Discover Spain’s Hidden Gems: The Top Wine Bars You Must Visit

When it comes to sampling Spanish varietals, there are few places as iconic as La Venencia in Madrid. This atmospheric wine bar, with its dim lighting, wooden barrels, and dusty bottles, has been serving up some of Spain’s finest sherries since the early 20th century. The bar’s no-nonsense approach—there are no frills, no tapas, and definitely no tipping—adds to its charm. Instead, the focus is on the wine, with a selection of dry, nutty finos and rich, sweet olorosos that transport you straight to the heart of Jerez. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, and every sip is a journey into Spain’s winemaking history. In Barcelona, El Xampanyet is a must-visit for lovers of cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne. This lively, bustling bar, located in the heart of the city’s El Born district, has been serving up crisp, refreshing cava since 1929. The walls are lined with blue-and-white tiles, and the atmosphere is convivial, with locals and tourists alike crowding around the bar to enjoy glasses of cava served in traditional flat-bottomed glasses. The cava is accompanied by a selection of classic Catalan tapas, including jamón ibérico, boquerones, and pan con tomate. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Barcelona’s vibrant streets. For a taste of the Basque Country, head to La Viña del Ensanche in Bilbao. This iconic wine bar, located in the heart of the city’s Ensanche district, offers an extensive selection of wines from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. The bar’s knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your pintxos, the Basque Country’s answer to tapas. Highlights include the grilled octopus, the foie gras with apple, and the bar’s signature dish, the carrillera, a slow-cooked beef cheek served with a rich red wine reduction. If you find yourself in Seville, make sure to visit Casa Morales, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved wine bars. Located just a stone’s throw from the city’s iconic cathedral, Casa Morales has been serving up some of Andalusia’s finest wines since 1850. The bar’s rustic decor, with its wooden barrels and dusty bottles, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a glass of chilled manzanilla or a rich, full-bodied Rioja. The bar also offers a selection of traditional Andalusian tapas, including jamón ibérico, salmorejo, and pringá, a hearty stew made with pork, chorizo, and morcilla. No visit to Valencia would be complete without a stop at Casa Montaña, one of the city’s most famous wine bars. Located in the historic El Cabanyal district, this charming bar has been serving up some of Spain’s finest wines since 1836. The bar’s extensive wine list features over 1,000 different labels, with a particular focus on wines from the Valencia region. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer recommendations, whether you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing white to pair with your paella or a bold, full-bodied red to accompany your jamón ibérico. In the heart of Granada’s Albaicín district, Bodegas Castañeda is a must-visit for lovers of Andalusian wines. This atmospheric wine bar, with its stone walls, wooden beams, and dusty bottles, offers a wide selection of wines from the region, including the famous wines of the Alpujarras. Highlights include the bar’s signature vermouth, a sweet, aromatic fortified wine that’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer’s evening. The vermouth is best enjoyed with a selection of the bar’s classic tapas, including jamón ibérico, queso manchego, and boquerones. In Santiago de Compostela, O Sendeiro is a hidden gem for lovers of Galician wines. This cozy wine bar, located in a historic building in the heart of the city, offers an extensive selection of wines from the Rías Baixas and Ribeira Sacra regions. The bar’s knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer recommendations, whether you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing Albariño to pair with your seafood or a bold, full-bodied Mencía to accompany your chorizo. The bar also offers a selection of traditional Galician tapas, including pulpo a feira, a dish of octopus served with olive oil and paprika.