Spanish Wine Guide: Styles, Varieties & Buying Tips for 2025

Sipping sangria on the beach and thinking you've tasted Spanish wine? Think again. Sangria may be a tourist favourite, but that's not how locals enjoy wine. 

Spain is one of the world's leading producers (3rd place after France and Italy), with over 4,100 wineries in all 17 regions. Living in Andalucía allows me to taste real wines and talk to local sommeliers, which I'll share here.

This guide covers Spanish wine styles, grapes and tips on choosing the perfect bottle. For the top regions, see our guide to Spain's wine regions.

I was amazed to learn that winemaking in Spain goes back over 3,000 years. The Phoenicians planted the first vines around 1100 BCE in what is now Cádiz. In Carmona, near Seville, archaeologists have found a 2,000-year-old Roman urn full of wine, which shows that people have been making wine in Spain for a very long time.

In the 19th century, when a pest called phylloxera destroyed French vineyards, Spain stepped in with its healthy vines and ideal climate. This made Spanish wine very popular all over the world, mostly because of the large amounts of wine that were exported, aka Spanish Bulk Wines. 

Over time, Spain changed its focus to producing more quality and exclusive wines, such as Sherry and Rioja, and many other types of wine, protected by strict laws, aka the Spanish wine classification system.

Spain, along with France and Italy, is one of the Old World wine countries. As such, it follows strict rules on origin, grape varieties, ageing and production - ensuring that every bottle meets high quality standards.

Spain's most iconic wines are its reds, whites and sparkling (Cava) - each with its own character and history:

• Red Wine (Vino Tinto): Spain is best known for its red wines, especially Tempranillo and Garnacha. These wines are often aged in oak and develop earthy, fruity and sometimes spicy notes. In fact, over 43% of Spanish wine production is red.

• White Wine (Vino Blanco): Refreshing and aromatic, Spanish white wines are made from grapes such as Albariño, Verdejo and Airén - the latter being one of the most widely planted white grapes in the world, mainly in central Spain. Popular white wine regions include Rías Baixas and Rueda.

• Sparkling Wine (Cava): The Spain's answer to Champagne made mainly in Catalonia using traditional methods. It accounts for over 12% of Spain's total wine exports, especially around festive seasons such as Christmas and New Year, which makes it the most exported D.O. in Spain.

The reason for giving Sherry its own spotlight in this article is its deep-rooted connection to Spain — it’s produced exclusively here (Sherry Triangle) and reflects one of the country’s most historic wine traditions.

It’s crafted mostly from the Palomino grape and comes in many styles — from dry and light (Fino, Manzanilla) to dark and sweet (Pedro Ximénez, Cream Sherry).

Unlike many other wines, sherry casks are never filled to the top. This space allows the natural yeast layer to grow, protecting the wine from oxygen and giving it a unique, slightly salty, nutty flavour. This method is unique to Sherry production in Andalusia and is a distinctive hallmark of Sherry craftsmanship.

In Spain, wine is consumed around the clock, and whatever the occasion, it is always paired with food. From a morning aperitif to a late night dinner, wine and food go hand in hand, creating a perfect balance of flavours.

As renowned Spanish chef Ferran Adrià once said, "El vino y la comida tienen que hablar el mismo idioma" ("Wine and food must speak the same language"). This captures the heart of Spanish food culture, where the harmony between what's on the plate and in the glass is of the utmost importance.

Choosing the right pairing is crucial to bringing out the best in both: 

There are some general rules to keep in mind when selecting the perfect bottle:

• In the supermarket: Go for wines labelled DO or DOCa for guaranteed quality, but be bold and experiment — some hidden gems come from lesser-known regions like Málaga or Extremadura, where unique styles and rich flavors are waiting to be discovered.

• At a Bodega: Trust the locals! Winemakers love sharing their best vintages, and a tasting session is the best way to find a wine that truly speaks to you. 

• At a Restaurant: The "Vino de la Casa" (house wine) is usually a solid choice, carefully selected to pair perfectly with local dishes.

The best Spanish wine isn’t always about labels or ratings—it often comes down to the moment and personal taste. 

Living in Malaga area, I can only recommend my top picks: Pajarete (Dimobe) from Málaga – a semi-sweet red that's perfect for special occasions. And for the hot Spanish summer nights? Verdejo Frizzante, light and refreshing sparkling white wine, available in every Carrefour for under £6 – a real winner.

Ultimately, the best Spanish wine is the one that makes you stop and enjoy - whether with friends, on the beach or at home. And for a truly authentic Spanish experience , try pouring it from a Porrón —it won’t change the taste, but it will bring tradition, fun, and a social twist to every sip . ¡Salud!