Although not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Granada, the province is in fact a wine-producing region. One way to learn about local wine culture is to participate in a wine tasting—a gastronomic and cultural experience that can enhance every traveler’s visit to Granada.
Some travelers might be familiar with wine-tasting experiences and try enjoying them whenever they can. For others, especially those less versed in wines, this can be an unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating experience. That is because wine tasting is surrounded by a veil of beliefs that extensive knowledge is needed to do it correctly. If you have ever wanted to attend a wine tasting but have been held back by such thoughts, Granada is the perfect place to start. You can enjoy local wines all throughout the province in a relaxed and pleasant manner.
WHAT IS A WINE TASTING?
In a wine tasting tour, participants are expected to savor the wine while an expert guides the event and explains not only the tastes and aromas of the final product but also the intricate details of the wine production process. Usually, the expert is a professional wine taster or a winemaker from a particular winery. Since very ethereal and changing sensations are perceived during tastings, the room where the experience takes place must be controlled to the maximum extent so that extraneous odors, light or even temperature do not distract the taster and affect their ability to taste the wine’s flavors, aromas and textures. If you decide to attend a wine tasting you will discover that it follows a series of steps to allow you to get to know the quality and personality of a wine by perceiving its components with your senses of sight, smell and taste.
THE PROCESS
Tasting wine is easier than it sounds. To do this, you only need to allow your senses to appreciate the flavors you are experiencing. Because sensations vary depending on our health, the emotions we might be feeling and the memories we associate with certain flavors, there are no wrong answers in a tasting and each participant is encouraged to experience the wine individually. There are, however, three steps associated with fully experiencing a wine: the visual stage, the olfactory stage and the tasting stage.
1.The visual stage of wine tasting is appreciating the colors of the wine. To do this, you hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands. In this position, you will notice three distinct areas of the wine’s pour: the surface, the center and the edges, which reflect shadows that form. Exploring these three areas will allow you to draw many conclusions including the color intensity, brightness, fluidity and movement, clarity, effervescence and tranquility of the specific wine.
2. In the olfactory stage of wine tasting, the taster places their nose close to or even into the glass without swirling it to capture the primary aromas of the wine, which reflect the grape variety, the local climate and particular elements of the soil. In the second phase, you swirl the wine in the glass confidently to perceive the secondary and tertiary aromas more easily. The perceived aromas are very personal, but they are generally classified as woody, chemical, spicy, vegetable, floral or fruity.
3. The tasting stage is when one sips a bit of wine and discreetly swishes it around the mouth to taste its freshness or acidity, the intensity of its flavors, its aromatic richness, astringency, and the duration of all these sensations. You want to move the wine around to perceive all the notes because various receptors in the tongue and parts of the mouth capture different flavors. Once all these sensations are appreciated, note them down so that in the next tasting, you can compare and continue learning.
WHERE TO TASTE IN GRANADA
Granada province offers a wide range of possibilities for wine tasting. The Sierra Nevada mountain range and the fields surrounding the capital city are home to numerous wineries, thanks to the region’s mild climate and fertile soil. Almost all local wineries are situated in picturesque valleys with spectacular views. While admiring the natural beauty, you can enjoy a variety of tasting experiences and sample a selection of local wines, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, often paired with traditional Andalusian appetizers.
The wine-tasting tours are usually held in intimate groups, allowing you to feel comfortable and to truly appreciate the moment, even if you don’t have much experience with tasting wine. Many bodegas enhance their wine tasting tours with a culinary experience which can range from picking on local cheese or cold cuts to complete meals. Remember that despite their proximity to the city, most wineries in Granada are in somewhat remote areas, generally accessible by car. The prices of tasting at local bodegas usually range between 15€ and 35€ per person.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL BODEGAS OFFERING WINETASTING EXPERIENCES… AND MUCH MORE.
BODEGAS MUÑANA in Cortes y Graena is considered the highest commercial winery in Europe when it comes to altitude. It is naturally irrigated by the waters of the Sierra Nevada National Park, and it is a perfect place to combine wine-tasting with outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, cycling or kayaking. ¬ bodegasmunana.com
BODEGAS AL ZAGAL in Cogollos de Guadix is named after the 15th-century King of Granada, Sultan al-Zaghall. In recent years, Zagal wines have presented their flavor and quality in a wide variety of competitions and guides, helping position Granada on the world map of wine-producing regions. ¬ bodegasalzagal.com
BODEGAS SEÑORÍO DE NEVADA in Cónchar, located in a privileged enclave of the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers not only wine tasting, but also excellent gastronomy, viticulture, routes and outdoor adventures. ¬ senoriodenevada.es
BODEGAS CALVENTE in Jete is a small artisan winery that has recovered centuries-old vineyards to obtain original grape varieties and restore the classical wine sector in this part of Spain. ¬ bodegascalvente.com
BODEGA MÉNDEZ MOYA in Dólar has produced ecological and vegan wine for almost 20 years. The grapes from this estate are harvested overnight at their peak moment of ripening. ¬ mendezmoya.com
BODEGAS FONTEDEI in Deifontes has vineyards located in five different geographical areas of the province of Granada to ensure the best growing conditions for their grapes. Some vintages found here are over a century old. ¬ bodegasfontedei.es
Stay Longer Tip
Most wine-tasting tours are limited in the number of participants. Reservations are not only recommended but often required to participate.
