Wine Routes in Spain to Explore by Motorhome

Wine Routes by Motorhome in Spain

Spain is a paradise for wine routes by motorhome, with a variety of wine regions that produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Travelling by motorhome through these wine routes not only gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy stunning landscapes, and create unforgettable memories. In this article, we present the best wine routes in Spain to explore by motorhome, along with practical tips to maximise your experience. But remember, the driver doesn’t drink!

Wine Routes by Motorhome in Spain

La Rioja: The Epicentre of Spanish Wine

La Rioja is synonymous with wine in Spain, famous for its high-quality red wines and rich winemaking tradition. The region blends modernity with tradition, offering a complete wine experience. Highlights:

  • Haro: Known as the wine capital of La Rioja, Haro is home to prestigious wineries such as Bodegas Muga and Bodegas La Rioja Alta.
  • Logroño: The regional capital, famous for Calle Laurel, where you can enjoy a variety of tapas paired with excellent local wines.
  • Santo Domingo de la Calzada: A charming medieval town with family-run wineries and spectacular landscapes.

Ribera del Duero: Bold Wines and Stunning Scenery

Ribera del Duero is renowned for its intense red wines, primarily made from the Tempranillo grape. The region offers vast vineyards and breathtaking views of mountains and rivers. Highlights:

  • Peñafiel: Home to the Wine Museum and the majestic Peñafiel Castle, a must-visit for wine lovers.
  • Valladolid: Though not exclusively a wine destination, it offers excellent gastronomic and cultural experiences to complement your winery visits.
  • Aranda de Duero: The region’s hub with a high concentration of wineries such as Bodegas Emilio Moro and Bodegas Protos.

Priorat: High-End Wines in Unique Terrain

Located in Catalonia, Priorat is one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, known for its intense, mineral wines. The vineyards are planted on steep slopes, creating an impressive landscape. Highlights:

  • Poblet: Near the Monastery of Poblet, this area offers access to top wineries like Clos Mogador and Alvaro Palacios.
  • Gratallops: A key point on the wine route, with numerous boutique wineries and large wine estates.
  • Escaladei: A charming village that serves as the perfect base to explore the region’s wineries.

Jerez de la Frontera: The Home of Sherry

In Andalusia, Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its production of sherry, a unique fortified wine. The region is also known for its equestrian culture and flamenco. Highlights:

  • Bodegas González Byass: Visit the famous Tio Pepe winery for a tasting of its iconic sherries.
  • El Puerto de Santa María: Another key centre for sherry production, home to Bodegas Osborne.
  • Sanlúcar de Barrameda: Known for its Manzanilla, a type of sherry that is produced and aged in this coastal town.

Penedés: Innovation and Tradition in Catalonia

Penedés is a wine region in Catalonia known for both its still wines and its celebrated cava, the Spanish sparkling wine. Highlights:

  • Vilafranca del Penedés: The heart of the region, home to wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu, famous for their cava.
  • Sant Sadurní d’Anoia: Known as the cava capital, it offers a wide range of wineries and cava tours.
  • Molins de Rei: Another important town with boutique and traditional wineries.

Gastronomy: Pairing Wines with Local Dishes

Travelling the wine routes by motorhome wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the local gastronomy. Each wine region in Spain offers unique dishes that pair perfectly with their wines, enriching your culinary and wine-tasting experience.

La Rioja: Tapas and Red Wines

In La Rioja, tapas are an essential part of the food culture. Enjoy pinchos morunos, chorizo cooked in cider, and patatas a la riojana paired with a Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva, offering complexity and elegance. The pairings in this region enhance the flavours of the red wines, creating a perfect harmony between food and drink.

Ribera del Duero: Lamb Dishes and Bold Wines

Ribera del Duero is famous for its roasted lamb and grilled lamb chops, dishes that perfectly complement the region’s robust red wines. A Ribera del Duero Crianza elevates the flavours of the meat and hearty dishes, offering a memorable gastronomic experience. Additionally, local cured meats like jamón ibérico are ideal to enjoy with a glass of wine.

Priorat: Mediterranean Cuisine and Mineral Wines

In Priorat, Mediterranean cuisine with seafood, rice dishes, and cured meats pairs wonderfully with the region’s intense, mineral-rich wines. Try dishes like escalivada or suquet de peix alongside a high-quality Priorat wine, which adds mineral notes and a complex structure that perfectly complements the marine and earthy flavours of the local cuisine.

Jerez de la Frontera: Andalusian Tapas and Sherry

In Jerez, tapas like fried fish, olives, and garlic prawns are ideal for pairing with different types of sherry, from Fino and Manzanilla to Oloroso and Amontillado. Pairing sherry with Andalusian dishes enhances the flavours, creating a rich and diverse culinary experience.
Enjoy the Wine Experience at Your Own Pace

Exploring Spain’s wine routes by motorhome is an unparalleled way to connect with the culture, nature, and, of course, the wine. The flexibility of travelling at your own pace allows you to discover hidden treasures, interact with local producers, and create unforgettable memories.

At Autocaravanas Piqueras, we are committed to providing the best motorhomes to ensure your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. We offer a wide range of vehicles equipped with all the necessary comforts for you to make the most of your wine adventure.