Almería as wine destination
Wine production in Andalucia
In Andalucía, wine production is diverse and encompasses various styles, reflecting the region's rich viticultural heritage and unique terroir. Here are some key types of wine produced in Andalucía:
Sherry (Jerez): Perhaps the most famous wine style from Andalucía, Sherry is produced primarily in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry y Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda DO. This fortified wine comes in a range of styles, including Fino (dry and light), Manzanilla (similar to Fino but produced exclusively in Sanlúcar de Barrameda), Amontillado (nutty and complex), Oloroso (rich and full-bodied), Palo Cortado (a rare style with characteristics of both Amontillado and Oloroso), and Pedro Ximénez (sweet and luscious).
Montilla-Moriles: Located in the province of Córdoba, the Montilla-Moriles DO is known for its production of fortified wines made from the Pedro Ximénez grape variety. These wines range from dry to sweet and often undergo oxidative aging, similar to Sherry.
Rioja-style wines: While not as prevalent as in the Rioja region, Andalucía also produces red, white, and rosé wines in a style reminiscent of those from Rioja. These wines are made from a variety of grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura, and are typically aged in oak barrels.
Andalusian reds and whites: In addition to fortified and Rioja-style wines, Andalucía also produces still red, white, and rosé wines from a variety of grape varieties, including indigenous and international ones. These wines vary in style depending on the subregion and winemaking techniques employed.
Wine production in Almería province
Almería province, although not as well-known for wine production as some other regions in Spain, still boasts a small but growing wine industry. The unique climate and terrain of the province contribute to the production of distinctive wines, primarily in the Alpujarra and Laujar regions.
In Almería, you'll find mostly small-scale, boutique wineries producing a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Some of the notable grape varieties cultivated in the region include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah, and Pedro Ximénez.
The Alpujarra Almeriense is not traditionally known as a major wine-producing region compared to other parts of Andalucía. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in viticulture in this area, with some wineries emerging to explore the potential of the unique terroir.
The mountainous terrain, with its elevation and diverse microclimates, offers favorable conditions for grape cultivation. While the region's focus has historically been on other agricultural products such as almonds, olives, and citrus fruits, winemakers are increasingly recognizing the potential of the Alpujarra Almeriense for wine production.
Wineries in the Alpujarra Almeriense are typically small-scale operations, often family-owned and operated. They may specialize in crafting artisanal wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the region, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Visitors to the Alpujarra Almeriense have the opportunity to explore these boutique wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and taste a range of wines that showcase the terroir of this distinctive wine region.
If you would like to include a visit of a winery in your itinerary
Wineries in Almería
Bodega Cuatro Vientos: Located in Laujar de Andarax, this family-run winery produces organic wines in harmony with nature. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their signature wines.
Bodega Dominio Buenavista: Situated in the heart of the Alpujarra region, this winery focuses on sustainable viticulture and produces high-quality wines using traditional methods. Guided tours offer insights into the winemaking process, with tastings of their award-winning wines.
Bodega Fuente Victoria: Nestled in the scenic landscape of Laujar de Andarax, this boutique winery produces artisanal wines with a strong emphasis on terroir. Visitors can explore the vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their unique varietals.
Bodega Cortijo el Cura: Located in Ugíjar, this traditional winery produces wines reflecting the unique terroir of the Alpujarra region. Guided tours offer insights into their winemaking process, with tastings of their authentic, handcrafted wines
Bodega Señorío de Nevada: Although technically in the neighboring province of Granada, this winery is close to the border with Almería and worth mentioning for its excellent wines. Set amidst the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada foothills, visitors can explore the vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their premium wines.
Bodega Dominio del Pórtico: Situated in the picturesque village of Laujar de Andarax, this boutique winery produces limited-production wines from indigenous grape varieties. Guided tours offer an intimate look at their winemaking philosophy, with tastings of their distinctive wines.
Almería Wonder TIP: Bodega Pura Vida Vinos - natural wine
Family Winery located in Fondón at 850 meters above sea level. Natural Wines produced by hand, without filtering or clarifying, without adding or removing anything, with minimal human intervention, only grape juice fermented with its own yeasts.
Roberto Ayala, known for his vibrant bar in Almería, where craft beers and Rock'n Roll reign supreme, has another passion: wine. In 2011, he acquired a small farmhouse in Fondón at 1,200 meters altitude. With about 1,000 Garnacha vines, Roberto and his partner María meticulously tend to the vineyard, aiming for a clean, additive-free wine. Guided by Manuel Valenzuela (Barranco Oscuro), they practice organic farming on 5 hectares, hand-harvesting each grape. Their commitment yields around 3,000 bottles annually.