Have you ever wanted to explore the wine routes in Malaga? Or maybe you’ve never heard of a ruta del vino…? Well, if you’re going on holiday to the Costa del Sol, following a wine route can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Andalusia. While discovering wonderful local wines, of course.
You don’t need to be a wine expert to go on a wine tour. In this guide, we explain what a wine route is, what wines you can find in Malaga – and how you can discover beautiful vineyards, mountainscapes, whitewashed villages and local food, alongside some of the best wines of Southern Spain.
What is a wine route?
A wine route (or ruta del vino in Spanish) is a travel itinerary that takes you through vineyards and villages in a wine-producing area. It’s a fantastic way to discover a region, because it combines wine tastings, scenic drives, local food, and cultural stops.
Does travelling a wine route from Malaga take a long time?
Not at all. Below, we have included ideas for easy day trips. You can also combine them into a longer route if you want. Normally, you can follow a wine route by car. Simply choose a winery to visit, stop in a village for lunch, and finish the day at your holiday accommodation.
What is special about Malaga wines?
Malaga has a long history of wine production dating back to Phoenician and Roman times. The province has a varied landscape which includes terraced wine plantations, mountain foothill bodegas and unique seaside vineyards. You could say that Malaga has different “micro‑regions” that produce a surprisingly wide variety of wines.
Wine Routes in Malaga: the main 3 areas
When people talk about wine routes in Malaga, there are three key areas you can explore. There’s the AxarquĂa region in the east. And Ronda and Manilva in the west. All three destinations are very easy to access from the Costa del Sol.
1. AxarquĂa
The AxarquĂa region sits to the east of Malaga city. The area is famous for its steep hillsides, many of which have been turned into terraced vineyards. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Malaga province, also known as “Moscatel country”. The name of course refers to the famous Moscatel grape, which can be used for both sweet and dry wines. Its cultivation has shaped AxarquĂa’s landscape, people, and way of life for centuries.
Suggested stops along the AxarquĂa wine route:
- Start by heading to the village of Moclinejo for a cultural visit. Moclinejo is a traditional pueblo blanco (white village). It’s often called the gateway to the Ruta de la Pasa (the Raisin Route). It’s famous for its colourful tiled mosaics, narrow streets and great views, and it’s the perfect place for travel photos.
- Next, we suggest you visit the historic Bodegas Dimobe winery, which dates back to 1927. The visit includes a tour of the vineyard, a wine tasting, and the chance to buy bottles from their shop. Dimobe is famous for producing highly-rated sweet, dry, and fortified wines, and for employing traditional wine-making methods like sun-drying grapes. We recommend you try their flagship trasañejo wine called Arcos de Moclinejo. Make sure to book in advance through their website.
- After that, carry on to El Borge village for some wild history. It’s known as the birthplace of El Bizco de El Borge (meaning “the cross-eyed man from El Borge”), one of Malaga’s most notorious 19th-century bandits. Visit the Posada del Bandolero, part hotel, part museum. For lunch, try one of the local restaurants and go for migas if you see it on the menu. It’s a simple yet delicious shepherd’s dish made from bread chunks fried in olive oil and garlic. It’s often served with chorizo and peppers.
- If you want to see another winery, pre-book a tour at Bodegas Almijara, near the village of Cómpeta. A small, family-run operation, visits include a guided tour (normally in Spanish), a wine tasting with aperitifs, and impressive views over the vineyard. Their main range is the Jarel wine, which includes sweet, dry and rosé varieties.
Finally, if you’re in AxarquĂa in August, keep an eye out for the Noche del Vino Festival. It’s held in CĂłmpeta every year on 15th August. It’s a local celebration with sweet and dry wines, grape stomping, live music, and lots of atmosphere.
Where to stay in the AxarquĂa region?
This route works very well if you are staying in AxarquĂa towns:
- Accommodation in RincĂłn de la Victoria
- Accommodation in Sayalonga
- Accommodation in Algarrobo
- You could also stay in Malaga city, about a 50-minute drive from AxarquĂa.
2. Ronda and the SerranĂa
In the western part of the Malaga province, the historic town of Ronda sits above a dramatic gorge. You may have recently seen this breathtaking location featured in Netflix’s Agatha Christie adaptation, The Seven Dials Mystery.
Ronda is surrounded by a number of fantastic wineries. Because the altitude and the climate are different here from the rest of the Malaga province, the area tends to produce more structured red wines and interesting rosés. But don’t worry if you’re a white wine fan, you’ll find some great whites here too.
Suggested stops along the Ronda wine route:
- A Ronda‑focused wine route must include a stop in the town itself, so we recommend you begin there. While you should visit the town’s famous bullring and museum, the main attraction is the Puente Nuevo. This is Ronda’s iconic 100-metre-high stone bridge. Finished in 1793, it spans the deep El Tajo gorge and is one of the most photographed symbols of Spanish history and architecture.
- Next, head to Bodegas Excelencia, a small winery only a 25-minute drive from Ronda town. If you like places that value craftsmanship, scenery and sustainability, Bodegas Excelencia is a must-see. This unique bodega is built partly underground and designed to blend into the landscape. That makes it naturally cool and energy-efficient, without spoiling the magnificent mountain views. Renowned for their boutique red wines (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo), several of their bottles have picked up awards. There’s also an excellent restaurant on site. So this is a good place to stop for lunch, without having to drive anywhere else. Book your visit here.
- If you want to add another memorable experience to your Ronda wine tour, then Bodegas Huerto de la Condesa should be on your itinerary. Built on a historic 19th-century estate in the GuadalcobacĂn valley, this bodega focuses mainly on Garnacha grape varieties and produces fresh, Mediterranean-style reds, whites and rosĂ©s, with their specialties including Garnacha, Syrah and Viognier. What really sets this bodega apart, though, are its themed cinema evenings where carefully chosen films are paired with guided wine tastings, turning the whole experience into a mix of wine, historic atmosphere and storytelling. There’s also a shop on-site, if you want to take bottles home. Book your visit here.
Where to stay for a Ronda wine tour?
This route works very well if you’re staying at the western end of the Costa del Sol:
3. Manilva
Finally, on the western edge of Malaga province, Manilva is known for its unique seaside vineyards. Here, Moscatel grapes grow almost within sight of the Mediterranean. This is rare on the Costa del Sol, due to urban development on most of the eastern coast of Malaga. Manilva also has a genuine Andalusian feel, with wide, quiet beaches.
Here, you will find Moscatel vineyards with a long tradition of using sun‑dried grapes to produce sweet wines. Manilva is not as well‑known as Ronda or the AxarquĂa, but it’s a delightful feature of local Andalusian culture.
Suggested stops along the Manilva wine route:
- Start your tour with a cultural visit of the local landmark, Castillo de la Duquesa. This is an 18th-century fortress built to defend the shoreline from pirates and smugglers. It’s worth a visit for its sea views and the marina.
- Next, head to Bodegas Manilva. This is one of the southernmost wineries in Europe, with a focus on traditional, organic Moscatel de AlejandrĂa grapes. The soil here is white. And the salty sea breezes give Manilva wines a unique taste that is easy to combine with any type of meal. Bodegas Manilva boasts an award-winning wine called Nilva. Additionally, they produce a boutique range of wines called Kalma (dry white, rosĂ© and semi-sweet) and Pampanito (sweet). Visits include vineyard walks, tastings, and the chance to learn about projects that aim to protect the area’s wine culture. Book your visit here.
- If you want to visit another bodega, the Nilva Enoturismo winery stands out. Not just for its wines, but for its stunning scenery and strong educational focus. During your visit, you’ll learn all about the history of Manilva’s Moscatel vineyards and their traditional techniques. The visit includes entry to the CIVIMA wine museum and wine tasting, of course. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the African coast, and the Strait of Gibraltar alone make this visit worthwhile.
- Finish your day back on the coast at the marina in Puerto de la Duquesa. Enjoy seafood and local wine while watching the yachts bob up and down on the water. A perfect end to the day? An evening stroll along one of the Costa del Sol’s most scenic and unspoilt beaches.
Where to stay for a Manilva wine tour?
This route works very well if you’re staying at the western end of the Costa del Sol:
Best ways to enjoy wine tourism on the Costa del Sol
A little bit of planning goes a long way. We recommend:
- Book visits ahead of time, so the wineries can organise tastings or short tours.
- Keep the pace relaxed: one bodega plus a good lunch is usually enough for a day.
- Combine wine stops with cultural stops, short walks or village visits. This way, non‑drinkers and children can also enjoy the day.
- Stay comfortable: wear sensible shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Designate a driver or use organised excursions if you plan to taste several wines.
Because Malaga province is compact, you can make one of these wine routes an easy “add‑on” to your beach holiday. That flexibility is part of what makes wine tourism on the Costa del Sol so appealing.
Wine Routes in Malaga: Great Stays with RincĂłn
These day trips offer you a fantastic introduction to some of Andalusia’s best vineyards. With Rincón’s quality holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol as your home base, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. For instance, mornings on the beach, afternoons visiting the vineyards, and evenings relaxing in your own holiday rental with a glass of local wine in hand. Book a stay now and start planning your wine routes in Malaga!
