Everyone loves wine (in Spanish: Vino).
Be it red or white, no other beverage can offer the ideal balance that a glass of wine brings to the table.
They are more sophisticated than beers and weaker than spirits; perfect for celebrations, as a cooking ingredient or simply as a meal companion.
The Spaniards love their vinos, albeit less than their closest neighbours the Portuguese.
Historically, wine consumption in Spain is less than half the bottles per capita of Portugal. This should not come as a surprise if you realise that not even France and Italy can compete with Portugal in this respect.
The recent success of Spanish wines is owed to the revolution and recognition of Spanish cuisine in the global food landscape; beginning in 1987 with its first three-Michelin-stars awarded restaurant in Madrid.
Today, vino is considered to be integral in the Spanish dining experience; increasing the expectation and demand for great quality local wines.
Here’s a list of five places you can appreciate Spanish vinos accompanied by great views and amazing food.
Seville – Andalusia
El Giraldillo
You will certainly not miss this place when you are visiting the breathtaking city of Seville.
This establishment is strategically situated right across the plaza from the Giralda tower.
El Giraldillo has an extensive list of wines, ranging from premium accredited wines to value for money house pours.
We had the Pinturas Crianza 2015; it is a decent entry level Rioja, strong and the taste of oak is evident in the mouth.
Albacara Restaurant
Ronda, the city of bridges – a popular day tour destination among many visitors to Seville.
This restaurant (listed in the 2019 Michelin Guide) located in Hotel Montelirio presents a picturesque view of Ronda and its celebrated Puente Nuevo.
They offer a vast range of wines to complement and intensify the flavours of the local traditional cuisine served here.
Cordoba – Andalusia
Patio de la Judería
This restaurant wasn’t our first choice in the city but we ended up having a very enjoyable lunch – considering we emptied a 75 cl bottle by mid day.
Right at the door, we were greeted by a friendly staff, leading us into cosy restaurant elaborately furnished with a water fountain, a flamenco stage
and lots of greenery.
We had a Rioja Reserva by Marqués de Riscal; paired with an award winning tapas from Cordoba.
We simply could not ask for more.
Granada – Andalusia
Las Tomasas
One of the best restaurants in the city. Their service is impeccable, coupled with a high standard of food and the magical Alhambra as your wallpaper, certainly your choice of drinks becomes of less importance.
We had a Rioja Crianza 2015; a classic Rioja with a clean fruity nose and notes of plum, cherry and oak.
El Huerto de Juan Ranas
Situated just next to the crowd favourite – Mirador de San Nicolás – is El Huerto de Juan Ranas.
This is the finest outdoor bar in the city and rightly so, with unrivalled views of Sierra Nevada and the Alhambra, any wine will taste as good as a Gran Reserva.
Barcelona – Catalunya
Ayre Hotel Rosellón
We stayed at this hotel and if you do too, you have no excuse not to visit their very own rooftop bar.
There is no other spot that can offer you a better head-on view of the Sagrada Família. And here, not only will you be presented with the best panorama; you will be able to savour it with your bottle of choice.
We had a bottle of Gran Reserva Rioja. This is a wine made from Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes from Spanish vineyards.
Pleasant on the nose with strong aromas of red berries, silky and light in the mouth; perfect to enjoy this with your loved ones.
Hotel Colón
Another jewel in the city centre – Hotel Colón.
Similar to the Ayre Hotel Rosellón, this hotel is equipped with a rooftop bar and a viewing terrace that offer views of the Catedral de Barcelona, the city beyond and even a glimpse of Montjuïc.
We requested for Rioja, their local house pour.
Madrid – Madrid
Last but not least, Madrid – the capital and the most populated city in Spain.
Spain’s own departmental store, El Corte Inglés, has variety of wines with affordable prices to choose from.
In Madrid, this is a perfect place to pop open your favourite bottle with your friends, while enjoying views of the sunset over the ever lively city.
Voyage Grande 