The La Mancha wine region extends from east of Toledo south to Puertollano, and east to La Roda and is comprised of five provinces. The region is flat leading to extreme temperatures, as well as frequent droughts, due to the surrounding mountains. Summer temperatures can get into triple digits while winter temperatures can get close to zero degrees, so be mindful when choosing a date to visit. For more information on Spains’ tourist activities, holidays and geography, visit the Spanish National Tourism wesbite.

Wine production has been an essential part of life here for centuries; so much so that it is considered the largest vineyard on Earth. The La Mancha wine routes run through the towns and villages of Alcázar de San Juan, Pedro Muñoz, Socuéllamos, Tomelloso, Villarrobledo, Campo de Criptana and San Clemente. There are nine Denominations of Origin in Castilla-La Mancha: Almansa; La Mancha; Manchuela; Méntrida; Mondéjar; Ribera del Júcar; Uclés; Valdepeñas and Jumilla.

La Mancha produces red, rosé and white wines, with whites predominating (Airén is planted in approximately 80% of La Mancha’s vineyard acreage), but it is the red wine grapes (including cencibel also known as
tempranillo), that steal the show for their high quality and affordable price. Winemakers employ mostly Cencibel/Tempranillo in these parts, but increased blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot is also becoming
fashionable.

In addition to wine, La Mancha is also famous for manchego cheese and is part of Spain’s saffron-growing region. Most of the local restaurants feature dishes with both of these as well as with plenty of local wines.

It is almost impossible to look at La Mancha’s landscape without thinking of Cervantes’ Don Quixote. With castles adorned with high towers and crenellated walls surrounding the vineyards, the area probably looks pretty similar to the way it did when Cervantes novel was published. Tourists are amazed that you can stop along the wine route and take photographs of a line of windmills near Campo de Criptana, posing as Don Quixote. For those truly enamored, there is a Don Quixote tourist route. Information can be found on the La Mancha Wine Website  and the La Mancha Association of Wine Routes Website.

Like Don Quixote, La Mancha’s wines are an integral part of the region’s history. You can take the La Mancha Wine Route (“Ruta del vino de La Mancha”) to see the entire DO, or stop by a bodega or two to experience wine production and tasting from start to finish. With approximately 300 wineries to choose from, you won’t have much trouble finding a tasting opportunity. Some wineries prefer that you call in advance to set up an appointment, while others are closed on Sundays, so it’s best to telephone the winery before you arrive.