A Quick Guide to Spain’s 146 Wine Regions

Barcelona Wine Week 2025 shattered records with 1,266 exhibitors, further confirming Spain’s status as the country with the most vineyards in the world.

Spain’s wine exports are also set to rise, with Spanish white wines and low-alcohol wines becoming important exports.

But that wasn’t the only big story.

This year’s BWW 2025 focused on enotourism—which means visiting vineyards for wine experiences. Experts believe this could be the next big thing for Spain’s tourism industry.

“This year we featured sessions on enotourism, showing successful case studies and providing wineries with strategies to enhance their visitor experiences,” said Javier Pagès, president of Barcelona Wine Week and of DO Cava.

“The integration of digital tools and immersive experiences will be key for future growth.” 

For many expats living in Spain, you might not realise there are world-class wine regions right on your doorstep.

In this post, we’ll take a quick tour of Spain’s 146 official wine regions.

But first we’ll explain what the acronyms mean!

What Does DOP Mean?

In Spain, DOP stands for “Denominación de Origen Protegida” (Protected Designation of Origin).

This label guarantees a wine comes 100% from a specific region and meets certain rules. For example, the wine must also be bottled in the same area to get a “DOP” label.

Sometimes there are rules about the grapes that can be used and the blends too.

The 5 Wine Classifications in Spain

There are five acronyms under the DOP system.

They all tell you about the origin of the grapes, but give a little more information about the wine’s quality and reputation.

They are:

• VP (Vinos de Pago) – The most exclusive category. These wines come from a single vineyard (“pago”) with unique characteristics, producing top-quality wines.

• DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) – The highest standard for a wine region. Only Rioja and Priorat hold this status because their wines have consistently met high-quality standards for at least 10 years.

• DO (Denominación de Origen) – Well-known, high-quality wines from a specific region. The wine must follow strict production rules and be recognised as a DO for at least 5 years. Examples include Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, and La Mancha.

• VC (Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica) – A step below DO wines but still linked to a specific region. These wines show regional character but don’t yet meet the long-term quality requirements for DO status.

• VT (Vino de la Tierra) – Often called “country wines,” these have fewer restrictions than DO wines but still reflect the region they come from. To be classed as a VT the wine usually has an IGP (Indicación Geográfica Protegida) which is a benchmark for wines in Europe.

What Makes a DOCa Wine Region so Special?

You might be wondering:

“Is there really a big difference between a VT wine region and a DOCa wine region?

Bay Radio spoke to Anthony Eastwood from Barcelona Inside and Out, a British-run travel company offering private Priorat wine tours.

He said the Priorat region is different from anything else due to “three main reasons”.

“First of all, Priorat has this unique ‘Llicorella’ soil. It’s poor in nutrients, and forces vine roots to burrow up to 20m deep in search of water and minerals,” Anthony said.

“It creates a wine like nothing else with complex flavours, lots of minerals, as sophisticated as the best Bordeaux wines.”

Anthony said the second reason is the Priorat’s geography.

The Priorat region is made up of steep valleys where modern harvest machines just can’t go, meaning much of the wine is “harvested by hand”.

Lastly, the history.

The Priorat wine region was first planted in 1194 by monks – hence the name “Priorat” or “Priory”.

“The history, soil and region itself make for an unforgettable wine tour,” Anthony added.

The Priorat and Rioja wine regions are the standout places for any wine lovers to visit in Spain.

But what about the other 144?

If you live or are visiting close to one of them, we hope you’ll take the time to try something different and support local winemakers – which is what the protected origin labels are all about.

The 146 Wine Regions in Spain

Here’s the list of Spain’s 146 wine regions according to a 2024 report from Spain’s Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación.

Supra-Autonomous Regions

• DOP Cava (DO) – Produced in Catalonia, Aragón, La Rioja, Navarra, Valencia, and Extremadura, best known for sparkling wines from Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grapes.
• DOP Jumilla (DO) – Covers Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha, famous for bold Monastrell-based reds.
• DOP Rioja (DOCa) – Spanning La Rioja, Basque Country, and Navarre, producing Spain’s most famous Tempranillo wines.
• IGP Ribera del Queiles (VT) – Located between Navarre and Aragón, known for blended red wines using Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Andalucía

DOPs in Andalucía (8)

• DOP Condado de Huelva (DO) – Near Huelva, producing Zalema-based whites and fortified wines.
• DOP Granada (DO) – Covers vineyards around Granada, offering fresh whites and structured reds.
• DOP Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (DO) – The world-famous Sherry region produces fortified wines like Fino, Oloroso, and Amontillado.
• DOP Lebrija (VC) – Near Seville, making Sherry-style wines with unique terroir.
• DOP Málaga (DO) – Specializes in Muscat-based sweet wines from Málaga province.
• DOP Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda (DO) – Produces salty, crisp Manzanilla Sherry, only from Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
• DOP Montilla-Moriles (DO) – Located in Córdoba, known for Pedro Ximénez fortified wines.
• DOP Sierras de Málaga (DO) – Covers the hills of Málaga, producing Moscatel sweet wines and structured reds.

IGPs in Andalucía (16)

• IGP Altiplano de Sierra Nevada (VT) – High-altitude vineyards near Granada, producing fresh whites and reds.
• IGP Bailén (VT) – Located in Jaén, known for full-bodied reds.
• IGP Cádiz (VT) – Produces wines influenced by the Atlantic, mainly white Palomino and Moscatel.
• IGP Córdoba (VT) – Located in Córdoba province, making local reds and whites.
• IGP Cumbres del Guadalfeo (VT) – Mountain vineyards in Granada, known for aromatic whites.
• IGP Desierto de Almería (VT) – Wines from Almería’s arid landscapes, producing structured reds.
• IGP Laderas del Genil (VT) – Located in Granada, focusing on elegant reds.
• IGP Laujar-Alpujarra (VT) – Mountain region in Almería, producing intense reds.
• IGP Los Palacios (VT) – Vineyards near Seville, making light whites.
• IGP Norte de Almería (VT) – Covers northern Almería, producing bold red wines.
• IGP Ribera del Andarax (VT) – Located along the Andarax River in Almería, known for strong reds.
• IGP Sierra Norte de Sevilla (VT) – Mountain vineyards north of Seville, known for fresh whites.
• IGP Sierra Sur de Jaén (VT) – Located in Jaén, producing structured reds.
• IGP Sierras de Las Estancias y Los Filabres (VT) – High-altitude vineyards in Almería, making fresh whites and reds.
• IGP Torreperogil (VT) – Located in Jaén, known for local white wines.
• IGP Villaviciosa de Córdoba (VT) – Small wine area in Córdoba province, making robust reds.

Aragón

DOPs in Aragón (5)

• DOP Aylés (VP) – A single vineyard (Pago) near Zaragoza, making high-end red wines.
• DOP Calatayud (DO) – Produces bold Garnacha reds from old vines in western Zaragoza.
• DOP Campo de Borja (DO) – Known as the “Empire of Garnacha”, producing powerful reds.
• DOP Cariñena (DO) – One of Spain’s oldest DOs, famous for Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignan) reds.
• DOP Somontano (DO) – Located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, making fresh whites and elegant reds.

IGPs in Aragón (5)

• IGP Bajo Aragón (VT) – Covering southern Aragón, producing structured reds and whites.
• IGP Ribera del Gállego-Cinco Villas (VT) – Located in northern Aragón, making cool-climate reds and whites.
• IGP Ribera del Jiloca (VT) – Along the Jiloca River, producing high-altitude reds.
• IGP Valdejalón (VT) – Located near Zaragoza, known for rich reds and aromatic whites.
• IGP Valle del Cinca (VT) – Along the Cinca River, producing fresh whites and mineral-driven reds.

Principado de Asturias

DOPs in Asturias (1)

• DOP Cangas (VC) – A small but unique wine region in Asturias, known for its rare local grape varieties like Albarín Blanco and Verdejo Negro, producing high-acid, fresh wines.

Islas Baleares

DOPs in the Balearic Islands (2)

• DOP Binissalem (DO) – Located in the centre of Mallorca, known for Mediterranean-style red wines from Manto Negro and Callet.
• DOP Pla i Llevant (DO) – Covering the eastern part of Mallorca, producing structured whites and soft, fruity reds.

IGPs in the Balearic Islands (6)

• IGP Formentera (VT) – The smallest Balearic wine region, known for intense, sun-ripened reds.
• IGP Ibiza / Eivissa (VT) – Wines from Ibiza, typically fresh whites and bold reds.
• IGP Illes Balears (VT) – A general designation covering all Balearic Islands, allowing flexible wine styles.
• IGP Isla de Menorca / Illa de Menorca (VT) – From Menorca, producing aromatic whites and smooth reds.
• IGP Mallorca (VT) – A broad label for wines across Mallorca, including both reds and whites.
• IGP Serra de Tramuntana-Costa Nord (VT) – Located in the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca, making unique high-altitude wines.

Canary Islands

DOPs in the Canary Islands (11)

• DOP Abona (DO) – Located in southern Tenerife, known for mineral-rich white wines from Listán Blanco.
• DOP El Hierro (DO) – The smallest Canary Island wine region, producing fresh, fruity whites.
• DOP Gran Canaria (DO) – Covering the island of Gran Canaria, known for rich reds and tropical whites.
• DOP Islas Canarias (VC) – A broad designation covering all Canary Islands, promoting volcanic terroir wines.
• DOP La Gomera (DO) – Produces light, crisp white wines on the island of La Gomera.
• DOP La Palma (DO) – Famous for Malvasía-based sweet wines and dry whites from volcanic soils.
• DOP Lanzarote (DO) – Known for its unique vineyards grown in volcanic ash, producing highly aromatic whites.
• DOP Tacoronte-Acentejo (DO) – A leading Tenerife region, recognized for structured reds from Listán Negro.
• DOP Valle de Güímar (DO) – Produces minerally, fresh white wines from high-altitude Tenerife vineyards.
• DOP Valle de la Orotava (DO) – A Tenerife region producing full-bodied reds and complex whites.
• DOP Ycoden-Daute-Isora (DO) – Known for aromatic whites with tropical notes, mostly from Listán Blanco.

Cantabria

IGPs in Cantabria (2)

• IGP Costa de Cantabria (VT) – A coastal wine region, producing fresh, Atlantic-influenced white wines.
• IGP Liébana (VT) – An inland mountainous region, known for aromatic whites and light reds.

Castilla y León

DOPs in Castilla y León (16)

• DOP Abadía Retuerta (VP) – A single estate (Pago) winery near Valladolid, making high-end reds.
• DOP Arlanza (DO) – Located between Burgos and Palencia, producing elegant Tempranillo reds.
• DOP Arribes (DO) – A border region with Portugal, specializing in unique reds from Juan García and Rufete grapes.
• DOP Bierzo (DO) – A well-known area in León, famous for Mencía-based reds with floral aromas.
• DOP Cebreros (VC) – Located in Ávila, making Garnacha reds from granite soils.
• DOP Cigales (DO) – Close to Valladolid, best known for rosé wines and fruity Tempranillo reds.
• DOP Dehesa Peñalba (VP) – A single estate near Burgos, producing top-quality reds.
• DOP León (DO) – Produces aromatic Prieto Picudo reds and rosés.
• DOP Ribera del Duero (DO) – One of Spain’s top regions, famous for powerful, long-lived Tempranillo reds.
• DOP Rueda (DO) – Spain’s leading white wine region, known for crisp, fresh Verdejo wines.
• DOP Sierra de Salamanca (VC) – A small mountainous region producing refined Rufete reds.
• DOP Tierra del Vino de Zamora (DO) – Producing structured reds and bold whites, near Zamora.
• DOP Toro (DO) – Known for rich, full-bodied Tempranillo wines, made from Tinta de Toro.
• DOP Urueña (VP) – A small Pago estate producing boutique-style reds.
• DOP Valles de Benavente (VC) – Located in Zamora, producing fruity red blends.
• DOP Valtiendas (VC) – Produces robust reds from Tempranillo, located in Segovia.

IGPs in Castilla y León (1)

• IGP Castilla y León (VT) – A broad designation covering wines across the region, known for quality reds, whites, and rosés.

Castilla-La Mancha

DOPs in Castilla-La Mancha (22)

• DOP Almansa (DO) – Located in Albacete province, known for Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell reds with intense colour and structure.
• DOP Calzadilla (VP) – A Pago estate near Cuenca, producing limited-edition reds with deep complexity.
• DOP Campo de Calatrava (DO) – A new designation in Ciudad Real, focusing on volcanic-influenced wines from Tempranillo and Syrah.
• DOP Campo de La Guardia (VP) – A Pago wine estate in Toledo, making structured reds with long ageing potential.
• DOP Casa del Blanco (VP) – Located near Manzanares in Ciudad Real, producing expressive reds from Tempranillo and international varieties.
• DOP Dehesa del Carrizal (VP) – A small estate in Toledo, making high-end reds from Syrah, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• DOP Dominio de Valdepusa (VP) – One of Spain’s first single-estate DOPs, located in Toledo, producing top-tier Syrah and Cabernet wines.
• DOP El Vicario (VP) – A unique Pago estate near Ciudad Real, making modern-style reds and whites.
• DOP Finca Élez (VP) – A high-altitude Pago estate in Albacete, known for elegant Chardonnay and Syrah wines.
• DOP Guijoso (VP) – Located in Albacete, focusing on premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
• DOP La Jaraba (VP) – Situated between La Mancha and Manchuela, producing Tempranillo-based reds with bold flavours.
• DOP La Mancha (DO) – The largest wine region in Spain, covering vast parts of Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Toledo, and Albacete, known for affordable Tempranillo wines.
• DOP Los Cerrillos (VP) – A boutique Pago estate near Toledo, making exclusive, handcrafted reds.
• DOP Manchuela (DO) – Located between La Mancha and Valencia, famous for fresh Bobal reds and floral whites.
• DOP Méntrida (DO) – A historic region in Toledo, known for spicy Garnacha reds from old vines.
• DOP Mondéjar (DO) – A small region in Guadalajara, producing Tempranillo and Malvar wines.
• DOP Pago Florentino (VP) – A Pago vineyard in Ciudad Real, making full-bodied Tempranillo reds.
• DOP Ribera del Júcar (DO) – Situated in Cuenca, producing intense reds from Bobal and Tempranillo.
• DOP Rosalejo (VP) – A Pago estate in Toledo, crafting premium single-vineyard reds.
• DOP Uclés (DO) – A rising region in Cuenca and Toledo, known for structured Tempranillo wines with good acidity.
• DOP Valdepeñas (DO) – One of Spain’s most recognized regions, south of La Mancha, producing rich Tempranillo wines aged in oak.
• DOP Vallegarcía (VP) – A high-end Pago estate in Ciudad Real, making well-balanced reds from Syrah and Cabernet Franc.

IGPs in Castilla-La Mancha (1)

• IGP Castilla (VT) – A broad regional designation, allowing varied winemaking styles, often used for innovative blends.

Cataluña

DOPs in Cataluña (11)

• DOP Alella (DO) – A small region near Barcelona, producing light, elegant whites from Pansa Blanca (Xarel-lo).
• DOP Cataluña / Catalunya (DO) – A regional designation allowing wineries across Catalonia to blend grapes from different areas.
• DOP Conca de Barberà (DO) – Known for Trepat-based rosé wines and high-quality Cava production, located in Tarragona.
• DOP Costers del Segre (DO) – A diverse region in Lleida, producing modern reds and whites with strong character.
• DOP Empordà (DO) – Located in northern Catalonia near the French border, making Mediterranean-style Garnacha and Carignan wines.
• DOP Montsant (DO) – A well-known region encircling Priorat, producing powerful Garnacha and Cariñena reds.
• DOP Penedès (DO) – A top Cava-producing region in Barcelona province, also known for Xarel-lo and international varieties.
• DOP Pla de Bages (DO) – A small inland region in central Catalonia, producing aromatic whites and structured reds.
• DOP Priorat / Priorato (DOCa) – One of Spain’s only two DOCa regions, known for high-quality, mineral-rich Garnacha reds.
• DOP Tarragona (DO) – A historic region known for Cava production and smooth Mediterranean reds.
• DOP Terra Alta (DO) – A rising area in southern Catalonia, producing rich Garnacha Blanca whites and bold reds.

Extremadura

DOPs in Extremadura (1)

• DOP Ribera del Guadiana (DO) – The main wine region in Extremadura, producing Tempranillo and white Cayetana-based wines.

IGPs in Extremadura (1)

• IGP Extremadura (VT) – A regional label covering varied wine styles from across Badajoz and Cáceres provinces.

Galicia

DOPs in Galicia (5)

• DOP Monterrei (DO) – Located in Ourense, producing crisp, fresh Godello whites and Mencía reds.
• DOP Rías Baixas (DO) – One of Spain’s top white wine regions, known for Albariño wines with bright acidity.
• DOP Ribeira Sacra (DO) – A stunning river valley region producing refined Mencía reds with mineral depth.
• DOP Ribeiro (DO) – One of Galicia’s oldest wine regions, known for Treixadura-based aromatic whites.
• DOP Valdeorras (DO) – A top Godello-producing region, making full-bodied, complex whites.

IGPs in Galicia (5)

• IGP Barbanza e Iria (VT) – A small coastal area producing fresh Atlantic-influenced whites.
• IGP Betanzos (VT) – A historic wine area near A Coruña, known for light-bodied whites.
• IGP Ribeiras do Morrazo (VT) – A region near Pontevedra, making bright, high-acid whites.
• IGP Terras do Navia (VT) – An inland area producing limited-production reds and whites.
• IGP Valle del Miño-Ourense (VT) – Located along the Miño River, making delicate, floral whites.

La Rioja

IGPs in La Rioja (1)

• IGP Valles de Sadacia (VT) – A lesser-known designation within La Rioja, focused on aromatic white wines, especially from Moscatel.

Madrid

DOPs in Madrid (1)

• DOP Vinos de Madrid (DO) – The main wine region of Madrid, producing Tempranillo and Garnacha reds, along with fresh Albillo whites.

Murcia

DOPs in Murcia (2)

• DOP Bullas (DO) – Located in northwestern Murcia, producing rich, fruit-forward Monastrell reds.
• DOP Yecla (DO) – A well-regarded region known for structured Monastrell reds with excellent ageing potential.

IGPs in Murcia (2)

• IGP Campo de Cartagena (VT) – A coastal region making Mediterranean-style reds and whites.
• IGP Murcia (VT) – A broader designation covering wines from across the Murcia region.

Navarra

DOPs in Navarra (5)

• DOP Bolandin (VP) – A Pago estate producing limited-edition reds with strong character.
• DOP Navarra (DO) – A diverse wine region in northern Spain, famous for rosés, along with bold reds from Tempranillo and Garnacha.
• DOP Pago de Arínzano (VP) – A prestigious Pago estate, making top-quality Tempranillo-based wines.
• DOP Pago de Otazu (VP) – A Pago vineyard near Pamplona, producing elegant reds and whites.
• DOP Prado de Irache (VP) – Another exclusive Pago estate, specializing in structured reds.

IGPs in Navarra (1)

• IGP 3 Riberas (VT) – A designation covering wines from different zones of Navarra, allowing blended styles.

País Vasco (Basque Country)

DOPs in País Vasco (3)

• DOP Arabako Txakolina / Txakolí de Álava / Chacolí de Álava (DO) – A high-altitude region in Álava, producing light, zesty white Txakolí wines.
• DOP Bizkaiko Txakolina / Chacolí de Bizkaia / Txakolí de Bizkaia (DO) – From Biscay province, known for crisp, slightly effervescent white wines.
• DOP Getariako Txakolina / Chacolí de Getaria / Txakolí de Getaria (DO) – The most famous Txakolí-producing region, near San Sebastián, making high-acid, citrusy whites.

Valencia

DOPs in Valencia (7)

• DOP Alicante (DO) – Known for deep Monastrell reds and Fondillón, a rare aged sweet wine.
• DOP Chozas Carrascal (VP) – A Pago vineyard, crafting boutique-style reds and whites.
• DOP El Terrerazo (VP) – A top-quality Pago estate, producing rich, expressive Bobal wines.
• DOP Los Balagueses (VP) – A Pago estate, making premium Syrah and Garnacha reds.
• DOP Utiel-Requena (DO) – A key region for Bobal-based reds with intense fruit character.
• DOP Valencia (DO) – A broad designation covering various styles, from light whites to bold reds.
• DOP Vera de Estenas (VP) – A boutique Pago estate, producing complex, well-structured reds.

IGPs in Valencia (1)

• IGP Castelló (VT) – A small but growing area in Castellón province, producing Mediterranean reds and whites.