Travel through the Spanish hinterland along three wine routes

Rioja Alta, Marco de Jerez, and Ribera del Duero: the most authentic wine tourism in Spain

Wine tourism in Spain today is booming, with three unmissable routes standing out for wine professionals and lovers alike: Rioja Alta, Marco de Jerez, and Ribera del Duero. These regions not only offer renowned wines, they also combine history, unique landscapes, and wine-tourism experiences that enchant thousands of visitors every year.

Rioja Alta Wine Route: tradition and excellence

The Rioja Alta Wine Route extends into one of the most iconic wine-growing areas, the cradle of some of the most prestigious wines of La Rioja. Its landscape, dominated by extensive vineyards, is framed by the imposing mountain ranges of Toloño, Cantabria, and the Sierra de La Demanda, while the Ebro River meanders through the region, bringing life and beauty to the surrounding environment. In addition to its natural wealth, this region stands out for its valuable historical and artistic heritage, in complement to its cultural identity. Its wine-tourism offering includes tastings in century-old wineries, tours of vineyards on horseback, bicycle, or quads, as well as gastronomic experiences that combine the region's red wines with Riojan cuisine.

Tasting of three wines from the Jerez region on the beach of Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz, Spain)
Tasting of three wines from the Jerez region on the beach of Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz, Spain) © Shutterstock

Marco de Jerez Wine and Brandy Route: the art of Andalusian wine

Located in the southwest of Andalusia, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet, the Marco de Jerez Wine and Brandy Route spans nine municipalities that make up the production area of some prestigious Denominations of Origin for wine, brandy, and vinegar. This area’s exceptional climate makes it perfect for the cultivation of three grape varieties essential to the production of recognized products. Marco de Jerez is a world leader in the cultivation of wine and brandy, with wineries offering venencia shows, tours of century-old soleras, and tastings. The destination invites you to savor experiences where gastronomy, flamenco, festivals, and history intertwine to reveal the purest essence of Andalusia.

Ribera del Duero Wine Route: high-altitude wines and unparalleled landscapes

The Ribera del Duero Wine Route extends over some 70 miles, crossing the provinces of Burgos, Segovia, Soria, and Valladolid in Castile and León. Following the course of the Duero River, this route offers a journey through landscapes of rolling hills and fertile valleys, where viticulture has given rise to wines of exceptional quality. An ideal destination for those seeking a combination of wine tourism, history, and nature. The diversity of experiences in Ribera del Duero allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of wine in a host of different ways: from a sunset in the vineyard with wine tasting, to an enogastronomic experience with locally sourced products. It is also possible to enjoy activities such as red-wine tasting in an underground cellar or a hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards.