Wine festivals in Spain: traditions and tastings

Spain is a country best savoured sip by sip, especially in spring. If you believe wine is more than just a drink, but a way of life, then April and May are the perfect months for you. During this time, historic settings are transformed into lively tasting venues as wine festivals fill the calendar across the country.

From the courtyards of Andalusia to the plains of Castile and the historic vineyards of inland Valencia, passing through the heart of La Rioja, we set off on a journey to discover how to raise a glass like a connoisseur and enjoy it like a true traveller. Care to join us?

Wine tasting in Córdoba: tradition and the flavours of Andalusia

In April, Córdoba doesn’t just smell of orange blossom. The city also fills the air with the aromas of old wine cellars and sun-warmed earth. The Montilla-Moriles Wine Tasting, scheduled for 22 to 26 April 2026, marks the beginning of the famous Mayo Cordobés. Recently held on Avenida del Alcázar beside the Guadalquivir, this event showcases the diversity of more than twenty wineries, from the iconic Pedro Ximénez to young, fruity white wines that capture the spirit of the festival.

Taking part in a wine tasting in Córdoba is like stepping into a world of contrasts. The best option is to join one of the expert-led sessions on site, where you can learn to identify subtle nuances in each wine while enjoying a flamenquín or some local salmorejo in a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Logroño: the wine capital of La Rioja

In spring, the capital of La Rioja is the perfect base for exploring the region. April and May are key months, with a variety of events offering open-air wine tastings in Logroño as the vines begin to bud.

Just a few kilometres away lies Haro, an essential stop that completes the experience. In the famous La Estación district, home to the highest concentration of century-old wineries in the world, the atmosphere is buzzing at this time of year. It is the ideal moment to explore these wine temples, where time seems to stand still, and to take part in guided tastings that reveal the secrets behind the elegance of the region’s red wines. Thanks to their proximity, you can easily combine visits to historic wineries with the city’s vibrant tapas scene to create an unbeatable wine tourism route.

Wine tasting in Requena: tours and tastings

Requena, in the heart of the Valencia region, has preserved a winemaking tradition spanning more than 2,000 years. The undisputed star here is the Bobal grape, used to produce structured reds and rosés known for their natural freshness. While the main annual event is Ferevin in August, spring is the perfect time to explore the area without the summer crowds. During April and May, the Utiel-Requena Wine Route hosts open days, giving visitors the chance to explore the famous medieval caves where wine was once stored in clay jars, among other activities.

The best way to appreciate the prestige of Requena’s wines is to take part in a tasting at this time of year. These are often paired with traditional local cured meats, offering an authentic experience that highlights the distinctive character of Levante wines, balanced, full-bodied and steeped in history. Many travellers also take the opportunity to explore nearby Albacete, a neighbouring province with its own authentic charm and rich culinary traditions

Wine tasting in Valladolid: experiences in the heart of the Ribera del Duero

Valladolid arguably boasts one of the richest winemaking heritages on the Iberian Peninsula, with four internationally renowned designations of origin. As the Castilian climate softens in May, wine tasting here becomes an unmissable experience. The city and its surroundings lie at the heart of a region where the bold reds of Ribera del Duero and Toro meet the elegance of Cigales rosés and Rueda whites. 

Spring is undoubtedly the best time to explore Ribera del Duero in Valladolid. During this season, wineries between Valbuena de Duero and Peñafiel offer experiences that go far beyond standard tastings, from 4x4 vineyard tours as the vines begin to bud to private tastings in cellars lined with century-old barrels. Peñafiel Castle is a must-see, dominating the valley with its striking silhouette and home to the Provincial Wine Museum. Climbing its tower to take in the sea of vineyards below, then descending into the town’s underground cellars, is perhaps the finest tribute one can pay to Spain’s wine culture.

As you can see, Spain’s wine festivals are about much more than tastings: they are the perfect excuse to reconnect with culture and the countryside. In April and May, visitors can fill their glasses with stories, tradition and, above all, the expertise of those who carefully tend the land. So whether you find yourself in the south, north or east of the country, choose your favourite wine region, gather some good company and enjoy.

Cheers and safe travels!