Wine tourism in the Somontano DO
At the foot of the Huesca Pyrenees, Somontano stands out as an interesting destination for wine tourism, travel focused on wine culture. In this region in northern Aragon we find the homonymous Somontano DO, referring to exceptional wines born of a unique land and harsh climate. It’s an ideal setting to discover the wineries where these wines are made, alongside local gastronomy and a rich cultural and scenic heritage.
Wine lovers will have the chance to visit the 31 wineries that make up the Somontano DO, each with its own offerings and experiences. In this regard, visitors can enjoy white, red and rosé wines made from eight red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha Tinta, Moristel, Parraleta and Pinot Noir) and seven white ones (Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca, Riesling and Alcañón).
In addition, the Somontano DO regulatory council offers tasting courses at different levels in collaboration with its wineries. These take place every Saturday of the month from 12 to 2 p.m., either at the council’s headquarters or at the producers’ facilities.
When visiting the vineyards, winter is the time for pruning and preparing the land, as well as enjoying the postcard view of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the background. Harvest begins in August and ends in October. Since grapes depend directly on the climate for their development, the exact start date of the harvest varies from year to year. For reference, the 2020 harvest ended with 15 million kilos, while 2019 reached 21, with 18 being the average over the last decade.
In keeping with the wine culture, it is also worth noting some charming towns that are well worth a visit, such as the historic centers of Barbastro and Alquézar and the villages of the Sierra de Guara. The region is home to several must-see monuments for travelers: Barbastro Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Alquézar, the Shrine of Torreciudad, and the Monastery of El Pueyo.
As for food, a wonderful pairing is to taste DO Somontano wines accompanied by Teruel ham, another of Aragón’s great products with designation of origin. One of the great advantages of this designation of origin is the variety of grapes it works with, resulting in wines more than sufficient to accompany a meal from start to finish.
