4 Regions of Spain For Wonderful Wine Tours
Spain Wine Tours: 4 Wine Regions You Should Visit!
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Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Penedès, and Priorat are 4 of the most famous wine regions in Spain. Let’s find out more!
Are you interested in Wine Tourism? Have you ever wanted to take part in one of the Wine Tours in Spain but don’t know what you’d like best? The below article will give you relevant tips about four of the most famous wine regions in Spain: Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Penedès, and Priorat.
Spain is huge and offers a wide variety of options for wine lovers. If you are after just a short trip or have more time to explore more wine regions, you’ll find plenty of offers on the web. Read the below short guides to know what to expect from each region and enjoy! Vamos!
Ribera del Duero
If you are a bold red wines lover, this is your region. Ribera del Duero is one of the most important wine regions in Spain and has its own D.O., i.e. Denominación de Origen as well.
It’s located in the northern part of Spain and covers places like Burgos, Soria, Segovia, and Valladolid.
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The majority of the wines produced in the area are red and primarily from Tempranillo or Tinto Fino as it’s called in the area. You can find it in purity or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot. Expect wines with concentrated fruity flavors, tannins with short aging in new oak barrels from France.
You have ample choice when it comes down to wineries. Some of the most famous in the area, which you can visit, are:
- Bodegas Emilio Moro
- Abadia Retuerta
- Bodegas y Viñedos Linaje Garsea
- Bodegas Portia
- Bodega Emina
A common way to commute is from the Madrid and Bilbao area, especially if you are after a day trip. These areas aren’t just great for wines and food, they are also rich in history. So whilst you are at it, I’d pay a visit to the breathtaking 13th-century Gothic Cathedral in Burgos.
Rioja
If you are after amazing food and wine experience in an unspoiled landscape, then you must visit Rioja. Rioja has its own D.O.Ca, i.e. Denominación de Origen Calificada. Rioja is located in the northern part of Spain, in the Basque Country.
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The area produces 7 grapes varieties, however, Tempranillo, Granacha (red), and Viura (white) are the grapes most widely cultivated. For long-term maturation red wines expect deep color with intense fruity flavors and either vanilla or spice aromas depending on American or French oak barrels. White wines are generally rich in fruit flavors. Those who undergo barrel fermentation will display nutty notes as well.
You have ample choice when it comes down to wineries. Some of the most famous in the area, which you can visit, are:
- Vivanco
- Viña Real
- Ysios
- Marques de Murrieta
- Marques de Riscal
A common way to commute is from the Bilbao area, especially if you are after a day trip. Make sure you try at least one of these local specialties before you leave: Gallina en Pepitoria a la Riojana, Perdiz Asada al Tinto, and Patatas a la Riojana.
Penedès
Have you ever heard of Cava? Are you a bubble lover? Go to Penedès that has its own DO, i.e. Denominación de Origen. Penedès is located in Catalonia, in the northeastern corner of Spain.
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Although a wide variety of grapes are produced in the area, Penedès is famous for its Cava production, the most famous Spanish sparkling wine. If you have never tried one, well I highly recommend you bridge the gap soon, you’ll be amazed by the quality of the wine, despite being more affordable than Champagne.
You have ample choice when it comes down to wineries. Some of the most famous in the area, which you can visit, are:
- Mas Comtal
- Parés Baltà
- Torres (probably the largest in Spain)
- Codorníu
- Jean León
A common way to commute is from the Barcelona area, especially if you are after a day trip.
Priorat
Flickr by: Angela Llop
Elite wine is what you are after instead? Pay a visit to the Priorat area, DOQ, i.e. Denominació d’Origen Qualificada. It is known as the Span’s Burgundy and produces some of the most luxurious and expensive wines in Spain.
Garnacha and Cariñena are the most widely used grapes, usually in blends. Expect red wines deeply colored, high in tannins with concentrated black fruit and toast aromas from French oak
You have ample choice when it comes down to wineries. Some of the most famous in the area, which you can visit, are:
- Alvario Palacios (most famous)
- Clos Mogador
- Mas Doix
- Ferrer Bobet
A common way to commute is from the Barcelona and Tarragona area, especially if you are after a day trip. Whilst you are at it, I’d pay a visit to the Montsant National Park or one of these beautiful villages Gratallops, Falset, and Ulldemolins.
Final Thoughts
Spain has a lot to offer for wine tourism. Like Italy, you will find great wines, foods, history, architecture, and amazing landscape very easily. As we’ve seen, you can find a wide spectrum of high-quality wines from whites, reds to bubbles.
Spain is also very well connected and it really offers you endless opportunities for you to organize your trip, be it on your own or organized with of the many tour guides. I hope you have found the before-mentioned tips useful to organize your next wine tour of Spain. Enjoy!
