October marks the end of the grape harvest and the start of winemaking at many wineries, both in Spain and abroad. It's the perfect time to visit wine regions and discover their wines . Even better if you do it in a motorhome . Some wineries offer overnight stays, providing a unique opportunity to wake up surrounded by vineyards and explore their products. Because, remember… if you drink, don't drive! Here are our suggestions: 5 wine tourism routes by motorhome.
Galicia, from the Rías Baixas to the Ribera Sacra
Galicia has long since made its mark in the world of wine, boasting 5 Designations of Origin : Rías Baixas, Ribero, Ribera Sacra, Valdeorras and Monterrei.
The best-known grape varieties grown in these areas are perhaps Albariño and Godello , which have made Galician white wines famous throughout the world, although there are many more: Loureiro, Caiño, Espadeiro, Sousón, Brancellao or Mencía are some of them.
We propose two routes. The first is the Rías Baixas route , a region privileged for viticulture. Along the way through the province of Pontevedra, you'll find centuries-old manor houses, protected historical sites, and vineyards that slope down to the sea.
There are different areas for motorhomes in the different towns that make up the route, but if you prefer to sleep directly in a winery, Pazo Pondal, in Arbo (Pontevedra), offers the possibility of spending the night in the vineyard itself and tasting its Albariño wines without having to drive.
The second wine tourism route in Galicia will take us through the Ribera Sacra , whose Designation of Origin dates back to 1997 and has an area of more than 1.500 hectares dedicated to vineyards, divided into five sub-zones of cultivation: Chantada, Ribeira do Miño, Amandi, Ribeira do Sil and Quiroga Bibei.
The area is fascinating to visit, as the vineyards are terraced to overcome the steep slopes. This means that all the work is done by the hands and backs of the winegrowers, turning the harvest and other vineyard activities into an acrobatic feat. Seen in this light, it's no wonder it's known as "heroic viticulture . "
Port and Douro Wine Route
The Douro Valley, through which the Douro River flows, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to one of Portugal's most famous wines: Port . But it also produces Douro wines , which have been gaining international acclaim for years, including its reds, whites, and rosés.
Touring the Douro Valley by motorhome on its Portuguese side is a marvel, especially during the autumn months, thanks to a unique landscape.
The producing region is divided into three zones. To the west, in the Baixo Corgo , lies Peso da Régua , the capital of Port wine , where you can visit the Douro Museum and the Solar do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Estate). Next is Pinhão , located in the Cima Corgo subregion , where the most famous Port wines are concentrated. Near Peso da Régua, the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint is worth a visit. Equally captivating is the landscape that can be admired from the São Salvador do Mundo viewpoint , this time on the south bank and in the Douro Superior subregion.
Route through the Ribera del Duero
Continuing with the Duero River, but in the Spanish area, we propose a motorhome route to discover the wineries and wines covered by the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin , in Castile and León.
Complex soils and a harsh climate result in grapes of extraordinary quality and wines of great value. In this region, you'll find reds ranging from young wines with intense fruitiness and a smooth mouthfeel, to elegant aged wines (Crianzas, Reservas, and Gran Reservas) that stand out for their aromatic complexity and powerful, balanced palate. There are also fruity and refreshing rosés . And white wines —young, fresh, and fruity wines with good acidity that develop more complex aromas as they age in barrel and bottle.
You can explore the wine route that will take you through the provinces of Burgos, Segovia, Soria and Valladolid , where these wines are produced, visiting well-known wineries such as Matarromera, Tinto Pesquera or Emilio Moro, among many others.
Aranda de Duero is the 'Capital of the Ribera del Duero' and there you'll find a motorhome area with all the necessary services. Some wineries in the area, such as Protos, Comenge, and Abadía Retuerta, allow overnight stays on their grounds, making for a truly complete experience.
Jerez and Brandy Route
The Jerez region is the birthplace of a unique and ancient winemaking tradition, and a perfect destination for experiencing a wide range of activities. In this historic wine-growing region, you can also enjoy its landscapes, white villages, and essential cultural heritage.
The Jerez region is situated in a privileged location within the geographical triangle formed by the towns of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María, and Jerez de la Frontera . More than 7.000 hectares of vineyards have been the cradle of Jerez wines and brandies for centuries, protected by the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda Denominations of Origin , and the Brandy de Jerez Specific Denomination.
The wines produced in this area are aged slowly using the traditional criaderas and soleras system , a very special legacy that gives them great complexity and has led them to achieve international fame.
Route through La Rioja
Finally, we couldn't conclude our recommendations for wine tourism by motorhome without mentioning La Rioja , where the wines that first brought fame to Spain beyond its borders are produced. Autumn is also the best season to visit this region, thanks to the stunning colors of its landscapes.
More than 2.000 years of history endorse the wines of this region, as witnessed by the numerous archaeological remains of presses and wineries dating from the time of Roman domination. This wine culture was maintained during the High Middle Ages sheltered by monasteries and, later, in the second half of the XNUMXth century, new methods of making and aging wines were introduced and now centenary wineries were founded.
In La Rioja you can explore three wine routes: the Rioja Alavesa route , the Rioja Alta route and the Rioja Oriental route , visiting towns such as Logroño, Cenicero, Briones, Haro, Labastida, Laguardia, Fuenmayor, Casalarreina or Arnedo, among others.
There are different motorhome areas spread throughout the region, including Logroño, Elciego or Labastida.
Having seen the routes, which of all these areas would you like to start with?
