Malaga is undoubtedly the ideal destination for wine lovers. From the gentle hills of Axarquía to the fertile valleys of the interior, Malaga’s vineyards offer an impressive variety of wines that capture the essence of the province.
In fact, more and more locals and visitors are deciding to enjoy the excellent wine of Malaga.
If you’re planning to explore these delights and need a way to get around, consider renting an all-inclusive car at Malaga airport to start your wine adventure with maximum comfort and convenience.
Do you want to discover more about the wine tradition in Malaga? In this post, we’ll tell you all the secrets and introduce you to the most popular wines from the capital of the Costa del Sol. Keep reading!
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Types of wines in Malaga
The diversity of Malaga’s wine offer is the direct result of the extensive grape crops that extend throughout the region, benefiting from the climatic variations between the coastal and mountainous areas.
Sweet wines
The sweet wines of Malaga are perhaps the most famous in the region, mainly made with muscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes. These wines are known for their richness and natural sweetness, which comes from the high concentration of sugars in the dehydrated or sun-exposed grapes.
The “asoleo” process allows the grapes to dry under the intense sun of Malaga, further concentrating their sugars and flavors.
Moscatel wine
Moscatel is characterized by its intense floral aroma and notes of honey and citrus, which give it an unparalleled freshness despite its sweetness.
It is perfect as an aperitif or to accompany light desserts, especially those with fruits or creams. This wine is also enjoyed well chilled and can be an excellent base for innovative cocktails seeking a sweet and aromatic touch.
Pedro Ximénez
Known for its denser texture and flavors of nuts, figs, and raisins, this wine is the perfect companion for blue cheeses or chocolate desserts.
The complexity of its flavors also makes it an excellent wine to enjoy alone and is also used in cooking, particularly in recipes that require a touch of sweetness like meat sauces or even caramelized desserts.
Cartojal
This sweet wine is produced from Muscat of Alexandria grapes and stands out for its light color and intense aromatic profile, with notes of citrus fruits and floral nuances reminiscent of orange blossom and honey.
Traditionally served well chilled, it is the ideal companion for various tapas and typical dishes of Malaga cuisine. Moreover, it is a must-have at the Malaga fair.
Dry wines
Dry wines from Malaga, although perhaps less well-known than the region’s sweet wines, are gaining recognition for their quality and complexity as they show another facet of Malaga’s winemaking, offering more refreshing options.
The region of Sierras de Malaga is known for its ability to produce high-quality dry wines thanks to its cooler climate and mountainous soil, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their natural acidity.
Dry white wines
Dry white wines from Malaga are usually fresh and aromatic, with a balanced acidity that makes them ideal for accompanying a wide variety of dishes. Dry moscatel, a less sweet variant of the famous muscatel grape, produces wines with floral aromas and citrus notes. Some examples are:
- Jorge Ordóñez & Co. Botani Dry Muscat: A wine that stands out for its freshness and notes of white flowers and citrus, perfect to enjoy with your paella in Malaga or as an aperitif.
- Victoria Ordóñez La Pasajera: This wine, made mainly from Muscat of Alexandria, is elegant and balanced, with an expressive nose and a clean and fresh palate.
Red and rosé wines
Red wines from Malaga usually exhibit notes of red and black fruits, spices, and, in the ripest examples, touches of leather and tobacco.
On the other hand, Malaga rosés are generally fresh and light-bodied, with a palette that includes everything from red fruits to peach, ideal for the region’s warm climate. Some examples are:
- Samsara red: Produced mainly with the Syrah variety, this red offers a good body and complexity in the mouth with notes of black fruits and a touch of pepper.
Don’t limit yourself to the most well-known wines; ask about limited editions or experimental wines that are often available at wineries.
Where to taste the best wines of Malaga?
Malaga not only invites you to taste its wines but also to live a complete experience in its wineries and vineyards.
Bars to taste Malaga wines
For enthusiasts looking to experience something truly authentic, it is always recommended to visit one of the traditional “Malaga taverns” in the historic center.
These old wine bars offer a direct immersion into Malaga’s wine culture where one can taste a wide variety of local wines served directly from large wooden barrels.
Antigua Casa del Guardia Wineries
Founded in 1840, this establishment has served wines to generations of Malagueños and visitors from its privileged location in the heart of the city.
Upon entering the cellar, visitors are transported to another time, with its long wooden bar and barrels lined up against the walls, where wines are served directly from the barrel, thus maintaining the tradition and authentic flavor of each variety.
It is famous for its sweet wines such as Pajarete and Pedro Ximénez, which you can enjoy in an atmosphere that still preserves its historic charm.
Details:
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Phone: 952 21 46 80
- Location: Alameda Principal, 18, 29005, Málaga.
Bodegas El Pimpi
Bodegas El Pimpi is an emblematic establishment in Málaga, famous not only for its wine but also for its location, close to iconic places such as the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba of Málaga.
In its spacious halls and patios, decorated with barrels signed by celebrities who have visited the place, you can enjoy a wide selection of local wines, including the famous sweet wine from Málaga.
Details:
- Opening hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Location: Calle Granada, 62, 29015, Málaga.
Los Patios de Beatas
Located in the heart of Málaga, this place combines restaurant and wine bar, offering an extensive selection of Málaga wines where you can enjoy guided tastings and pair the wines with exquisite dishes prepared with local products.
Details:
- Opening hours: Every day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Phone: 952 21 03 50
- Location: Calle Beatas, 43, 29008, Málaga.
Casa de Vinos la Odisea
This cozy bar in the historic center is ideal for those looking to explore a wide variety of local wines in an intimate atmosphere. Here, you can taste everything from young wines to the most aged ones, each with its own story and peculiarities.
Details:
- Opening hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Phone: 659 56 08 38
- Location: Subida Coracha, 2, 29016, Málaga.
Taberna Quitapenas Marín
Known for its cheerful atmosphere and exquisite Moscatel wine, Quitapenas is the perfect place to enjoy a Málaga wine while pairing it with delicious fried fish.
Details:
- Opening hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Phone: 952 60 23 57
- Location: Calle Marín García, 4, 29005, Málaga.
Museums and wineries to taste Málaga wines
The Málaga region offers a wide variety of establishments where visitors can learn about the rich wine history of the area, participate in wine tastings led by experts, and enjoy guided tours through picturesque vineyards.
Málaga Wine Museum
This museum not only offers exhibitions on the history of wine in Maga, but also tastings of wines representative of the province. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect educational stop to better understand the wine diversity of the region.
Details:
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Phone: 952 22 84 93
- Price: 6 €
- Location: Plaza de los Viñeros, 1, 29008, Málaga.
Morosanto Winery
Located on the Ronda wine route, this modern winery specializes in red and rosé wines under the Sierras de Málaga denomination. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings and walks through vineyards with spectacular views.
Details:
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Phone: 662 67 11 11
- Location: Carretera Arriate – Setenil, Kilómetro 16, 29400, Ronda, Málaga.
Bodegas Quitapenas
Discover more than 140 years of history and the unique magic with which Quitapenas wines are made. Since 1880, this winery has perfected the creation of wines with denomination of origin Málaga and Sierras de Málaga, offering a variety that includes whites, reds, sweet and sparkling wines with the unmistakable Sabor a Málaga. In addition, they have expanded their offer with organic wines, demonstrating that life is to be enjoyed to the full.
Details:
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Phone: 952 24 75 95
- Location: Carretera de Guadalmar, 12, 29004, Málaga.
Bodegas Bentomiz
This winery in Axarquía has become famous for its aromatic wines made from grapes such as Muscatel and Rome. They offer visits where you can explore the vineyards and finish with tastings of their most representative wines accompanied by local dishes.
Details:
- Phone: 633 94 98 31
- Location: Finca El Almendro, Pago Cuesta Robano, 29752, Sayalonga, Málaga.
Map for tasting Málaga wines
To help you find the best wines from Málaga, we have created a map that includes all the places mentioned in this post. This way, you can discover the exact location of each recommended winery, bar, and restaurant to plan your ideal wine route through Málaga.
