Wine making method for still wines

When people join our wine tasting in Barcelona, one of the most asked questions is: “How exactly is wine made?” We’ll give you a brief overview of the wine making method in this blog, in this case we’ll leave vineyard management out of scope. While harvest is an exciting moment for any wine maker, the real transformation of fruit to the wine you enjoy happens inside the winery. This wine making process combines tradition, science, and centuries of experience.

In Spain, where wine culture is deeply rooted in history, the methods vary by region and by style. Still, there are some essential steps that every winemaker follows. Let’s take a closer look at what happens once the grapes enter the winery.

Sorting, de-stemming and crushing

The first stage is sorting. Grapes are carefully checked to remove leaves, stems, or damaged fruit. This ensures only the best grapes make it into your wine. You can imagine that for fine wines this will be done more diligent than for mass produced wines. After sorting, the grapes are gently crushed to release their juice.

At this point, the process begins to differ depending on whether the winemaker is producing red wine or white wine.

White wine making method

For wine, the goal is to keep the flavours fresh and pure. In the case of white wine production, after crushing, the juice is separated from the grape skins and seeds. This prevents too much color or tannin extraction from the grapes. The juice is then transferred into stainless steel tanks or sometimes oak barrels (depending on wine maker’s vision), where fermentation takes place.

Fermentation is the stage where (wild or cultivated) yeast transforms the natural sugars in the grape juice into alcohol. Note: white wine ferments without the skins of the grape. For Spanish whites, like Albariño from Galicia or Verdejo from Rueda, cool fermentation helps preserve its freshness like citrus and floral aromas. Some winemakers may choose oak fermentation or aging for fuller wine styles, such as certain white Riojas (often made from Viura).

Red wine making method

Red wine making takes a slightly different path. In this process, the juice is left in contact with the skins and sometimes the stems while fermenting. This process, known as maceration, extracts the deep red color, tannins, and rich flavors that define red wines. It is actually the skins that give red wine its colour, while the juice is white.

Fermentation often happens with skins and juice together in a tank. Depending on the desired wine style this can be stainless steel or oak, or even concrete During this time, winemakers may use techniques such as pumping over or punching down to keep the grape skins in contact with the liquid. This adds structure and complexity.

Once fermentation is complete, the young red wine is pressed to separate it from the solids. It may then be aged in oak barrels, which add flavours like vanilla, spice, or toast, think of the classic red wines of Rioja or Ribera del Duero.

Aging and bottling

After fermentation, both red and white wines need time to rest. Some Spanish wines are released young, bright, and fresh. Others may spend months or even years aging in oak and bottle before reaching the market. The classification system in regions like Rioja (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) is based on this aging tradition. We will explain this classification system in a different blog.

Once the wine has reached the desired style, it is filtered, clarified, and bottled, ready to be enjoyed around the world.

Spanish winemaking: A blend of tradition and innovation

One of the reasons Spain is so exciting for wine lovers is its diversity. From fizzy cava in Catalonia to deep Tempranillo reds and crisp coastal whites, the winemaking process reflects both modern techniques and age-old traditions. If you want to know more about the details of sparkling wine, check out our blog on the cava production method.

Experience the wine making method firsthand

Reading about wine is one thing, but tasting it where it’s made is another. We highly recommend you to visit a winery near Barcelona (in Priorat or Penèdes for example). This way you’ll learn something about wine making and support a local wine maker. However, if you don’t have time or you don’t feel like traveling, our wine tasting in Barcelona is a great substitute. You’ll not only enjoy different varieties of Spanish wines but also we also provide insights into how they are crafted. In just a 2 hours, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what happens inside the winery, and why every step in the process matters.

Final thoughts

The journey of a grape from the vineyard to your glass is one of sorting, crushing, fermenting, aging, and bottling. White and red wines have slightly different production methods, but both rely on the winemaker’s craftsmanship to balance flavour, aroma, and texture. This makes every bottle a reflection of the land and culture it comes from.

If you want to learn more about Spanish wines while you have a great time with friends, please join our wine tasting in Barcelona and experience Spain’s winemaking methods first hand.