A Guide to Wines in Spain

The four culinary regions of Spain offer wildly different palates of wine. Follow these tips to make the best pair for dinner.

Northern Spain

The northern region of Spain offers lush green landscapes and a rich wine culture. The misty green hills of the northern territories allow for a range of gastronomic traditions, winemaking techniques and grapes. La Rioja, Navarra, Rias Baixas, Bierzo, Ribera del Duero, Somontano, Toro and Valdeorras are the most famous, popular and beloved wine regions in northern Spain.

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean coastline of Spain is not quite as large as the northern wine region, but boasts some of the best wines in the country. Famous for Cava, dry wines and Rosé, this region has a wide variety of critically acclaimed favorites. Alella, Alicante, Emporda, Montsant and Penedes are all off the Mediterranean coastline and can easily be accessed from Barcelona. Popular wine styles in the area include robust reds, delicate whites and up-and-coming bubbly white wines and rosés. Priorat and Valencia are a little more remote, further off the coast and offer a steep mountain region landscape.

Southern Spain

Andalucía in southern Spain is a wine lovers go-to region. This destination hosts some of the best dessert wines and dry reds from Brandy de Jerez and Sherry to La Mancha, Malaga and Rhonda. Staying in Madrid or Andalucía will make the wine tour an easy, beautiful and interesting trek through southern Spain.

Spanish Islands

The Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca boast historic vineyards, gorgeous beaches and picturesque views. The Canary Islands are volcanic territories including Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote, La Palme and Gran Canaria, which is just off the coast of Africa. The Canary Islands are beautiful as they are unique to the Spanish island culture.