Andalucía has a longstanding tradition of winemaking. The region, with its varied terrain from mountains to plains, produces a range of wines that reflect Andalucia’s unique environment and centuries-old practices.

The history of winemaking in Andalucía goes back to the Phoenicians, who brought viticulture to the region around 1100 BC. The Romans developed these practices further, and under Moorish rule, winemaking continued despite Islamic restrictions on alcohol.

The Reconquista and the rise of the Spanish Empire introduced Andalucian wines to the global market, especially the renowned Sherries of Jerez, which became popular in Europe and the New World.

Key Wine Regions

Andalucía’s wine regions (DOs – Designations of Origin) produce a variety of styles, each with its own characteristics:

Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda

The most famous wines from Andalucía, Sherry includes styles from dry Fino and Manzanilla to rich Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximénez. The solera system used in its production gives Sherry its complex flavours and aromas.

Sherry and horses are a dream combination on our Spirit of Jerez tour

Málaga and Sierras de Málaga (Ronda Wines)

The Málaga DO is known for its sweet dessert wines, primarily made from Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes. These wines vary from light and fragrant to dark and viscous, often aged for decades.

The Sierras de Málaga DO, particularly the Ronda subregion, produce high-quality red and white wines that showcase the area’s diverse microclimates and soils.

Taste for yourself on our Ronda and Winery Tour

Condado de Huelva

This DO wine region produces various styles, including Orange Wine made from Zalema grapes and aged under a veil of yeast similar to Sherry.

The orange wine is made by flavouring white wine with macerated orange peel, followed by ageing through the solera system. Orange Wine from Huelva typically has a dark orange to brown colour, which comes from sun-drying the grapes before fermentation.

Montilla-Moriles

Located north of Málaga, this region also produces fortified wines similar to Sherry but primarily from the Pedro Ximénez grape. The hotter and drier climate here gives these wines a distinct character.

If the wine won’t come to you… take a Cordoba tour and taste it in-situ.

Granada

The wines from Granada, especially those from the DO Granada, are gaining recognition for their quality. The region produces a range of wines, including robust reds, fresh whites, and unique sparkling wines, thanks to its varied altitudes and climates.

The Terroir and Grape Varieties

The terroir of Andalucía is characterised by its variety. The albariza soils of Jerez, rich in calcium carbonate, are perfect for Sherry production. The sandy and clay soils of Málaga and Montilla-Moriles are ideal for Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes. Granada’s diverse soils and elevations contribute to its distinctive wines.

Andalucía’s climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. However, regions like Jerez benefit from the Atlantic’s maritime influence, which moderates temperatures and adds humidity. This climate diversity supports a range of grape varieties, including Palomino Fino, Moscatel, Pedro Ximénez, and Zalema.

Modern Winemaking and Innovation

Andalucian winemaking, while steeped in tradition, is also innovative. There is a renewed interest in combining modern techniques with traditional methods to create wines that respect their heritage while appealing to contemporary tastes.

Organic and biodynamic practices are becoming more common, and there is a focus on single-vineyard wines and minimal intervention.

The Andalucian Wine Experience

Let Toma & Coe be your designated driver on either a day or multi-day tour of Andalucia’s wine regions.

Enjoy tours of bodegas and wineries, coupled with explorations of towns and cities filled with top experiences. Discover sherry or malaga wines with a three-night journey through bodegas and vineyards complemented by cultural side trips, and of course glorious food on our Sherry Triangle Tour and Wine Tours from Malaga.

We also organise bespoke trips based around any specific preferences you may have.

Salud!