
The luscious sweetness balances the savoury sharpness of Cabrales.
Why Visiting Spain’s Wine Regions Is Unforgettable
For me, the beauty of Spain’s wine culture isn’t only in the glass. It’s in the landscape, the warmth of the people, and the sense of time standing still when you walk through ancient cellars.
If you’re considering a holiday—or even relocating here—you’ll find that living near these vineyards is more than just a lifestyle. It’s an immersion in a heritage that goes back millennia.
As an estate agent working in Andalucía, I’ve met many newcomers who arrived for the wine tours and fell in love with the region’s slower pace of life, sunshine, and welcoming spirit. Some decided to buy a finca in the hills or an apartment near a vibrant market square, drawn by the idea that every day here feels like a celebration.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a short escape to taste your way across Spain or envisioning a life surrounded by vines and sunshine, I hope this guide has inspired you to explore further.
Over the years, many clients have told me that it was one perfect glass of Rioja or an unforgettable festival that first planted the seed to make Andalucía their home. If you feel the same pull—or simply want insider tips on the best local bodegas— I’m always here to help.
You’re welcome to get in touch for a friendly chat about property options, the hidden gems of wine country, or planning your next Spanish adventure.
Salud, and see you soon in Andalucía.
CEO of Mediterranean Homes
