The Best Spanish Wines and Drinks Along the Camino de Santiago
1. Albariño – Galicia’s Signature White Wine
When you reach Galicia — the final stretch leading into Santiago de Compostela — you’ll find Albariño, one of Spain’s most celebrated white wines.
Albariño is light, crisp, and slightly citrusy, making it the perfect companion for Galicia’s famous seafood dishes like pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus). After a long day of walking, there’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of Albariño while reflecting on how far you’ve come.
Best paired with:
Pulpo (octopus)
Tetilla cheese
Empanadas gallegas
Where to try it:
Seek out small family-run wineries in the Rías Baixas region or order a glass at a local taberna near Santiago.
Albariño – Galicia’s Signature White Wine
2. Rioja – Bold Reds for Strong Memories
La Rioja is one of Spain’s most famous wine regions, and lucky for pilgrims, it’s right along the Camino route.
Rioja wines are known for their bold flavors and smooth finish, often made with Tempranillo grapes. These reds are perfect for a celebratory dinner with fellow pilgrims after a particularly challenging stage of the walk.
Pro Tip:
In towns like Logroño, you can do a mini wine tasting by visiting several small bars — each offering a different Rioja paired with a tasty pintxo (tapa).
Perfect food pairings:
Chorizo or jamón
Hearty Iberian stews
Grilled meats
Tinto de Verano – The Pilgrim’s Refreshing Drink
3. Tinto de Verano – The Pilgrim’s Refreshing Drink
While Rioja wines are wonderful, they can be strong — especially on warm days when you’re still a bit dehydrated from walking. Enter Tinto de Verano, Spain’s ultimate summer drink.
This light and refreshing beverage is a simple mix of red wine and lemon soda. It’s slightly sweet, fizzy, and much lower in alcohol content than a full glass of wine.
Tinto de Verano is the perfect choice in the afternoons when you want something festive but not too heavy. It’s affordable, delicious, and very common along the Camino.
Related post:Top 10 Foods to Try on the Camino de Santiago – Must-Eat Dishes for Pilgrims
4. Sidra (Cider) – Asturias’ Unique Tradition
As you travel near the Asturias region or stop at towns that celebrate its traditions, you may come across Asturian cider, known as sidra.
This cider is a bit different than what you might be used to. It’s slightly sour and poured in a dramatic way — from above the server’s head into the glass below to aerate the drink. It’s as much about the experience as the flavor.
Pilgrim Tip:
Join in the fun and try pouring a glass yourself — but don’t be surprised if you spill a little!
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5. Ribeiro – Galicia’s Hidden White Wine Gem
While Albariño gets most of the attention, Ribeiro wine is another Galician white worth trying.
It’s slightly more full-bodied than Albariño, with delicate fruit and floral notes. It pairs beautifully with Galicia’s creamy cheeses and hearty soups like caldo gallego.
Ribeiro – Galicia’s Hidden White Wine Gem
6. Clara – Spain’s Beer Alternative
If you prefer beer over wine, you’ll find plenty of options along the Camino. One pilgrim favorite is the Clara, a mix of beer and lemon soda. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those hot afternoons when you want something bubbly but not too strong.
Why pilgrims love it:
It’s a low-alcohol way to toast your journey without feeling sluggish the next morning.
Related post:How to Connect With Fellow Pilgrims on the Camino Journey
7. Orujo – A Strong Local Spirit
When you finally reach Santiago de Compostela, you might be offered a small glass of Orujo, a traditional Galician spirit distilled from grape skins.
It’s strong — very strong — so sip carefully! Orujo is often served as a digestif after a hearty pilgrim meal.
Fun fact:
Some monasteries along the Camino produce their own homemade Orujo, giving it a unique, authentic flavor.
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Tips for Enjoying Drinks While Walking the Camino
As much fun as it is to explore Spain’s wines and beverages, it’s important to drink responsibly and stay healthy for your pilgrimage. Here are a few of my favorite tips:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate:
For every glass of wine or beer, drink at least one glass of water.Avoid heavy drinking on walking days:
Save celebratory toasts for evenings or rest days.Pack electrolytes:
If you enjoy wine or cider, supplement with electrolytes to prevent dehydration.Savor the experience:
Spanish drinks are about connection and culture — slow down and enjoy each sip.
Related post:Camino de Santiago Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
Cheers!
Final Reflections: Raising a Glass to the Camino
One of the most meaningful parts of the Camino journey is gathering with fellow pilgrims at the end of each day, raising a glass, and sharing stories. Whether it is a refreshing Tinto de Verano in the afternoon sun or a celebratory Rioja in Santiago, these drinks become cherished memories I’ll carry forever.
The Camino de Santiago is about more than just reaching the cathedral — it’s about savoring every step, every flavor, and every connection along the way. So, when you lift a glass on your journey, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and the community that surrounds you.
Buen Camino — and salud!
Renae