Wine routes and enotourism at the best wineries in the province of Zaragoza
Zaragoza is the perfect base for exploring some of Spain's most exciting wine regions, with four Denominación de Origen (DO) wine regions within an hour's drive — Cariñena, Campo de Borja, Calatayud, and Somontano — each producing distinctive, world-class wines at remarkably affordable prices.
Wine has been made in Aragón since Roman times, and the region's viticultural tradition is one of the oldest in Spain. The Ebro Valley provides ideal conditions for vine-growing: hot, dry summers, cold winters, and poor, well-drained limestone and slate soils that force the vines to work hard, producing concentrated, flavourful grapes. The star variety is Garnacha (Grenache), which thrives in Aragón's harsh continental climate and accounts for the majority of the region's red wine production.
For decades, Aragonese wines were known mostly as bulk wines for blending, but a revolution has taken place over the last thirty years. Wineries have invested heavily in modern techniques, reduced yields, and focused on quality over quantity. The result is that Aragón now produces some of Spain's most exciting wines, winning international awards while remaining surprisingly affordable. A bottle of excellent DO Cariñena or Campo de Borja can be found for under €10 even in restaurants.
The oldest DO in Aragón (granted in 1932) and the closest to Zaragoza, just 45 kilometres south-west of the city. Cariñena takes its name from the local grape variety, Cariñena (known internationally as Carignan), though today it is Garnacha that dominates production. The landscape is dramatic: vast, rolling vineyards stretching to the horizon under a brilliant blue sky, punctuated by traditional bodegas and modern wineries alike.
Key wineries to visit include Bodegas San Valero (a cooperative that produces excellent value wines), Bodegas Paniza (known for their elegant single-varietal Garnachas), and Grandes Vinos y Viñedos (one of the largest and most innovative producers in the region). Most offer guided tours and tastings, and several have restaurants where you can enjoy food pairings. The town of Cariñena itself is charming, with a 17th-century church and a small wine museum.
Located about 60 kilometres north-west of Zaragoza, Campo de Borja has gained international fame for its powerful, fruit-forward Garnacha wines. The region is particularly known for the Borsao brand, whose Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha has won multiple awards and is exported worldwide. The value here is exceptional — a €12 bottle of Campo de Borja can easily compete with wines costing three times as much.
The landscape is stunning: vineyards planted on terraced hillsides descending towards the Ebro valley, with the Moncayo mountain massif as a dramatic backdrop. The town of Borja has a lovely old quarter and the fascinating Sanctuary of Misericordia, famous for the preserved 16th-century fresco of Ecce Homo that became an internet sensation after a botched restoration.
About 80 kilometres south-west of Zaragoza, the Calatayud DO is one of Spain's most exciting emerging wine regions. The high altitude (up to 900 metres) produces wines with intense colour, firm tannins, and excellent acidity. Old-vine Garnacha is the star here, with some vineyards planted over a century ago producing grapes of extraordinary concentration and complexity.
The town of Calatayud is worth a visit in its own right, with a beautiful Mudéjar heritage — its church towers are UNESCO-listed. Bodegas Langa and Bodegas San Alejandro are two excellent wineries to put on your itinerary, both with modern visitor facilities and a strong commitment to quality.
A little further afield (about 150 kilometres north-east, in the foothills of the Pyrenees), Somontano is the most internationally recognised of Aragón's wine regions. The microclimate is cooler and wetter than the other three DOs, allowing for a wider range of varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and the local Parraleta. Bodegas Aragonesas and Viñas del Vero are the flagship producers, both with excellent visitor programmes and on-site restaurants. The landscape — the Pyrenees visible to the north, rolling vineyards in the foreground — is breathtaking.
Most wineries require advance booking for tours, especially on weekends and during harvest (September to October). A typical tour lasts 90 minutes to two hours and includes a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the production area and cellars, and a tasting of two to four wines, often paired with local cheeses or cured ham. Prices range from €10 to €30 per person depending on the winery and the tasting level.
If you do not have a car, several local companies offer guided wine tours from Zaragoza. Zaragoza Wine Tours and Rutas del Vino Aragón run half-day (morning or afternoon) and full-day excursions in English, with hotel pickup included. Train travel is also possible: Cariñena has a direct rail connection from Zaragoza-Delicias station (45 minutes, €8 each way), and from the station it is a short taxi ride to the wineries.
Aragón's cuisine and wines are natural partners. The robust Garnacha reds from Cariñena and Campo de Borja are perfect with roast lamb, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. Calatayud's structured wines stand up well to game and stews. Somontano's more elegant reds and whites pair beautifully with the region's olive oil, fresh vegetables, and Pyrenean trout. Many restaurants in Zaragoza have excellent wine lists featuring local producers, so you can do a virtual wine tour without leaving the city.
For a deeper cultural experience, combine your wine tour with a visit to a local Aragonese Jota performance — many wineries host traditional music and dance evenings during the summer months, pairing the region's wine with its most authentic folk culture.
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Harvest season (September) is especially vibrant.
Transport: Car is most flexible. Ridesharing and guided tours are excellent alternatives. Train to Cariñena is a convenient option.
Language: English is spoken at most wineries that receive tourists, but booking ahead helps ensure an English-speaking guide.
Designated driver: Tours include generous tastings. Arrange a designated driver or book with a tour company that provides transport.
What to buy: Wines cost 30–50% less at the bodega than in export markets. Most wineries ship internationally.
Zaragoza is surrounded by four DO wine regions: Cariñena (the oldest DO in Aragón, dating from 1932), Campo de Borja (famous for Garnacha), Calatayud (high-altitude wines), and Somontano (the most internationally recognised, though slightly further afield). All are within a 30- to 90-minute drive from the city.
Most wineries accept direct bookings via their websites. Several local agencies offer guided tours including transport: Zaragoza Wine Tours and Rutas del Vino Aragón both run half-day and full-day excursions in English and Spanish. Tour prices start at around €55 per person including tastings.
For red wines, Cariñena and Campo de Borja produce outstanding Garnacha-based wines. Cariñena is better for full-bodied, oak-aged reds, while Campo de Borja offers exceptional value. Calatayud is a rising star for its powerful, high-altitude wines. Each has a distinct character worth exploring.
Yes. Cariñena has its own train station on the Zaragoza–Teruel line, with several trains daily. The journey takes about 45 minutes. From Cariñena station, the town centre and several bodegas are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. This is a popular and convenient option for a day trip without a car.
Aragonese Garnacha pairs beautifully with the region's roast lamb (ternasco), cured ham from Teruel, aged cheeses from the Pyrenees, and migas. For white Garnacha — which is less common but excellent — try it with the local olive oil and seafood. Many bodegas offer food-and-wine pairing menus.
Base yourself in Zaragoza and explore the wine regions by day. Maestro Luna is centrally located near the train station and tour pickup points. Las Armas offers a relaxing retreat after a day of tasting, with the Ebro riverside just steps away. Both apartments provide the comfort and convenience you need for a multi-day wine tour of Aragón.
Make Zaragoza your base. Our boutique apartments are just minutes from all attractions.
Maestro Luna Apartment Las Armas Apartment