As a wine lover, I am always happy to explore wine regions. Visiting different countries and experiencing their culture is something that I know I am extremely lucky to partake in. The country that holds a very special place in my heart is Spain. I love it so much, that I decided to go through the Spanish Wine Scholar Program (SWS). I am honored to say I passed with High Honors and am always thrilled to be able to talk about Spanish wine. I thought it would be fun to do a deep dive into each of the autonomous regions for the podcast and have a companion post for each.
Exploring Spain: A Sip Through Galicia
Welcome to the first stop on our Spanish wine journey—Galicia! I figured the best way to learn about Spain’s autonomous regions is to just travel around the country. This is the same pattern that we used in the SWS program. Although I have never had the opportunity to visit Galicia – it is definitely on my bucket list! This lush, rain-soaked region is located in the northwest corner and is best known for its zesty whites, steep terraced vineyards, granite and impressive seafood.
Where is Galicia?
Galicia borders Portugal to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and is separated from the rest of Spain by the Cantabrian Mountains. It’s often called “Green Spain” for good reason—the landscape is a misty, windy and as green as Ireland thanks to the region’s high rainfall and ocean influence.
Climate & Terroir
Galicia experiences a maritime climate meaning that its weather is controlled by nearby masses of water, in this case the Atlantic Ocean. The climates tend to be milder throughout the year, without major swings. Galicia enjoys relatively mild winters and warm summers. This means cool temperatures, frequent rain, and lush vegetation. The Atlantic breezes help moderate the humidity and keep grapes healthy, resulting in wines that are bright, aromatic, and refreshingly acidic. The cool air from the ocean pushes inland and gets trapped by mountain ranges that run along Spain’s northern coast. As this air climbs the Serra do Suído and Serra do Faro de Avión, it cools and condenses, bringing frequent rainfall to the region.
Within Galicia, the terrain ranges from coastal vineyards in Rías Baixas to dramatic river valleys like Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras, where vines cling to slate and granite soils on impossibly steep slopes. Some of these vineyards are at a 75o angle! EEK!!!! The region also experiences the Foehn Effect or rainshadow effect thanks to the Cantabrian Mountains. This happens with rising winds on windward side resulting in rain or snow as it increases across the mountain while the temperature on the leeward side increases. It is this area where most plantings are found.
Grapes to Know
Galicia is best known for its white wines. Albariño is definitely the leading variety. Approximately 90% of the wine produced in Rias Baixas is Albariño.
- Albariño – Zesty citrus, peach, saline minerality. Galicia’s flagship white.
- Godello – Richer, rounder, age-worthy. Think white Burgundy with a Galician accent.
- Treixadura – Floral, delicate, often blended.
- Loureira & Torrontés – Aromatic supporting roles in white blends.
Red wine is like the step-child of Galicia. It’s there, but doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Only about 20% of the wine produced is tinto, and of that, approximately 90% is Mencía.
- Mencía – Juicy red berries, floral notes, and a touch of spice. Pinot-meets-Syrah energy.
- Brancellao, Caíño Tinto, Sousón – Indigenous reds that bring earthy, herbal complexity.
In the Vineyard
Let’s talk trellises! Because they are special here. Due to the mist that is almost constantly present, there is a concern for mildew and mold growing on the grapes. To counteract the danger, the grapes are grown on “parras,” a traditional Galician trellising system. The grapes grow overhead and are supported by granite posts with horizontal crossbars. This elevated structure allows for better airflow and sunlight exposure. Historically, the space beneath the vines wasn’t wasted—it was often used to grow vegetables or let livestock graze.
The 5 DOs of Galicia
1. Rías Baixas DO
The coastal darling known for Albariño. Divided into five subzones, including the famous Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas produces crisp, citrusy wines perfect for seafood.
2. Ribeiro DO
Located inland, Ribeiro specializes in white blends with Treixadura as the star. One of Spain’s oldest wine regions, it offers light, floral, food-friendly wines.
3. Ribeira Sacra DO
Home to heroic viticulture, with steep river valley vineyards along the Miño and Sil rivers. Known for expressive Mencía with mineral-driven intensity.
4. Valdeorras DO
The Godello capital of Galicia. Warmer and more continental, this area produces structured whites and juicy reds with aging potential.
5. Monterrei DO
Small but growing. Located near the Portuguese border, Monterrei makes both Godello and Mencía, with fruit-forward character and a modern edge.
What to Eat in Galicia
Pairing Galician wine without Galician food is like dancing without music. Some traditional dishes include:
- Pulpo a la Gallega – Tender octopus with paprika, sea salt, and olive oil. Albariño’s best friend.
- Empanada Gallega – Savory pie (usually tuna or chorizo). Try with a crisp Treixadura blend.
- Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles) – Strange, pricey, and purely Galician. Bring a wine with salinity backbone.
- Caldo Gallego – Hearty white bean soup with chorizo, cabbage, and potatoes. Perfect with a rounder white like Godello.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
- Galicia has bagpipes. Yes, they’re called gaita, and they’re often heard at wine festivals.
- Albariño was once thought to be related to Riesling. Science said no, but it is still talked about.
- Some vineyards in Ribeira Sacra are so steep, grapes are harvested by boat or pulley. Talk about dedication!
Sip & Explore
If you’re new to Galicia, start with a bottle of Rías Baixas Albariño and a seafood dish. Feeling adventurous? Try a Godello from Valdeorras or a Mencía from Ribeira Sacra—you’ll see just how diverse and exciting Galician wines can be.
Missed the podcast episode? [🎧 Listen here!]
Stay tuned for our next episode as we head east to Asturias—a rugged, coastal region in the country’s north known or small-scale, high-altitude vineyards producing fresh, aromatic wines that reflect its cool, Atlantic-influenced climate and dramatic mountainous terrain..
Slàinte!
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Love these short and info packed snippets you do that are great reviews. Saw this pop up while sitting here finishing an article about a producer in Bierzo. I think I will link to this!
thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words.