Wines from Spain are enduringly popular. Today, Spain is one of the largest wine producers in the world and locally there are unique climatic, soil and geographical conditions, which translates into a diversity of flavours and wine styles.
Uncorking the essence in Spain
What also attracts wine connoisseurs to reach for products from Spain is the uniqueness of the grape varieties there. They give the products a unique character and taste. It is worth noting that Spain has a long tradition of wine production, dating back thousands of years. On the map of the country, there is no shortage of places where a deep-rooted wine culture is passed down from generation to generation, which contributes to the high quality of the products offered in a given region.
One of the most special places where every wine connoisseur should go is the vineyards around Málaga. Perhaps it’s an idea to spice up your stay in this area of Spain with an incredible journey, discovering the secrets of Málaga’s thriving wine culture. Which vineyards are particularly worth visiting?
Bodegas Excelencia
This is one of the places worth visiting, located in the heart of Malaga and a testament to the rich wine history of the region. The products created here are thanks to the commitment and passion of the winery’s owners, who produce wines from the Pedro Ximénez grape. Based on this variety, the winery has positioned itself perfectly in the Spanish wine market, offering a unique taste.
The place is the true essence of Spain. The winery was built in complete harmony with the terrain on which it is located. Leaning against the hillside, it creates the impression of an underground vineyard. As the owners emphasise, this has created ideal environmental conditions for the ageing process of the wines.
Any tourist visiting Andalusia can spend a wonderful day at Bodegas Excelencia. On the one hand, by learning about the history of the vineyard and the production of this wine, and at the same time by entering the cellars of Bodegas Excelencia, he has the opportunity to see with his own eyes how tradition meets modernity. What remains in the visitor’s mind is Pedro Ximénez, a variety known for its versatility and depth of flavour.
Photo: Bodegas Excelencia
Bodega Antonio Muñoz Cabrera (Dimobe)
Another place that is undoubtedly worth a visit is Moclinejo. It is a small, charming village, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Axarquía region. Here you will find the Dimobe vineyard. It grows grapes over huge areas, so that the landscape of the area is bathed in the leaves of these fruits. It is hard not to get the impression that this place captures the soul of this charming corner of Spain.
What sets this space apart are the grape varieties – from Muscadine to lesser-known Roman grape varieties. Here you can taste a variety of aromatic wines, produced by the skilled hands of the winemakers. The key product of Bodegas Dimobe is the Muscatel grape, known as the crown jewel of Malaga wines. The aromatic and flavoursome Muscadine – from crisp citrus to juicy sweetness – is also worth tasting.
Bodega Cortijo La Fuente
The next point on our journey through the vineyards of the Malaga area is a place set amidst the rolling hills of Almáchar – made for wine lovers and enthusiasts – Bodega Cortijo La Fuente.
Almáchar is a small village in the Axarquía region. Its climate is distinguished by a combination of warm Spanish sunshine, cool breezes from the sea and varied soils. As a result, indigenous grape varieties are grown here.
Cortijo serves not only as a winery, but also as a living testimony to the region’s cultural heritage. All visitors to this picturesque location can take part in guided tours. These will introduce us to the history of wine production and also allow us to discover the secrets of the winery.
Bodega Bentomiz
In Andalusia, tradition meets modernity. A place that proves this is Bodega Bentomiz. The property has been integrated into the landscape and offers all guests relaxation in a contemporary space, which is complemented by access to the region’s traditional wine-making practices.
This is perhaps where the combination of innovation meets the timeless beauty of winemaking is most evident. How do you get to Bodega Bentomiz? Just take the direction of the village of Sayalonga, a picturesque village overlooking the mountains and the sea, which is the ideal place for those seeking relaxation and the opportunity to taste unique flavours and aromas.
Bodega Bentomiz grows indigenous grape varieties, each of which tells a unique story of the Spanish land. Here you can taste a variety of products, from crisp whites to strong reds.
photo by A. Clifton/Bodega Bentomiz
Bodega Nilva
The southernmost vineyard on the European continent in Andalusia. Located in Manilvi, in the heart of the western Costa del Sol, it is surrounded by the historic Moscatel de Alejandría vineyards.
As the owners emphasise, with their work in the vineyard they want to preserve the natural and scenic heritage, producing high-quality wines and showing visitors the richness of this unique land.
The Manilva vineyards are located in the foothills of the Sierra de Ronda, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The uniqueness of this location is created by its climate – with the prevailing mild winters, long hours of sunshine and cooling sea breezes. This is an ideal combination for the cultivation of vines. Here you can taste dry white wines based on varieties such as Moscatel de Alejandría, Pedro Ximénez and Chardonnay.
Bodegas Malaga Virgen
This winery is, according to many, a leader in the production of sweet wines. Salvador Lopez began producing wines here as early as the end of the 19th century, in 1885 to be precise. This laid the foundations for the Bodegas Malaga Virgen winery.
His brother, Francisco Lopez, co-directed the project with him. Their work earned them the unusual nickname – ‘Los Leones’. The first products made in their manufactory were: Sol de Malaga, Trajinero and Malaga Virgen.
The current owners – the next generation in the family, carrying on the traditions of their ancestors – are not only concerned with the high quality of the products, but are also developing their range. As a result, Bodegas Malaga Virgen Winery is a world leader in the production of sweet Spanish wines.
Winemakers try to use environmentally friendly methods to protect the soil and the vines. Interestingly, harvesting usually takes place at night. Why is this so important? This way, stable sugar levels can be achieved in the grapes and the skins of the berries can be kept intact.
Photo: Bodegas Malaga Virgen
Bodegas Dimobe
Another family-run winery, which is now in its fourth generation, produces muscatel wine. For almost a century, since 1927, the owner has been developing his range of wine products.
The secret of Bodegas Dimobe is the fertile farmland – rich in calcium and clay, it is ideal for growing and nurturing Moscatel, Px, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Romé grapes.
Bodegas Virgen De La Oliva
It is a unique wine cooperative located in the Malaga Y Sierras De Malaga region. Today it is one of the most dynamic in Spain.
At present, the total number of partners making up the cooperative is as high as 900. Where to find it? Go to the Spanish municipality of Molina in the Antequera region.
Bodegas Al Zagal
A winery unlike any other. This is because it produces, matures, bottles and sells wines with a protected designation of origin – Granada.
The property is located at a not inconsiderable altitude of over 1,000 metres, from where panoramic views can be enjoyed. The wines, in turn, were named Rey Zagal in honour of Sultan Abu Abdallah Muhammad-az-Zaghal, the penultimate Emir of Granada.
Visiting Andalusian vineyards is an extraordinary opportunity to get to know this corner of Spain better – its culture, traditions and customs, handed down from generation to generation. For lovers of the drink, we also recommend reading about the local wine festivals.
