Curator’s statement
If you’re a wine lover heading to Spain, don’t stop at Rioja or Ribera del Duero. Some of the country’s most exciting wines come from lesser-visited corners—vineyards steeped in history and character, and surrounded by stunning scenery. These spots make ideal side trips from Barcelona, Valencia, or Santiago de Compostela. Here’s a quick look at some of my favorite wine zones and their vineyards.
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Montsant, Catalonia
Two hours—and a world away—from the madness of Barcelona, Montsant is all craggy limestone ridges, olive groves, and steep vineyard terraces. Often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor Priorat, Montsant is a Designation of Origin that produces smooth, rounded reds made mainly from Garnacha and Cariñena grapes. The tiny village of Cornudella de Montsant is the perfect base. Celler Cooperatiu (designed by a student of Gaudí) is a great first stop in the village, before heading to Celler de l’Era, Baronia del Montsant, and Celler Ronadelles for tours and tastings.
Montsant
Utiel-Requena, Valencia
Utiel-Requena remains largely off the wine-tourist trail despite being a one-hour drive from Valencia center. This region is all about Bobal, a bold, native grape that’s been cultivated here for over 2,500 years and survived the Phylloxera plague. A new generation of winemakers is helping elevate Bobal’s reputation with award-winning bottles. For tastings, head to Murviedro Bodega Histórica in Requena’s old town, or visit family-run bodegas like Vera de Estenas and Pago de Tharsys, both of which have guest rooms if you’d rather not drive back to Valencia.
Vera de Estenas winery
Ribeira Sacra, Galicia
In northwest Spain, Galicia is famous for crisp Albariño whites, but venture inland and you’ll be stunned by one of Spain’s most gorgeous wine sub-regions: the Ribeira Sacra. Here, vineyards cling to the almost-vertical slopes of the Sil and Miño river canyons, so steep they must be harvested by hand. The region mainly produces delicious reds from Mencía grapes. You can sample them at wineries like Regina Viarum, Adega Algueira, and Finca Míllara while enjoying the best river views—or sip while cruising down the Sil on a boat.
The River Sil
Need to know
Check when you book if a winery visit/tasting is in English or Spanish.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Spain page.
Travel Advisor
Jill Petzinger
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