The wine tourism routes of Spain

Spain is well known for its great wines and not simply for the outstanding quality of its produce, but also for the variety available. From the north to the south of the Spanish mainland we find numerous wine growing regions, each with its own particular identity and which are undeniably known as the “vineyards”. The possibilities are endless for tourism combining wine, culture, sport and of course the wonderful gastronomy of Spain and here we hope to present you with a few suggestions of different options covering all tastes and budgets.

We are obliged, of course, to mention Rioja, which signifies the most prestigious and renowned wine growing regions of the country and where we can discover the most traditional, yet modern wine cellars. For lovers of contemporary architecture and fine wine, we find examples of advanced architecture in the cellars of “Ysios” and “Herederos Del Marqués de Riscal” .The first of these was designed by the famed Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, and is located in the town of Laguardia in the Rioja Alvesa. The building fits perfectly well into the landscape at the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria, where visitors can sample a magnificent reserve while familiarizing themselves with the thoroughly modern production systems. This cellar is open to the public every day, but it is necessary to pre-book an appointment.

The second of these cellars, “Herederos del Marqués de Riscal” is integrated into an ambitious project named the “City of Wine”. Situated in Elciego (in the Rioja Alavesa), the City of Wine is a complex consisting of the former wine cellar of the Marquis of Riscal (1858), the oldest in the Rioja region and a new building designed by the Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Without a doubt, the City of Wine is truly a 21st century palace, boasting a hotel, wine therapy spa and an exclusive restaurant where one can enjoy all the different experiences that wine has to offer, a world full of vivacious sensations. The hotel offers various tourist packages for around €300, providing clients with two nights accommodation and allowing them to enjoy a tour around the main wine cellars in Rioja, including that of the Marquis de Riscal as well as inclusive access to the “Caudalíe” wine therapy spa.

As we travel from the Rioja region to the Mediterranean, we find ourselves stopping at Penedés, an area of excellent wines and celebrated cava. The region’s “routes of wine and cava” cover the area between Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast and the inland Tarragona. Vilafranca del Penedés and San Sadurni d’Anoia are the two principal towns of the route. As in other areas, “vineyard tourism” in this region is plentiful, so much so that cellars with guided tours are now specialised and highly valued part of the local tourist infrastructure. Amongst the great range of possibilities offered in this area, one of the most popular and which is of special interest, is the ability to travel the wine tasting route by bicycle. The “Spanish Trails Adventure” offer day excursions by bicycle, guiding you through the beautiful Catalonian vineyards, enjoying the seasons of wine and cava that are found along the route. This excursion is perfect for those who would like to learn more about the world of wine and cava whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the Spanish countryside.

Finally we journey south into Andalusia, arriving at the wine growing region of Jerez, home to one of the most renowned and internationally esteemed wine. The mild Mediterranean climate of the area and its popular customs make Andalusia a national leader in tourism involving wine and culture. To further secure this reputation and amalgamate the many attractions of this specialised tourist sector in the area, the “Wine and Brandy routes del Marco de Jerez” were created in 2006. These draw together all the initiatives of the principal cities in the region including Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Jerez de la Frontera. For this area, we recommend combining wine and sport with a visit to Montecastillo Golf Resort in Jerez de la Frontera. This prestigious complex plays host to an 18 hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and includes an excellent hotel and spa. The resort is also well known for its gastronomic delights which, when combined with the magnificent on-site wine cellar offering the entire Jerez collection, creates a paradise of tastes and sensations. Situated in the countryside of Jerez, this resort is perfectly located for visits to the different wine cellars of the area, followed by a relaxing round of golf. A fantastic weekend at the Hotel Montecastillo, including two nights accommodation, breakfast, welcome evening meal, a Green Fee with buggy and daily guided tours to the best wine cellars of the region, will cost approximately €500 per couple and is an experience not to be missed.

As we mentioned in the beginning, in this article we have attempted to provide a basic insight into some of the activities relating to “vineyard tourism” in Spain, but this is nothing more than a small representation of what this class of tourism has to offer in our country. There are many more regions to explore than we have space to mention and countless activities that you will discover for yourself in time. It is important to remember that vineyard tourism goes beyond knowledge of places, monuments and people. To fully appreciate what Spain and its vineyards have to offer we must immerse ourselves into a world of sensations, smells and tastes that help us discover the culture and traditions of this wonderful country from a unique perspective.