Discover 10 of the best wineries to visit in Spain, from Rioja and Ribera del Duero to Penedès, Priorat and Jerez, with standout wines and cellar experiences.
Cellar Tours Insight
— Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private food and wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.
Estimated reading time: 87 minutes
Spain’s best winery visits range from historic Rioja cellars and Ribera del Duero estates to pioneering producers in Penedès, Priorat, and Jerez. These ten stand out for their wine quality, their significance in Spanish wine history, and the experience they offer visitors.
If anyone wants an example of how a wine-producing nation can completely reinvent itself, they should look to Spain. Once renowned for Rioja, Sherry, and little else, Spain now boasts a plethora of fashionable regions and modern wineries, sustained by continuing investment from local entrepreneurs and global visionaries. Moreover, massive investment in regions such as Galicia has spearheaded a revolution in how oenologists approach white wines; Spain is no longer merely the country of sturdy, robust reds.
Indeed, Spain once had little clout and little reputation in the white wine world. In recent decades, interest in Spain’s varied and exciting white wine styles has exploded, with restaurants worldwide relishing the chance to list racy Albariño from Galicia and aromatic, fresh Verdejo from Rueda. Hand in hand with this viticultural shakeup has come a major renaissance in Spanish attitudes to wine tourism. Today, modern tasting rooms and luxury accommodations typically underpin any visit to a leading Spanish region. In contrast, top Spanish chefs continue to win awards – the legendary El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, has been awarded the lofty title of “Best Restaurant in the World” twice by Restaurant Magazine.
Together, these factors create an unparalleled experience for lovers of fine food and drink, as Spanish wineries are now more than qualified to welcome even the most discerning visitors. The only problem is knowing where to start – in that spirit, Cellar Tours has done all the hard work for you and selected ten of our favorite properties to visit.
A beautiful single-estate property on a bend of the Ebro, with vineyards sloping down to the river; cellar and winery tour; guided tasting with local charcuterie; 4×4 vineyard excursions; and, weather permitting, picnics beside the Ebro.
Lauren Rosillo, the winemaker at the justly celebrated Finca Valpiedra estate in Rioja, is today recognized as one of Spain’s finest minds as she continues to craft refined, elegant examples of modern Rioja from an exceptional terroir at the heart of the region. So it’s hardly surprising that Finca Valpiedra is now a proud member of Spain’s Grandes Pagos de España. This private association unites leading Spanish estates around a terroir-driven, single-estate philosophy.
Yet this modern winery is owned by one of the region’s oldest winemaking families – Martínez Bujanda. Originally established in 1889 by patriarch Joaquin Martinez-Bujanda, Finca Valpiedra was subsequently opened in 1999 by his great-grandchildren, Carlos and Pilar. They are the region’s modern face; with their energy, passion, and drive, they continue to bring international acclaim to this historic Rioja estate.
Atmospheric 19th-century cellars on the banks of the Ebro; barrel-aging rooms carved into the rock; RODA’s striking photographic collection; guided tastings, including AUBOCASSA olive oil; and the superb terrace overlooking the river. Seasonal vineyard walks can also be arranged.
The darling of Rioja connoisseurs and Spain’s well-heeled elite, RODA is possibly one of the best examples of modern Rioja. Founded in 1987 by the Rotllant Daurella family, RODA occupies an enviable position in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, overlooking the Ebro. Their ethos has been the same from the outset: to produce only the very best reds from low-yielding Tempranillo vineyards at prices that are far from unreasonable. As a result, Roda commands a loyal following at home and abroad.
A classic Haro bodega in the Barrio de la Estación; the fascinating in-house cooperage; traditional barrel racking by candlelight; private tasting rooms; and the chance to explore some of La Rioja Alta’s celebrated Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.
This bodega set the quality standards in Rioja, offering an incredibly consistent range of red and white wines among the best in this venerable region. The winery was founded in 1890 when five vineyard-owning families formed the company. Today, it remains family-owned and upholds the best Riojan winemaking traditions, including aging the Reserva and Gran Reserva wines for considerable periods before release. However, La Rioja Alta is no anachronism and has kept up with modern practices while maintaining its absolute dedication to quality, which is probably why its Gran Reserva 904 remains one of Rioja’s most exceptional traditional wines: a complex, velvety delight that is sheer heaven to taste.
4.PESQUERA
Best forTempranillo lovers and Spanish wine history enthusiasts
The historic 16th-century stone lagar where the first Pesquera wines were made; a tour through the modern winery and barrel cellars; guided tastings of the estate’s Tempranillo-based wines; and the option to combine the visit with local cheese and a stay in nearby Peñafiel.
Founded in 1972 by Alejandro Fernández and his wife Esperanza, today, this iconic estate requires little introduction to seasoned Spanish wine lovers. Indeed, Pesquera caused a massive stir after its inaugural release in 1975, when Robert Parker rated it on par with top Bordeaux, and the price soared. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after Spanish wines, with the top cuvee Janus restricted to limited allocations.
Yet at the time of its inception in 1972, Ribera Del Duero was hardly known to wine lovers – the region was only awarded DO status as recently as 1982 and continues to be one of Spain’s most innovative and exciting regions. All the Pesquera wines hit the mark. However, the icon wine Janus astounds with its incredible depth, complexity, and concentration of flavor. A fitting poster child for the potential and quality inherent to this fascinating part of Spain’s viticultural landscape.
A particularly attractive estate beside the Duero, surrounded by old pine forest; walks through the vineyards; visits to the winery and barrel cellar; the estate’s historic chapel; tastings with local products and olive oil; plus bicycle rides and picnic options through the vineyards.
Just as Pesquera started a revolution in Ribera del Duero’s winemaking, Finca Villacreces has continued its impressive groundwork by producing a small selection of outstanding reds. Gonzalo and Lalo Antón acquired the estate in 2004 and reopened the restored winery in 2007. Today the historic property comprises 110 hectares, including 64 hectares of vineyard divided into 15 plots, surrounded by the Duero and a centuries-old pine forest.
A close look at one of Penedès’ best-known sparkling-wine estates; underground cellars where Kripta develops during its long aging; guided tastings of the estate’s sparkling wines; and, in fine weather, a glass on the Kripta terrace.
Agusti Torello became one of Spain’s most respected and widely known Cava producers. It is an impeccably run, superbly equipped boutique sparkling wine house, established in 1950 by Agusti Torello Mata, from a family of tailors and musicians. Its reputation was built on producing top-quality Cavas in a vibrant, powerful style, wines better suited to the dinner table than the role of aperitif. In 2025, the family took a new direction, leaving the DO Cava and joining Corpinnat under the Celler Kripta name. However, the real talking point remains its prestige cuvee Kripta, which comes in a replica Roman amphora bottle and is perhaps Spain’s most iconic sparkling wine. It invokes Krug with its power, intensity of flavor, and concentration – proof that great Penedès sparkling wine can stand comparison with the best.
Biodynamic vineyards and a family-run cellar with plenty to see: vineyard walks, visits to the barrel room and historic sparkling-wine cellar, guided tastings of still and sparkling wines, 4×4 excursions through the Penedès countryside, and optional cheese or chocolate pairings.
One of our favorite wineries, Pares Balta, is run by a very charming family and boasts two female winemakers – Marta Casas and Maria Elena Jiménez. The property has been making wine since the late 18th century. In addition to Cava, they produce a range of excellent still wines. However, we’re particularly taken with the Blanca Cusiné, an extraordinarily generous and opulent Cava that deserves to be savored over a long dinner, which will undoubtedly be on the cards at Spain’s most convivial wine estate.
A handsome family estate with vineyards surrounding the winery; the remarkable underground cellar built some 20 meters below ground in 1941; guided tastings with local cheeses; and, for serious sparkling-wine lovers, the opportunity to explore some of Nadal’s long-aged and older releases.
Nadal boasts a long history dating back to the early 16th century, with documentary evidence of the family estate from 1510. A decisive new chapter began in 1941, when Ramon Nadal Giró recovered vineyards that had been used as an airfield during the Spanish Civil War and constructed the underground cellar twenty meters below ground. The first Nadal sparkling wine followed in 1943. Today Nadal is a founding member of Corpinnat, continuing its tradition of long-aged sparkling wines from the family estate.
An intimate visit in the heart of Gratallops; the French-oak barrel cellar; traditional racking by candlelight; and a focused tasting of wines such as Clos de l’Obac, Miserere and Kyrie.
Carles Pastrana, owner of the famous Costers del Siurana estate in the small Catalunya village of Gratallops, is clearly one of the movement’s Godfathers, bringing Priorat’s remarkable terroir to the world stage. While his contemporaries Alvaro Palacios, René Barbier, and Daphne Glorian arrived in Priorat in the late 1980s, Pastrana was already doing important work in the 1970s and was among the first to revive Priorat’s winemaking fortunes. His world-renowned brand, Clos de l’Obac, is legendary for its power and concentration, produced at one of the most idyllic boutique wineries in the charming wine village of Gratallops.
A wonderfully atmospheric Jerez bodega in the old Santiago quarter; traditional criaderas and soleras filled with American-oak butts; a stroll through the bodega’s vine-covered interior streets; and guided tastings spanning the Classic, Antique and Singular ranges, with brandies and tapas also available.
Welcome to Sherry production at its finest! Situated in Jerez de la Frontera’s heart, Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla is named after the Spanish monarch King Fernando III of Castile. It rose to new heights after Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with a major passion for Sherry, bought the property in 1999. His investment, energy, and enthusiasm have paid massive dividends, adding yet another string to the bow of this charming part of Andalusia – a veritable tourist paradise.
Genevieve, originally from San Diego, California, has spent the last 25 years living in Europe, primarily in Spain, Ireland, and Italy. She has a background in the wine industry, having worked for a top wine importer in Ireland and a prestigious winery in Italy's Franciacorta region. In 2003, Genevieve founded Cellar Tours, a boutique wine tours company based in Madrid, Spain. She holds wine education credentials from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London and has a strong network within the European wine industry. Genevieve specializes in organizing VIP tours to exclusive wineries that are not accessible to the general public. With a passion for food and wine, fluency in multiple languages, and expertise in luxury travel and tourism, Genevieve has built a successful career in creating unique wine experiences.
4 thoughts on “10 of the Best Wineries to Visit in Spain”
Des Mc Carthysays:
October 19, 2018 at 8:15 am
Hi Chop, pleased to meet you. You can contact me on [email protected], and I will gladly help you with your questions
chop eannessays:
October 17, 2018 at 2:31 am
Hi we are a group of 9
Would like to visit and stay 1-2nights at vineyard for friend birthday celebration on 4november
Which one would u suggest ?
Des Mc Carthysays:
March 2, 2018 at 9:56 am
Hi monica, pleased to meet you. You can contact me on [email protected], and I will gladly help you with your questions
Monica Marshallsays:
February 27, 2018 at 4:51 pm
We will visit Spain in July (2 adult, 1 child). We will start from Barcelona, is it possible to do a day trip to do wine trip to the most reputable wine producer (near Barcelona) or we should stay a nite in a town near the vineyards?
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Des Mc Carthysays:
October 19, 2018 at 8:15 am
Hi Chop, pleased to meet you. You can contact me on [email protected], and I will gladly help you with your questions
chop eannessays:
October 17, 2018 at 2:31 am
Hi we are a group of 9 Would like to visit and stay 1-2nights at vineyard for friend birthday celebration on 4november Which one would u suggest ?
Des Mc Carthysays:
March 2, 2018 at 9:56 am
Hi monica, pleased to meet you. You can contact me on [email protected], and I will gladly help you with your questions
Monica Marshallsays:
February 27, 2018 at 4:51 pm
We will visit Spain in July (2 adult, 1 child). We will start from Barcelona, is it possible to do a day trip to do wine trip to the most reputable wine producer (near Barcelona) or we should stay a nite in a town near the vineyards?