Spain

Spain - Country Overview (Wine Context)

Location: Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula bordering Portugal, France, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Capital: Madrid.
Area: 505,990 square kilometres (195,364 square miles).
Population (2025 est.): About 48 million people.

Wine climate: Mix of Mediterranean, continental, and Atlantic climates depending on region.
Main wine regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, La Mancha, Priorat, Rias Baixas, Penedes, Jumilla, Navarra.
Vineyard area: Approximately 930,000 to 960,000 hectares, one of the largest vineyard areas in the world.
Main grape varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Albarino, Airen.
Wine styles: Red wines, crisp Atlantic white wines, sparkling Cava, fortified wines such as Sherry.
Cider: Traditional cider production is significant in northern Spain, particularly in Asturias and the Basque Country.
Industry notes: Spain has one of the largest vineyard areas globally and a long winemaking history dating back to Phoenician and Roman times.