As a sommelier, I’ve always been fascinated by Spanish Wine Regions. Spain is a country with a centuries-old winemaking tradition, yet it is often seen as the underdog compared to France and Italy. Despite this, Spain ranks among the top three wine producing countries in the world. Moreover, it offers more freedom and creativity in winemaking than France or Italy. Fewer strict rules, more room for experimentation and interpretation. That is what makes Spanish wine so vibrant and full of surprises.
During my wine tastings, I often notice that many people don’t realize just how diverse Spain truly is. The country may seem like one warm, uniform landscape, but it is far from that. In the north, along the Atlantic coast, you find a cool climate producing fresh, mineral-driven wines. Further inland, vineyards are often planted hundreds of metres above sea level. Here, the large temperature swings between day and night, and between summer and wintertime, create powerful yet balanced wines. On the sunny Mediterranean coast, ripe, bold flavours dominate. Every region tells its own story.
Yet there are still many misconceptions about Spanish wine regions. Most people only know Rioja or Rueda, Verdejo, while Spain has so much more to offer. During my wine tastings, I love to showcase this diversity. From local grape varieties to small, characterful producers who work with a lot of passion. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone taste something completely new and be visibly delighted.
One region that truly deserves the spotlight is Valencia. While Spain is often underestimated in Europe, Valencia itself is somewhat of an underdog within Spain. Yet the region is bursting with potential. Where bulk production once dominated, young winemakers are now crafting small-scale, characterful wines. Wines that also offer excellent value for money. Valencia perfectly combines innovation with tradition.
During my tastings, I especially enjoy featuring wines from Valencia, particularly those made from Bobal, a local grape variety. Many people have never heard of it, yet it is the third most planted grape in Spain. Bobal produces robust, characterful wines. People are often amazed that such quality comes from a relatively unknown region. And that is exactly what I love about wine: when origin, history, and flavour come together, and someone discovers something entirely new.
For me, wine is all about understanding. Not just knowing what you taste, but why. When you understand where a wine comes from, its climate, soil, and the people behind it, you taste with greater depth. That is exactly what I aim to share during my tastings: the origin of flavour and the stories all Spanish Wine Regions have to tell.
