Spain’s 2026 Wine Tourism Awards are offering a compelling perspective on the future of European wine tourism, highlighting how innovation, sustainability, cultural heritage and immersive visitor experiences are becoming central to destination competitiveness.
Announced last week by the Spanish Association of Wine Cities (ACEVIN), the eighth edition of the Rutas del Vino de España Wine Tourism Awards attracted a record 140 entries from 29 Spanish wine routes, reflecting the country’s continued investment in wine tourism development.
This year’s winners demonstrate a significant evolution in how wine destinations engage visitors, moving beyond conventional winery tours and tastings towards more integrated cultural and experiential offerings.
Among the standout recipients:
- Maridaje Gran Canaria – Best Wine Tourism Initiative: Recognised for combining wine heritage, landscape, music and cultural storytelling to create distinctive visitor experiences.
- Montilla-Moriles Wine Route – Best Sustainable and Responsible Wine Tourism Destination: Honoured for its environmental education initiatives, community engagement and commitment to responsible destination development.
- The Sherry Gallery, Jerez – Best Wine Tourism Establishment: Celebrated for integrating technology, contemporary interpretation and architectural restoration to introduce Sherry’s heritage to new audiences.
- Pedro García Wineries and Vineyards – Promotion of Inclusive Wine Tourism: Recognized for improving accessibility to historic underground wine cellars.
- Vivanco Family, Rioja Alta – Wine Tourism Merit Award: Honoured for its longstanding contribution to preserving, interpreting and promoting wine culture and heritage.
Spain’s 2026 winners demonstrate how tradition and innovation can work together to strengthen destination identity while creating lasting value for visitors and local communities.
The official awards ceremony will take place on November 19, 2026, at Madrid’s Reina Sofía Museum.
For further details: ACEVIN