Ronda: And why it is Spain’s Best-Kept Wine Secret

If you're visiting the Costa del Sol and think great wine only comes from Rioja or Ribera del Duero — think again. Just a short drive inland from Málaga, the historic town of Ronda is carving out a name for itself as a hidden gem in Spain’s growing wine scene. Perched dramatically above a deep gorge and surrounded by rolling vineyards, Ronda blends natural beauty with bold, character-filled wines that deserve a spot on every wine lover’s radar.

Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated wine explorer, this part of southern Spain offers something different — a raw, authentic, and scenic take on what wine tasting can be.

A Different Side of Spanish Wine

Ronda sits high in the Serranía de Ronda mountains, where the combination of altitude, sunshine, and soil creates the perfect recipe for growing premium grapes. This unique setting — cooler than the coast but still drenched in sun — means the wines from this region are fresh, well-balanced, and full of life.

You won’t find mass production here. Most vineyards are family-run or small-scale, with a focus on quality over quantity. Many use organic or biodynamic farming methods, and each bottle tells its own story.

Local producers are blending native Spanish grapes with international ones, resulting in bold reds, elegant whites, and crisp rosés. This mix makes Ronda stand out in the Spanish wine map — not for tradition, but for creativity and care.

What to Expect From Ronda Wines

The region is part of the Sierras de Málaga Denomination of Origin (DO), which protects and promotes wine quality in this area. Thanks to the cooler mountain climate, you’ll find wines with more acidity, structure, and freshness than those grown in hotter, flatter parts of Spain.

Common Grape Varieties:

• Tempranillo – A Spanish staple, full of juicy cherry and earthy notes.

• Syrah – Spicy, rich, and perfect for bold red blends.

• Petit Verdot – Adds deep color and a bit of punch to red wines.

• Chardonnay – Crisp and citrusy or buttery and round, depending on the style.

• Muscat & Pedro Ximénez – For whites with floral aromas and tropical fruit tones.

Wine Styles You’ll Find:

• Full-bodied reds with dark fruit, spice, and oak.

• Fresh whites ideal for summer sipping.

• Rosés with bright berry notes and a clean finish — great with tapas.

• And even a few natural or low-intervention wines for those into eco-conscious drinking.

A Few Wineries to Visit in Ronda

Ronda’s wineries aren’t just about wine — they’re about the experience. Most offer tastings with a view, quiet countryside settings, and a personal touch that’s hard to find in bigger wine regions. Here are a few we recommend checking out:

• Bodegas La Melonera – Known for reviving old Andalusian grape varieties and producing elegant, expressive reds.

• Bodegas Joaquín Fernández – Organic wines in a rustic setting with stunning views over the valley.

• F. Schatz Winery – A pioneer in biodynamic winemaking in Ronda, with unique blends and a peaceful, off-grid vibe.

• Cortijo Los Aguilares – Famous for Pinot Noir and high-altitude vineyards that produce balanced, premium wines.

• Bodegas Lunares – Great for casual tastings, approachable wines, and friendly staff who love what they do.

Tip: Book ahead — these wineries are small, and many only take visits by reservation.

Wine & Tapas: The Perfect Ronda Pairing

No wine experience in Spain is complete without tapas. In Ronda, many wineries and restaurants offer food pairings that elevate your tasting experience.

Popular pairings include:

• Goat cheese with local honey and dry white wine

• Chorizo cooked in red wine alongside a bold Syrah

• Fried eggplant with molasses and a crisp rosé

• Slow-cooked pork cheeks (carrillada) with a full-bodied red

• Olive oil tasting with bread and Muscat

You’ll find these at winery lunches, countryside restaurants, or even during a picnic among the vines.

What Makes Ronda Worth the Trip

Even if wine isn’t your main focus, Ronda is one of the most picturesque towns in Spain. Famous for its dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge over a 100-meter-deep gorge, it also charms visitors with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and cozy local bars tucked into hidden corners. Outside the town, the Serranía de Ronda offers some of the best nature in Andalucía — perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and stopping at small villages like Júzcar (yes, the blue Smurf village!) or Gaucín for a local meal or slow afternoon stroll. For the full experience, we always recommend making a full day (or even overnight) out of your wine visit to Ronda. The scenery, pace, and flavors all work best when you take your time.

So, If you're dreaming of something a little different — less touristy, more intimate, and full of flavor — Ronda is calling. And there’s no better way to experience it than with a wine glass in hand and tapas on the table.