With a wine history dating back to 1,000 BCE, Spain’s viticulture is long-standing. When it comes to wine, the country is now one of the most influential leaders in the global industry.
Spain is also a perennial favourite for enthusiasts wanting wine-oriented travel experiences, savouring produce from across its vineyards and wineries. There’s nothing better than a trip to a Spanish winery as part of your holiday, enjoying an exclusive opportunity to sample a glass or two straight from the source.
Wine tourism in the country has been increasing in recent years, indicating a growing interest in Spain’s viticultural offerings. Regions like the famed Rioja Valley and the Basque Kingdom of Navarre continue to capture attention when it comes to wines from Spain, but if you’re already well acquainted with these areas, you might be looking for something different from a wine tasting experience.
Many visitors think they know the wines of Spain and famous wine destinations, but most have barely even scratched the surface. The country’s wine story is far richer than many realise, and as experts in luxury travel in Spain, we know precisely where you can find bespoke wine experiences that feel ‘off-the-beaten-track’.
In this article, we share our recommendations for the best Spanish wine regions that are quietly enhancing the country’s viticulture landscape for any enthusiasts looking to venture off the tourist-trodden route.
Axarquía
Axarquía, part of the Denominación de Origen de Málaga, is the first suggestion on our list of a region that is experiencing its viticultural renaissance, with over 2,200 hectares of vineyards growing Spanish grape varieties.
The area is deeply rooted in tradition, with animals often transporting grapes to bodegas, largely because of Axarquía’s unique terroir demanding the use of tried and tested methods. It’s therefore artisanal in its approach to wine production, which in a world increasingly using technology, is very refreshing.
Its rugged terrain forms part of the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denomination, and it is most often celebrated for its sweet Moscatel dessert wines. The Romé grape is unique to the region and a staple in crafting some of the best wine in Spain.
Amongst the rugged terrain and steep slopes of Axarquía, you can discover a collection of small family-run wineries. Wine-tastings can be combined with visits to nearby whitewashed villages like Frigiliana – a worthy winner of the ‘prettiest village in Andalucia’ comparison.
Axarquía is a really authentic area that opens the door to discovering a more unusual wine-making landscape in Spain that is often overlooked. Despite being less visited, it is the main wine-producing subzone within Málaga, making it more than accessible for travellers to venture a little off the beaten path to savour the local grape varieties native to the zone.
El Puerto de Santa Maria
Spain’s Sherry Country, in the region of Cádiz, dates back centuries, forming an integral part of Spain’s viticultural heritage. While Jerez de La Frontera might be the most famous among Sherry-seeking visitors to Spain, it’s lesser-known towns like El Puerto de Santa Maria that are well worth attention too.
With many authentic, family-run bodegas dotted amongst its white-washed houses, this vibrant town forms one of the key points on the sherry triangle, with its overlooked status offering a more exclusive experience. El Puerto de Santa Maria is a fantastic choice if you want to be plunged into a very authentic-feeling Spanish wine-growing region, which is also a bit of a cultural hotspot.
Vineyards in this region still utilise ancient wine-growing traditions and showcase this independent pillar of Spain’s wine culture. Putting traditional ‘Pale Cream’ sherries to one side, must-try varieties in El Puerto de Santa Maria include crisp Manzanillas, aromatic Palo Cortados, and our favourite, complex Amontillados.
Visiting El Puerto de Santa Maria’s top bodegas offers a holistic insight into Spain’s sherry triangle. We’ve heard great things about Bodega Osborne, which is a family business dating back over 200 years, offering authentic tours and tastings and an opportunity to pair sherries with a traditional bite in its on-site Toros Tapas restaurant.
If you’re hoping to uncover Spain’s sherry country, take a look at our collection of exclusive Cadiz villas.
Ronda
Ronda has an ever-evolving boutique wine scene that is putting it on the map amongst wine lovers who have typically gravitated towards the country’s more popular Spanish wine destinations. The region’s uncomplicated connection to the local wine-growing landscape is what makes it a location that should be on oenophiles’ radars, with a plethora of authentic wine-making establishments to discover within easy reach.
The town is part of the Serranía de Ronda, known for its unique terroir. Perched above a deep gorge, visitors can not only savour Ronda’s distinct boutique wine scene but also indulge in fantastic countryside views.
Some of the best boutique bodegas in Ronda are Descalzos Viejos – based in a converted 16th-century monastery – and Bodega F Schatz. Sommeliers work in harmony with winemakers at local vineyards within striking distance of the town to showcase local wines’ unique quality and characteristics.
Many more bodegas lie nearby, each having its own take on crafting impressive Ronda wines in the DO Sierras de Malaga, many of which are award-winning, including Petit Verdot and Malbec, the latter of which we highly recommend from Bodegas Conrad.
For those looking to experience the Ruta de los Vinos, explore our luxury villas in Ronda.
Antequera
Nicknamed ‘The Heart of Andalucia’ for its location and transport links, historic Antequera is not one of the major wine regions of Spain. Rather, the city has secured its reputation for showcasing off-the-radar local and regional wines with unique flavours and characteristics.
While Antequera has rarely had its moment in the spotlight, its lush landscapes are deeply rooted in local heritage and showcase the simple beauty of local wine cultivation in Spain. It is often passed by travellers rushing between the cultural hotspots of Seville and Málaga, but the region has several gems that offer an entirely unique viticultural experience.
History can be found at every turn in Antequera, acting as a constant reminder of previous civilisations that helped build this wine-making area and its humble beginnings. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a true ‘hidden gem’ in Andalucia, as well as wine lovers who want a delicious dose of history and culture along with the best Spanish wine.
Gross Hermanos is a beautiful, family-run winery just outside Antequera, and it’s revolutionising the local winery scene with its production of non-traditional wines. It’s a small, personal set-up with stunning views of the El Torcal mountains – a great example of an intimate, local winemaking setting that epitomises the local wine landscape and culture while making waves in the industry.
Dreaming of Spanish Vineyards?
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing you’ve discovered a hidden gem whilst on your travels. So we’ll keep these budding Spanish wine regions to ourselves and our guests for the next few years at least.
The wine destinations we’ve explored in this guide are quietly enriching southern Spain’s viticultural landscape and solidifying their name in Spain’s wine scene.
We work with some incredible local sommeliers and wine experts, so we are happy to organise a variety of wine tasting experiences and vineyard trips across these regions, helping you to uncover the hidden Spanish wine regions that are slowly making their way onto the mainstream scene.
The Luxury Villa Collection is a boutique travel agency offering a hand-selected portfolio of beautiful private homes in Spain, with a team of knowledgeable local experts regularly organising wine experiences for its discerning clientele.
Take a look at our full portfolio of luxurious Spanish villas on our website, or discover more wine recommendations in our guide to wine tasting near Marbella or the best wine tasting experiences in Ronda. If you’re looking for more of an overview of the kinds of wine you’ll discover in Spain, our introduction to Spanish wines is also excellent reading material.
Lindsay Gregory
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