Traditional wine routes, vineyard tours, tastings, and overnight stays in renowned Spanish wineries are becoming increasingly popular activities during weekend breaks.
According to Weekendesk, a portal specialising in themed trips, wine trips have become an increasingly popular weekend destination for many Spaniards. Wine tourism can make an important contribution to the recovery of tourism after the pandemic and the crisis it caused.
Attractive offer
Wine regions and bodegas respond to this with a varied and rich offer. Since the easing of travel restrictions, the Spanish wine regions have launched an intensive campaign to arouse the interest of Spaniards looking for an original but also affordable weekend break. The average price is around €185 per wine trip. But not only the price makes wine tourism attractive; sometimes the trips are combined with other activities such as a visit to a spa or gastronomic enjoyment. Often, the wineries are charming destinations with accommodation in historic buildings located in beautiful rural regions,
For wine lovers, wine tasting goes beyond exquisite tastes and smells. It is about getting to know the essence of each region, with its own culture and natural environment. A pleasure for all senses!
Destination
When Spaniards plan a wine excursion, they often think first of their region or neighbouring areas with which they have a connection. The average distance travelled by Spaniards on a wine trip is 145 kilometres, 20 kilometres less than the general average.
Wine trips are most popular with Catalans, who account for 45% of bookings, followed by those from Madrid (12%) and Valencia (10%).
Castilla-La Mancha, La Rioja and Catalonia are the Spaniards’ favourite wine destinations.
The province of Tarragona, with 52% of bookings, is in the lead, according to data from Weekendesk.es. Tourists from the area and nearby regions enjoy the famous appellations of origin in places such as Tarragona, Penedès and Conca de Barberà. Catalonia is the region where wine tourism is most popular with 56% of total bookings. Castilla-La Mancha and its internationally recognised designation of origin is the second most popular destination for Spaniards with 15%. In third place is La Rioja, with 9% of bookings.
Experience with all senses
Finally, Brigitte Hidalgo, Weekendesk’s operations director, stresses that ‘Wine is associated with exclusive enjoyment and quality tourism. But that doesn’t mean it always has to be expensive and unattainable. It is also one of the most natural experiences that connects us to the original essence of many Spanish villages. It is the enjoyment of multiple senses that has helped us to promote wine tourism, especially at a time when we are looking for a greater connection with our surroundings and for experiences that invite us to enjoy the best pleasures in life’.
