Spanish coastal road passing vineyards with wine glasses on car hood

Car Routes for Wine Lovers Along the Coast

If you're a wine lover planning a Spanish road trip, you’re in luck. Spain isn’t just famous for beaches and sunshine — it’s also home to some incredible wineries, many of which are just a short drive from the coast. With the right route and the right rental, you can sip your way through small vineyards, coastal towns, and scenic roads without the crowds.

Here are the best coastal wine routes for an easy, relaxing trip — all reachable by car, and packed with local flavor.

1. Alella Wine Route (Near Barcelona)

Only 30 minutes north of Barcelona, Alella is one of the smallest but oldest wine regions in Spain. The road there hugs the coast, and as you climb into the hills, you’ll see both the vineyards and the sea below.

Stop at a family-run winery like Alta Alella, which offers tastings and vineyard tours with sea views. Most places offer organic and eco-friendly wines that reflect the coastal breeze.

🍷 Style: Crisp whites, light reds
🕒 Best time: Afternoon tour with sunset view

2. DO Empordà (Costa Brava)

Drive northeast from Barcelona into the Costa Brava, and you’ll hit the Empordà region. It’s full of medieval villages, olive groves, and unique coastal wines. Towns like Peralada and Palau-saverdera are perfect stops, and some wineries are just 15 minutes from the beach.

Many offer walk-in tastings and even pairings with local food — cheeses, olive oils, or anchovies from nearby towns.

🚗 Route: Barcelona → Figueres → Peralada
🍇 Wine: Full-bodied reds, dry rosés

3. Manilva (Costa del Sol)

This one’s a hidden gem. Located just 30 minutes from Marbella, the vineyards of Manilva are famous for moscatel grapes — sweet, sun-kissed, and unique to the area. The drive takes you through small countryside roads, with ocean views on one side and vineyards on the other.

Stop by Nilva Enoturismo, a small but lovely tasting room with ocean-facing views and a guided look at how they make wine in the south.

🧺 Try this: Wine tasting with tapas on a sunny terrace
🍇 Highlight: Locally made moscatel, sweet and fragrant

4. Utiel-Requena (Valencian Wine Country)

This one’s a bit inland, but still an easy drive from the coast near Valencia. The region is known for bold red wines, especially bobal, a grape that grows only here. The town of Requena is historic and cozy, with wine caves carved below the streets.

🍷 What to expect: Underground cellars, rustic reds, quiet roads
🛣️ Distance from Valencia: About 1 hour drive

🍇 Tips for a Safe & Smooth Wine Road Trip:

  • Always have a designated driver. Even small tastings can sneak up on you.

  • Book in advance if you're going on weekends — wineries fill up fast.

  • Pack light snacks (cheese, bread, fruit) to enjoy in nature.

  • Use Google Maps or ask locals for less-touristy routes.

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