Spain is a land of wine, with over 70 Designations of Origin and more than a hundred wineproducing areas. Some of the most famous are La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Albariño, and Jerez, but there are many others to discover. Wine tourism is a great way to explore the country, and there are numerous wine routes to follow. The Rioja Alta Wine Route, the Ribera del Duero Wine Route, and the Marco de Jerez Wine Route are just a few examples. Each one offers a chance to visit wineries, sample local wines, and experience the unique culture of the region. Wine festivals are a highlight of the year, with many celebrated across the country. In September, the Wine Harvest Festival in Jerez de la Frontera is a mustsee, featuring the traditional treading of the grapes in Plaza del Arenal. The festival also includes the Fiesta de la Bulería, a flamenco celebration, and the International Tío Pepe Engraving Contest. La Rioja celebrates its own Wine Harvest Festival on 21 September, coinciding with the feast of San Mateo. The festival lasts for a week and includes the treading of the first grapes, the blessing of the must, and a variety of events such as a tapas festival, fireworks, and grape treading competitions. In Aranda de Duero, the Sonorama Ribera Festival combines music and wine, with concerts taking place in local wineries. The Jumilla Wine Festival in Murcia features the traditional Caballista Parade and a procession of floats, where participants give out wine and local products. The festival also includes the Treading of the Grapes and the blessing of the must. One of the oldest wine festivals is the Wine Fight in Haro, La Rioja, which takes place on 29 June. Thousands of people gather to douse each other in wine, creating a joyful spectacle. After the wine fight, the celebrations continue with music, dancing, and local food. Another unique event is the Wine Festival of the Ribeira Sacra in Chantada, Lugo, where local wines are celebrated with a medieval fair and traditional music. In October, the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Chiclana, Cádiz, marks the end of the harvest season with a variety of events, including the treading of the grapes, wine tastings, and a flamenco festival. The festival also features the crowning of the Wine Queen and her court. In Galicia, the Albariño Festival in Cambados is one of the oldest wine festivals in Spain, dating back to 1953. The festival takes place in August and includes wine tastings, concerts, and fireworks. The Albariño wines are the stars of the show, with local wineries showcasing their best vintages. The Ribera del Duero region also has its own wine festival, the Fiesta de la Vendimia, held in September. The festival includes a grape treading competition, a parade of floats, and a variety of cultural events. In the Canary Islands, the Wine Harvest Festival in La Orotava, Tenerife, is a colorful celebration of the local wine industry. The festival includes a parade of traditional carts, a grape treading competition, and the crowning of the Wine Queen. The festival also features musical performances and a fireworks display.
Beyond the wellknown wine regions, Spain offers hidden gems where lesserknown wines and unique harvest festivals provide an authentic taste of local culture. In the Valencian Community, the UtielRequena Wine Route stands out for its ancient vineyards nestled in a picturesque landscape of rolling hills. The route offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from visiting Roman wine presses to exploring modern wineries that blend tradition with innovation. September brings the Harvest Festival, where the streets of Requena fill with the aroma of roasted lamb and the sounds of folk music, culminating in the grand parade of floats adorned with grapes and wine. In the heart of Andalusia, the MontillaMoriles Wine Route is home to one of Spain’s most distinctive wines, Montilla, a fortified wine similar to sherry but with its own distinct character. The whitewashed villages of the region celebrate the harvest with the Fiesta de la Vendimia in September, where locals gather to tread grapes in traditional stone presses. Visitors can sample a variety of Montilla wines, from the delicate Fino to the rich Pedro Ximénez, accompanied by tapas of Iberian ham and local cheeses. The festivities continue with flamenco performances and a lively street fair that lasts well into the night. The Canary Islands offer a unique wine experience with their volcanic soils and rare grape varieties. The Island of Lanzarote, with its lunarlike landscape, is particularly famous for its Malvasía wine, grown in sunken pits protected by stone walls. The Lanzarote Wine Harvest Festival in August is a vibrant celebration, featuring traditional Canarian music, dance, and a chance to witness the unique viticultural practices that make Lanzarote’s wines so special. The festival also includes tastings of local delicacies like papas arrugadas and mojo sauce, creating a feast for the senses in this otherworldly setting. In the north of Spain, the Basque Country offers the Txakoli Wine Route, where visitors can explore the coastal vineyards that produce Txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine with a crisp, fresh flavor. The village of Getaria hosts the Txakoli Harvest Festival in September, where the streets are lined with stalls offering Txakoli tastings and traditional Basque pintxos. The highlight of the festival is the Basque rural sports competition, featuring traditional events like stone lifting and wood chopping, providing a lively backdrop to the wine celebrations. The Ribeira Sacra region in Galicia is another hidden treasure, known for its dramatic landscapes of terraced vineyards clinging to steep riverbanks. The region’s wine festival, held in the town of Monforte de Lemos in August, is a showcase of the local Mencía and Godello wines. The festival combines wine tastings with cultural events, including traditional Galician music and dance, as well as a medieval fair where artisans display their crafts. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Sil River, taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards from the water. Each of these regions offers a unique glimpse into Spain’s diverse wine culture, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. Whether it’s the fiery flamenco of Andalusia, the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, or the lush greenery of Galicia, Spain’s wine routes promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
