Granada’s Mediterranean coast and its sunny foothills are ideal climates for winemaking. This is one of the oldest wineproducing areas in the world, as shown by the archaeological remains of the Phoenician city of Sexi from the 7th century BC. About 5 kilometres from Motril, the Ron Montero Bodega is home to one of Spain’s most renowned rum brands. Founded in 1963 by Francisco Montero Martín, a thirdgeneration winemaker, this bodega has more than half a century of experience producing artisan rums. During a tour of the facilities, you can learn about the rummaking process, from the sugar cane fermentation to the distillation and aging in American oak barrels. A guided tour of the Bodega Barranco Oscuro takes you to the Sierra de la Contraviesa, where you can visit the vineyards and the winery itself. It is one of the first wineries in Spain to produce natural wines, made from organically grown grapes, with no additives, and aged in French and American oak barrels. A winetasting session will help you appreciate the unique qualities of these wines. If you’d like to explore Granada’s wine country further, head to the Alpujarra and Costa Tropical region, where you’ll find the Bodega Cuatro Vientos in Murtas. This winery, boasting a 200year tradition, is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. You’ll see how organic wines are made, as well as their production of cheese, honey, and olive oil, and you’ll finish the tour with a tasting. The Bodega Señorío de Nevada, in Villamena, also offers the chance to participate in the grape harvest and tread the grapes in the traditional way. For lunch, you can take part in a tasting of wines and local products like cured meats, cheeses, and stews.
The Granada province, with its diverse landscapes and microclimates, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. One of the most captivating wine experiences is found in the Bodega Vertijana, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This boutique winery focuses on producing highquality, limitededition wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Visitors can wander through the vineyards, learning about the organic farming techniques that make these wines so special. The winery itself is a blend of modern technology and traditional methods, with stainless steel vats standing alongside oak barrels in which the wines mature. The tasting room offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for sampling their signature red wines, known for their rich, fruity character and subtle hints of spice. A short drive away, in the picturesque village of La Taha, lies the Bodega Los Barrancos. This familyrun winery prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The vineyards are situated on terraced slopes, where the vines benefit from the warm sun and cool mountain breezes. During a tour, visitors can see firsthand how the winery uses natural processes to enhance the quality of its wines, from composting and natural pest control to solarpowered facilities. The tasting experience here is intimate and personal, with the winemaker himself often on hand to guide guests through the nuances of the different varietals. Their white wines, in particular, are a revelation, with crisp acidity and floral notes that capture the essence of the Sierra Nevada. For a truly immersive experience, the Bodega Fuente Victoria offers a unique blend of wine, history, and culture. Located in the Alpujarra region, this winery is set in a restored 16thcentury farmhouse, complete with traditional Andalusian architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The vineyards here are planted at altitudes of over 1,000 meters, giving the wines a distinctive character that is both fresh and complex. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, from guided vineyard tours and wine tastings to cooking classes and traditional music performances. The winery’s restaurant serves up delicious local dishes, perfectly paired with their wines, making it a culinary destination in its own right. No visit to Granada’s wine country would be complete without a stop at the Bodega Marañones, located in the heart of the Costa Tropical. This familyowned winery is known for its innovative approach to winemaking, combining traditional techniques with modern technology to produce wines of exceptional quality. The vineyards are planted on steep, southfacing slopes, where the vines soak up the Mediterranean sun. The winery itself is a marvel of engineering, with gravityfed systems that minimize the need for pumps and machinery, preserving the delicate flavors of the grapes. The tasting room is a sleek, modern space, offering panoramic views of the coast and the sea beyond. Here, visitors can sample a range of wines, from crisp whites and rosés to fullbodied reds, each one a testament to the dedication and passion of the winemaking team.
