Spain, alongside France and Italy, is one of Europe’s big three wine-producing countries. In fact, Spain boasts more vineyard area than any other country on Earth, making it a giant in the global wine industry. The diversity of the country both in terms of geography and climate allows Spain to produce a wide variety of wines, each with its own unique characteristics. This diversity is reflected in the 17 wine-producing regions across the country, including Castilla-La-Mancha, Catalonia, Andalucia, Castilla y Leon, Rioja and remote areas like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

Spanish winemaking dates back over 3,000 years, with significant contributions from the Phoenicians and Romans. However, the wine gained international prominence in the 19th century, when French winemakers, fleeing the devastation of the phylloxera pest arrived in Rioja and helped elevate the region’s production. Rioja remains one of Spain’s key regions, home to approximately 600 wineries. Over the years, Spain has embraced technological advancements, wine classifications like the Denominación de Origen (DO) system, and has gained recognition for producing wines that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those from France and Italy.

The diversity of Spain’s climate and geology plays a huge role in the distinct characteristics of its wines. The country has a broad range of climates, from the cool, coastal breezes of Galicia in the northwest to the hot, dry interior regions like Castilla-La Mancha. The varied terroirs , a combination of soil type, climate, and altitude create a wide array of microclimates and growing conditions, each producing wines with unique flavors and aromas.

Spanish is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, with Tempranillo, Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, and Cabernet Sauvignon being the most popular red varieties. For white wines, the Airén, Viura, Macabeo, Palomino, and Albariño are key players. Red wines are often medium to full-bodied, with rich fruit flavors (red berries, dark fruit), balanced acidity, and noticeable tannins, especially in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero. White wines are typically crisp, fresh, and high in acidity, with citrus and floral notes, particularly in varieties like Albariño. 

Laguna Cellar featuring Yjar, a remarkable wine from the Domaine Remelluri, one of the most celebrated estates in Rioja.