5 Spanish wine regions your tastebuds are longing to visit

From the earth to the table, Spanish wine is a way of life on the Iberian Peninsula. While Spain, France , and Italy are always vying for the title of top global wine producer, we don’t play favorites; we’re happy to enjoy them all!

Join us as we hit the tracks to sip some of Spain’s most famous wines. All you need is your train ticket in hand.

📍 Our tour starts in Madrid

To kick off this whirlwind wine tasting, our first train departs Madrid to Valladolid on the AVE high-speed train. With an hour-long ride, you’ll have just enough time to brush up on the wine classifications of the region (hint: Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva, Reserva, and Gran Reserva). 

📍 Madrid to Valladolid 

Region 1: Ribera del Duero

What do you think of when you hear the words "Spanish wine?" A bold red, right! And that is exactly what you will find in a bottle from Ribera del Duero. As you stroll the streets of Valladolid with a full-bodied wine from the tempranillo grape, remember to soak up the classic architecture and the unrivaled street art lining the avenidas.

After taking in the cultural activities, and a glass (or two) of red, it’s time to head back to the train station. Next stop? The Rioja region. 

📍 Valladolid to Logroño 

Region 2: Rioja

Located along the camino de Santiago de Compostela, Logroño is a hub for pilgrims and wine connoisseurs alike. To make the most out of your time in town, first swing by the Museo de la Cultura del Vino to immerse yourself into the tradition of wine making. Then head to a local winery to witness your new-found knowledge in action. Finally, close out your evening with tapas on the popular Calle del Laurel. We recommend pairing a fruity, earthy red with popular local delicacies like Jamon Serrano, Manchego cheese, and green olives.

But before we continue imbibing, it’s off to the coast!

📍 Logroño to Pontevedra 

Region 3: Galicia

White wine lovers do not fret! We’re now headed to Galicia, where crisp white wine flows like the nearby Cantabrian Sea. Most of this region’s most popular wines come from the Albariño grape, which grows best in the fresh, humid climate of Galicia. Albariño wines are floral, fruity, with high acidity, minerals, and moderate alcohol. Plus, with stunning beaches, unbeatable seafood, lush landscapes; and natural hot springs aplenty, there is something for everyone in Pontevedra. We’ll drink to that!

📍 Pontevedra to Jerez de la Frontera

Region 4: Jerez 

Ready for a little something sweet? Welcome to Jerez, the home of Sherry wine. Like champagne to the Champagne region; sherry solely comes from Jerez, Spain. And the best of the best sherry comes from Jerez de la Frontera. If you think sherry is just a saccharine dessert wine, then you’re thinking of your great Aunt Sherry’s sherry – but not Jerez’s. Here you can enjoy everything from a light, white-wine like sherry to thicker, barrel-aged options. But, remember that sherries have a higher alcohol content (20%+), so enjoy in moderation because we still have one more stop on our wine tour.

📍 Jerez de la Frontera to Barcelona (Sant Sadurní d'Anoia)

Region 5: Penedès

Drum roll…

It’s time for bubbles! We’re popping bottles in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the capital of cava and a charming town just an hour away from Barcelona by train. With a population of only 12,000 people, there are still a whopping 80 wineries producing cava in town. So, head to one of these famed wineries to see their protected processes in person. Then, stroll the historic streets of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia and if you’re lucky, you may just get invited into a locals producer’s home to try their favorite glass of local bubbly.

This is where our journey ends, but where yours can begin.

So, have you booked your trip yet? Go have a glass or two of one of your favorite Spanish wines and we’re sure the choice will become clear!

Powered by Froala Editor