Icons from Spain & Portugal, 100 Years of Rioja, & Atlantic Freshness: Learn More about Iberian Wines

The Iberian Peninsula (Spain & Portugal) remains one of the most exciting and dynamic wine regions in the world, offering a remarkable balance of history, tradition, and discovery. From the centennial celebrations in Rioja to the windswept Atlantic coast, the breadth of styles across this region is nothing short of extraordinary. Add in fortified treasures from Jerez, Madeira, and Porto, and you have a lineup that spans the full spectrum of flavor, pedigree, and collectability.

• Celebrating 100 Years of Rioja!
• Verve & Value: Exploring the Atlantic Coast of Iberia
• Centuries of Tradition: Fortified Wine Gems
• Legendary Wines of Spain: In Stock Now
• Upcoming Tasting — Across Iberia: Icons of Spanish Terroir

Rioja is one of the most historic—and dynamic—wine regions, beloved by collectors around the world. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the formal establishment of the appellation, which has continued to evolve in recent years with exciting new projects and ventures. In many ways, modern-day Rioja is where the past, the present, and the future come together in dynamic fashion.

While winemaking has existed in the region for centuries, the current history of Rioja began in the late 19th century, when Phylloxera devastated vineyards in Bordeaux, and French négociants had to look elsewhere for fruit. Rioja, and specifically the area around the town of Haro, which was connected to Bilbao by train, was identified as a prime source easily accessible from Bordeaux. Many wineries—including famous names still producing wine today—Lopez de Heredia, Muga, Marqués de Murrieta and CVNE—were established during this time, all clustered near the central train station. Keep reading about this historic region here.

When imagining Spain and Portugal, hot and arid landscapes often come to mind, with golden rolling hills dotted with gnarled old vines. The far northwestern corner of Spain, however, often referred to as “Green Spain,” defies this stereotype. Likewise, across the Miño River (or Minho River, depending on what language you’re speaking) in northern Portugal, the wine regions are defined by a cool, coastal climate with ample rainfall.

Perhaps the two most well-known appellations in this part of Iberia are Rias Baixas in Spain, famed for producing Albariño in a range of styles, and Vinho Verde in Portugal where the name itself immediately conjures up fresh and zesty white wines. Both appellations have been carved into subregions to help differentiate further their styles, with those along the coast, such as the Val do Salnés area of Rias Baixas and the Lima area of Vinho Verde, producing the leanest styles of wine with a distinctive saline tinge. More inland sub-regions, such as Contado do Tea where our direct import partner Adegas Valtea is located, can produce more richly concentrated wines framed by brisk acidity. Learn more about these unmissable coastal wines On the Trail.

Probably one of the most exciting parts of being the wine buyer for Spain and Portugal is being the person in charge of the Port, Sherry, and Madeira selections! While you can certainly enjoy these wines year-round, there’s just something about the approach of autumn that makes me want to reach for a glass of Madeira or a chilled Sherry. With cooler nights approaching, this is the perfect time to stock up on fortified wines, especially the richer styles. They’re lovely wines to have on hand for dinner parties, as an accompaniment to a cheese platter or for after-dinner sipping, or just as a treat on a quiet night in.

Ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, Sherry is perhaps Spain’s best-kept secret. Want a crisp, briny Manzanilla with olives? A nutty Amontillado with Manchego? A lusciously sweet Moscatel with dark chocolate? There is a Sherry for nearly every occasion and food. As one of the world’s most versatile wines, they range from bone dry and oxidative to incredibly rich and sweet. There are also shockingly affordable, even for the best-in-class wines. Keep reading On the Trail.

Spain’s most iconic names are represented here, with benchmark releases that define entire regions. From Alvaro Palacios’ rare and world-class Priorat bottlings, including the near-mythical L’Ermita, to Rioja’s greatest Gran Reservas and 100-point single-vineyard classics, these are wines that belong in every serious cellar. Beyond the icons of Priorat and Rioja, we’ve also secured limited allocations from rising stars in Gredos, Ribera del Duero, and Jumilla—bottles that capture the full depth and range of Spain’s legendary terroirs.

Spain is a land of extremes—craggy Atlantic coastlines, high mountain plateaus, sun-drenched Mediterranean valleys—all woven together by centuries of winemaking heritage. Nowhere else in Europe do terroir and tradition combine with such dazzling variety: sparkling wines drawn from chalky soils, saline coastal whites shaped by ocean breezes, aromatic reds from windswept hillsides, and age-worthy classics matured deep in cool cellars.

This tasting brings together benchmark expressions from across the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting the breadth of indigenous grapes, the mastery of regional craftsmanship, and the sheer stylistic diversity that defines Spanish wine today. From vibrancy and freshness to depth and longevity, these selections embody Spain’s singular ability to honor history while thrilling modern palates.