Not everyone does the Camino de Santiago for religious reasons. Some seek adventure, others enjoy nature, and many discover that wine is a great ally on the journey. At each stage, there are vineyards, wineries, and unique flavours that turn the route into a first-class oenological experience.

Did you know that many of the areas crossed by this route produce some of the best wines in Spain? At each stop, you’ll have an opportunity to taste and learn about the winemaking culture of these regions. If you appreciate good wines and are thinking about walking this historic path, you’ll surely be interested in discovering everything that wine tourism has to offer.

 

Wine Regions on the Camino de Santiago

Along the route, especially on the French Way, there are wine-producing regions with highly prestigious appellations of origin.

  • La Rioja is one of the most famous regions. It is known for its red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape, which are recognised worldwide for their balance and complexity.

 

  • In Navarra, fresh and fruity rosé wines stand out, although high-quality reds and whites are also produced.

 

  • In Castilla y León, there are varieties such as:
    • La Ribera del Duero, known for its powerful reds made with Tempranillo.

 

    • El Bierzo, famous for its fruity reds made with the Mencía grape.

 

  • Finally, Galicia wraps things up with fresh and mineral wines, particularly Albariño and Godello, which are perfect to pair with the local cuisine. Additionally, near Santiago de Compostela, you will also find the regions of Rías Baixas and Ribeira Sacra, which offer fruity and acidic white wines.

 

Alternatives to Explore the Route

To comfortably explore the Jacobite route, there are organised Camino de Santiago trips that can offer unique oenological experiences. These itineraries allow you to enjoy hiking while also visiting local wineries.

  • If you decide to start your pilgrimage on the Camino Santiago from Ribadeo, you’ll be able to enjoy Galicia’s fresh whites. They are perfect for pairing with the region’s delicious seafood platters.

 

  • On the other hand, if you begin the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao, you’ll have the chance to explore the bold reds of La Rioja. As mentioned, this is one of the most famous wine regions in Spain.

 

  • On the Camino Santiago from Tui, Albariño will take centre stage. This white wine, known for its freshness and acidity, is perfect for pairing with local dishes.

 

Each of the Jacobite routes has its own charm and allows you to discover the wine nuances along the way, offering a unique experience that blends nature, culture, and gastronomy.

 

Wineries You Can’t Miss

The Camino de Santiago is a journey that combines spirituality with wine tourism. It offers pilgrims and wine lovers a unique experience.

  • In La Rioja, Bodegas Alvia is a notable stop. Join the educational tours and tastings of handcrafted wines. These encounters allow visitors to learn about the winemaking culture of Rioja, surrounded by vineyards and ageing rooms.

 

  • In Navarra, the iconic wine fountain at Bodegas Irache is a landmark where pilgrims can enjoy free wine. In fact, it is a traditional meeting point. Additionally, you can visit wineries with Designations of Origin such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Bierzo to taste Spain’s rich winemaking tradition.

 

Each stop is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of wine, blending spirituality with wine tourism.

 

Perfect Pairings at Every Stop

Each region has typical dishes that highlight the nuances of the local wine.

  • In La Rioja, chuletillas al sarmiento pair perfectly with crianza reds, bringing out the complexity of Rioja wines.

 

  • In Navarra, cordero al chilindrón pairs wonderfully with fresh rosés, offering a refreshing contrast.

 

  • Castilla y León offers lechazo asado, ideal to pair with a Ribera del Duero, which complements its intense flavour.

 

  • When you reach Galicia, seafood and Albariño make an unbeatable combination, with the freshness of the white wine enhancing the flavour of the local seafood.

 

Vineyards with Spectacular Views

Many vineyards are close to scenery that deserves a pause.

  • In La Rioja Alta, the vineyards on hills create unforgettable postcard views, with vistas stretching to the horizon.

 

  • In Bierzo, the vines grow between mountains, offering an impressive contrast between nature and viticulture.

 

  • In Galicia, vineyards on terraces above the Miño River seem to defy gravity, creating the perfect setting to rest and enjoy the journey.

All these places produce great wines and also have idyllic settings to relax and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.

 

Unforgettable Wine Tourism Experiences

Wine tourism on the Camino de Santiago is a multifaceted experience that goes beyond wine tastings.

  • In La Rioja, wineries offer vineyard tours and tasting workshops, where you can learn about the winemaking process.

 

  • In Navarra, participating in the grape harvest is a unique opportunity to delve into the local winemaking culture.

 

  • In Castilla y León, night tastings under the starry sky are a magical experience that combines natural beauty with local wine tasting.

 

  • In Galicia, some wineries combine wine with thermalism. This is a holistic approach that blends relaxation with the pleasure of wine.

 

Tips to Enjoy Wine Tourism on the Camino

To make the most of wine tourism on the Camino de Santiago, follow these practical tips:

  • Drink in moderation: it’s essential not to overdo it to maintain physical performance during the journey.

 

  • Hydration and balance: make sure to stay hydrated and balance each tasting with food to fully enjoy the experiences.

 

  • Book in advance: many wineries have limited spots, so make sure to book your visits early.

 

  • Check transportation options: if you plan to visit vineyards far from the main route, research available transportation options.

 

  • Explore the appellations of origin: discover the diversity and richness of the region’s winemaking heritage by visiting places like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, and Bierzo. Each has its own varieties and winemaking traditions.