Thanks to the rise of wine tourism in Malaga, this activity has become one of the most interesting offers in our community. Its wines are recognized throughout the world and it is that in its wineries excellent wines are created.
Malaga is a province that keeps many secrets and that is why it has a wide range of leisure, nature and gastronomy offers to surprise its locals and visitors. One of its jewels is the option of enjoying a wine route through Malaga, and that is because it passes through the vineyards of such emblematic areas as the Axarquía, the Montes de Málaga, or the Serranía de Ronda.
Thus, the visitor will not only be able to know the process of creating the different kinds of wine but will also be able to enjoy both the landscape and the oenological heritage of a province with much to contribute in this competitive sector. In the same way, you will be able to enjoy the traditional production systems first-hand, and you will be able to delight yourself and taste the best of their wines. Today there are endless wineries in Malaga that are allowed these enriching visits, although it is necessary to make a reservation well in advance.
You dare to take a great tour of one of the coolest proposals on Costa del Sol: the Malaga wine routes. Shall we start?
Malaga wine in history
The history of Malaga wine dates back to Phoenician times, which is why it is considered one of the oldest in all of Europe. Malaga wine is mainly sweet and has the character of its people, so its tasting is calm. And although it pairs perfectly with desserts, the people of Malaga take it at any time in the so-called “tascas” where the air of Al-Andalus is breathed.
Malaga Wine Museum
The Malaga Wine Museum is an 18th century building, transformed into a museum where you can enjoy the best wines in the province. Although its main function is to spread both the social values of the wine culture, as well as its prestige. Also, within this same building there is a plant where we can see how the must is made.
The Wine Museum is where the Regulatory Council of the Málaga, Sierras de Málaga and Pasas de Málaga Denominations of Origin is located, which is currently the platform for the defence of the interests of the three Denominations of Origin.
Wineries in Malaga and the eastern Costa del Sol
Bodegas Pérez Hidalgo
This winery is a creative and personal bet in the world of wines by its owners. From the fruit of the vines that grow under the Malaga sun, they make wines that, raised in oak wood, make these reds very particular and unique. An explosion of aromas and flavours that will make you experience extraordinary sensations. A good option also to learn first-hand on a guided tour all the ins and outs of its preparation.
Bodega Lascas de Pedernal
Although it is true that the Lascas de Pedernal winery is of recent creation, it is no less true that for more than 3 decades the Párragas have dedicated themselves with great care and passion to creating their own wines, they began making wine for family and friends and for about five years they have started to do it professionally, creating more than 19 different types, from the Quiet Dry to the Quiet Sweet, passing through the sparkling.
Bodegas Quitapenas
Bodegas Quitapenas are one of the best known in Malaga and have been producing since 1880. In these two centuries they have been taking great care of each bottle, positioning themselves in a privileged place in their national and international export. The grapes, arriving from Axarquía, go through a quality selection process so as not to leave the final result to chance. These wineries have a space enabled for visitors and all those who want to taste their products will be able to do so accompanied by the best wine experts. Junkito, Málaga Oro Viejo, Moscatel Dorado or Viejo Abuelo are some of its most outstanding wines.
Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia
This winery has a fascinating history and journey. It dates from 1840, and the Queen of Spain herself, Isabel II, visited the facilities on one of her visits to Malaga to taste her wines. Among other distinguished visitors are Dr. Gregorio Marañón, the poet Salvador Rueda, as well as other figures from politics and the arts. The tasting menu is extensive and has important varieties of Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez. If you decide to visit Malaga capital, do not hesitate to make a stop in this emblematic corner with so much history behind it.
Bodega Antonio Muñoz Cabrera
This winery is located in the heart of Moclinejo. Its maxim is to show the visitor both the history of its vineyards, as well as that of wine in Malaga, and all this from the Axarquía. This winery carries out many wine tourism activities (visits to the vineyards, the winery, private wine tastings and a long etcetera). As we have already mentioned other times, these types of visits must be booked in advance.
Bodega Jorge Ordoñez
This winery, although still very young (it was born in 2004), has to its credit a more than wide list of awards on its shelves. An example of this is the sweet muscat No. 2 Victoria that was tasted by Queen Elizabeth II of England at a luncheon in commemoration of her 88th anniversary. Impressive.
Bodega Bentomiz
Bentomiz more than a winery is an authentic wine boutique located on the slopes of the eastern coast of Malaga. Its vines are over 100 years old and enjoy perfect environmental conditions to thrive (slate soil, a more than mild climate and best of all the Mediterranean Sea breezes, which salinize and refresh them). Their wines are delicate and fresh and not for nothing have they been highly awarded nationally and internationally. A pleasure that you cannot miss if you like good wine.
Bodega Gomara
From a more than privileged enclave, Bodegas Gomara is located very close to the city of Malaga. The winery presents a huge variety of products, which together with their high quality make them highly appreciated in any market. This winery has vintage, noble, vintage wines and endless more.
Bodega Almijara
Competa wine is famous throughout the country and the locals, dedicating one of their local festivities to it. In order to enter and discover the process of making Moscatel Wine, Bodegas Almijara offers the visitor the possibility of visiting the facilities, where in addition to understanding how the wines have been made and are still being made, take a tour around it , ending with a tasting of the wines. An exciting experience for all those who love this product.
Wineries in Ronda
Bodega Doña Felisa
This winery was founded in 1999, and was born as a personal commitment of its founders, to value the conditions for the creation of wines that were given in this fantastic Andalucian corner. Which they have achieved and that is why Doña Felisa is today one of the most famous and innovative in Andalucia.
Bodega Conrad
The history of the project began in 1998, by Theo and Anne Marie Conrad, two Swiss living in our country who decided to plant a vineyard on the estate known as “Don Jacinto”. Its objective is not only to cultivate the best grapes, for its wines, but also to create a harmony between soil and wildlife, so we can find varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Pinot Noir or Malbec.
Bodega Joaquín Fernández
This winery is located on Los Frutales estate, a small Family Winery that produces magnificent organic wines with varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha. The most interesting thing about its ecological concept is trying to achieve the natural balance between the different elements that intervene in a wine-growing plant.
Bodega Gonzalo Beltrán Finca La Nogalera
La Nogalera, is a plantation linked to the Beltrán family for more than a century. The name of their wine PEREZOSO honours the philosophy of the wines they offer. Very calm wines, designed to be enjoyed in good company.
Bodega Vetas
Vetas is the smallest winery in the entire Spanish scene, it is no less true that from the beginning they decided to make their brand big. To do this, they search for the best fruit to produce the premium wines of its category. Moreover, this winery does not create wines, it creates feelings and memories around this wonderful elixir.
Bodega Cortijo los Aguilares
The Cortijo Los Aguilares winery is an old farmhouse that preserves a traditional Andalusian aesthetic. Different experiences are offered here, ranging from eating in the middle of the vineyard to being able to enjoy a private chef who will be in charge of preparing a wonderful meal in a natural environment of incredible beauty.
Bodega El Niño de la Salina
This winery is one of the revelations of recent times in the province of Malaga. This family business has managed to win over many fans thanks to the highest quality wines made in a totally traditional way.
If you decide to visit them, you will be able to enjoy the different events they hold so that their visitors can learn about their production system and the pairing of their wines. To do this, they will make a route where they can learn first-hand the secrets of this winery in its production and aging rooms, as well as to conclude the visit.
Bodega Descalzos Viejos
This winery is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Andalucia, it is located in an ancient, although restored Trinitarian convent that dates back to the 16th century. In this winery you will be able to enjoy, in addition to good wine, different spaces that will transport you to another time. But this is just a fantastic plus because the main thing is that in this winery you can delight yourself with a fantastic menu of wines. It must be said that in this winery only small groups are accepted since those in charge of the winery want each visit to be the most special and personal, which also means that its price will depend on the options you decide to include.
Bodegas Federico Schatz
Federico Schatz’s winery began its journey in 1980 (he was a pioneer in the recovery of wine in the area after the phylloxera plague that almost ended the production of wine in the area) and today produces organic wines (it was the first in Malaga in approaching this modality) and also biodynamic, taking into account elements such as the sun or the phases of the moon in the crop.
Visits are reserved for visitors by appointment. Thus, those who enter this historic winery will be able to enjoy seeing the entire process of making these wines, from the collection of the grapes to their bottling.
Refresh yourself this summer with the best Malaga wines and experience the whole process behind each product up close. The quality of the province’s vineyards gives these wines an unmistakable flavour.
Tips and suggestions for Wine Tourism in Málaga
Wine tourism in Málaga is an excellent way to enjoy the region’s rich winemaking tradition while exploring its stunning landscapes. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your wine tourism experience in Málaga:
- Route of the Raisin and the Wines of Málaga
Description: This route is ideal for exploring the white villages of Axarquía, one of the most emblematic areas for wine production. Here, you can visit traditional wineries where sweet wines, especially Moscatel, are produced.
Recommendation: Don’t miss a visit to Bodega Bentomiz, which offers tastings paired with food, all with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. - Wineries in the Serranía de Ronda
Description: Ronda is another wine gem in Málaga. The Serranía de Ronda has made a name for itself thanks to its high-quality red and rosé wines.
Recommendation: Visit Bodega Joaquín Fernández or Bodega Descalzos Viejos, which combine wine production with local history and architecture. - Málaga Wine Museum
Description: Located in the city center, this museum is a must-see for those who want to learn about the history of wine in Málaga, from Phoenician times to the present day.
Recommendation: Take advantage of your visit to taste some of the most representative wines of the province at the museum itself.
- Wine Events and Festivals
Description: Throughout the year, various wine-focused festivals and fairs are held in Málaga, such as the Harvest Festival in Manilva or Raisin Day in El Borge.
Recommendation: If possible, plan your visit to coincide with one of these events, where you can experience wine culture in its most authentic form. - Accommodation in Vineyards
Description: For a complete experience, consider staying in one of the many rural houses or boutique hotels located in the midst of vineyards.
Recommendation: Finca La Carruca in Ronda is an excellent option, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside and participate in activities such as grape harvesting. - Wine Tastings and Workshops at Wineries
Description: Many wineries offer not only tastings but also oenology workshops where you can learn about the wine production process.
Recommendation: Bodegas Dimobe in Moclinejo offers a complete experience with tastings, guided tours, and workshops where you can create your own wine.
Málaga offers a rich and varied wine tourism experience that combines its history, culture, and landscapes. Plan your visit according to your interests—whether they be history, landscapes, tastings, or events—to make the most of what this wine region has to offer.
Curiosities About the Wine of the Province of Málaga
The province of Málaga is known for its rich winemaking tradition, which dates back to ancient times. Here are some curiosities about the wine from this region:
- Ancient Origin
The wines of Málaga have a history that dates back more than 3,000 years, when the Phoenicians introduced viticulture to the region. Later, the Romans and the Arabs continued to refine production techniques. - Moscatel Variety
Málaga is famous for its sweet wines made from Moscatel grapes, one of the oldest varieties cultivated in the region. This grape is used for both fortified and dry wines and is the basis for some of the province’s most emblematic wines. - Málaga Designation of Origin
Málaga wine holds one of the oldest designations of origin in Spain, officially recognized in 1933. The DO Málaga primarily focuses on the production of sweet wines, although it also includes dry and semi-dry wines. - Raisin Wine
A specialty of the province is raisin wine, made from Moscatel grapes dried in the sun on drying racks. This process concentrates the sugars, resulting in extremely sweet and rich wines, known for their intense flavor and dark color.
- Wine of the Kings
For centuries, Málaga wines were appreciated in European courts. It is even said that the English poet William Shakespeare mentioned Málaga wine in his works. Additionally, it was one of the favorite wines of Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. - Montes de Málaga
The mountainous region of the Montes de Málaga is famous for producing a dry wine called “vino de los montes,” which is traditionally consumed in the “ventas” (rural taverns) of the area, accompanied by typical dishes such as “chivo al ajillo” (garlic-seasoned goat). - Revival of Historic Vineyards
In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to revive historic vineyards in Axarquía and the Serranía de Ronda. This movement has revitalized indigenous grape varieties and enabled the production of high-quality wines that compete in the international market. - Innovation and Tradition
Although Málaga is famous for its traditional sweet wines, recent decades have seen remarkable innovation in the production of red, white, and sparkling wines, especially in the Serranía de Ronda, where international grape varieties and modern winemaking techniques are being explored.
These curiosities highlight the richness and diversity of wine production in the province of Málaga, which combines a deep historical tradition with a vibrant contemporary scene.
Try the best Andalucian brandies: learn about its history and the best brands around
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
The best option to stay for this special Wine Route through the province of Malaga is, without a doubt, Fuerte Group Hotels. The chain has establishments where you can enjoy, in addition to its services, the best of each point in the province. Its more than 60 years of experience are the best of guarantees. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema or Torrox are some of the spots where you can find these incredible accommodations close to all these wineries.