Overview
1.4M
Years Ago Humans
3,000
Years of Wine
711
Moorish Invasion
1492
Reconquista Ends
1932
Estatuto del Vino
928K
Ha Under Vine 2024
Timeline Overview
| Era | Period | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Prehistory | 35,000+ years ago | Modern humans arrive via Pyrenees |
| Phoenicians | ~1000 BCE | Introduce vine, viticulture, winemaking |
| Romans | 3rd c. BCE - 5th c. CE | Name peninsula Hispania; expand viticulture |
| Visigoths | 5th - 8th c. CE | Capital at Toledo; maintain Roman practices |
| Moors | 711 - 1492 | Al-Andalus; wine production continues |
| Reconquista | 722 - 1492 | Christian reconquest; Cistercians arrive |
| Catholic Monarchs | 1469 - 1516 | Unification; Columbus; global expansion |
| Golden Age | 16th - 17th c. | Siglo de Oro; Sherry trade flourishes |
| Modern | 1975 - present | Democracy; EU; wine renaissance |
Spain's Wine Position Today
Spain maintains more land under vine than any other country (928,108 ha in 2024). It ranks 3rd in wine production, 2nd in export volume, and 3rd in export value globally, alongside Italy and France.
Ancient Era
The Phoenicians & Greeks
~1000 BCE - 6th century BCE
The seafaring Phoenicians arrived in southern Iberia around 3,000 years ago and established trade settlements.
Phoenician Contributions
- Introduced iron, olive oil, Vitis vinifera, viticulture, winemaking
- Introduced amphoras for wine storage and transport
- Produced strong, sweet wines capable of long sea voyages
- Founded Gadir (Cadiz), Xera (Jerez), Malaka (Malaga)
- Traded with Tartessus (harbor city to the west)
Wine from Iberia—along with olives and wheat—became regularly traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Other Ancient Peoples
- Iberians: Prehistoric migratory people, likely North African origin, settled in south
- Celts: Spread across north from 10th-7th century BCE
- Celtiberians: Iberians and Celts merged in the interior
- Greeks: Arrived mid-7th century BCE; established colonies along northeastern shores (Cataluña to Valencia)
- Carthaginians: After Phoenician decline (6th c. BCE), took control of coastal strongholds
640 BCE: Greek captain Kolaios, blown off course to Egypt, landed at Tartessus and was received by Phoenician king Arganthonius.
The Romans
3rd century BCE - 5th century CE
Rome invaded due to Iberia's proximity to enemy Carthage. Over ~170 years, Rome conquered the entire peninsula and named it Hispania.
Roman Contributions
- United peninsula with Latin language (paved way for Christianity)
- Expanded grapevine plantings
- Introduced fermentation in stone troughs
- Developed vinum ceretensis: boiling must to concentrate flavor, then adding back to fermentation
- Result: strong, sweet, stable wines capable of aging and transport
During Roman invasion, the Celtiberians fought the Vascones (modern-day Basques) over the fertile Valle del Ebro for more than a century. Celtiberians were victorious.
The Visigoths
5th - 8th century CE
In early 5th century CE, Germanic tribes (Sueves, Vandals, Alans) migrated to Hispania but left little lasting impact. The weakening Roman Empire enlisted Visigoths to restore order—instead, they established control themselves.
- By mid-6th century, moved capital to Toledo
- Roman viticultural practices maintained in monasteries and among Hispano-Roman elite
- Wine continued serving social and religious functions
Moors & Reconquista
711
Moors Cross Gibraltar
781
Years of Muslim Rule
722
Reconquista Begins
1492
Granada Falls
Moorish Iberia (Al-Andalus)
711 - 1492
In summer 711, Arab and Berber forces (collectively called Moors) crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and defeated Visigoth king Don Rodrigo at Guadalete near present-day Jerez.
Key Facts
- Territory named Al-Andalus (possibly linked to Vandals or early Arab dynasties)
- Northernmost reach: Duero River
- Major dynasties: Omeyas, Almoravides, Almohades, Nazaredes
- Influenced Iberian culture, architecture, science, agriculture
The term Moors derives from Latin Mauri, used by Pliny the Elder to describe inhabitants of Mauretania (North Africa).
Wine Under Islamic Rule
Although Islamic doctrine prohibited alcohol consumption, attitudes toward wine were complex:
- Some caliphs tolerated viticulture for non-intoxicating purposes
- Vineyards cultivated for perfume, vinegar, or raisins
- Sweet wine nabibi (from raisined grapes) remained popular and was taxed
- When a caliph ordered Jerez vineyards destroyed, growers argued grapes were for raisins for Moorish troops—vineyards were largely spared
Wine never disappeared entirely from Al-Andalus. Limited production continued throughout Moorish rule, though export was minimal.
The Reconquista
722 - 1492
In 718, Visigothic nobleman Don Pelayo established the Kingdom of Asturias in the north. His victory at Covadonga (722) is the symbolic beginning of the Reconquista—the centuries-long Christian reconquest.
Wine Revival
- Wine essential for religious rituals and distributed to Camino de Santiago pilgrims
- Provided key source of hydration and nutrition
- By 12th century, Cistercian monks from Burgundy arrived and established monasteries
Cistercian Contributions to Viticulture▼
Renowned for their agricultural skill, Cistercians cultivated grains, vines, and fruit on land ceded by local monarchs.
- Selected optimal vineyard sites
- Promoted grape maceration for color and tannin extraction
- Recommended full barrels to reduce oxidation
- Introduced underground cellars to stabilize wine temperature during aging
Early Wine Trade
- Early 12th century: Henry I of England began importing wine from Jerez area—known as sherish, sherries sack, or simply sack
- Mid-14th century: Exports to England increased under Edward III
- Early sherish was likely intensely sweet, unfortified wine
Moriscos: Muslims forced to convert to Christianity after Granada's fall. Continued contributing to agriculture/irrigation until expelled by King Felipe III (1609-1614).
Catholic Monarchs & Global Exploration
Unification of Spain
The Reconquista was not a single coordinated campaign but independent battles by multiple Christian kingdoms:
- Kingdoms of León, Castilla, Aragón, Portugal expanded through warfare, marriage, alliances
- 1469: Marriage of Fernando II of Aragón and Isabel I of Castile
- This union laid foundation for modern Spanish state
- They ruled jointly as Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs)—title from Pope Alexander VI
January 2, 1492
Granada, the final Moorish stronghold, fell to Christian forces. The Reconquista ended and unification of España (from Roman Hispania) was complete.
1492: Year of Transformation
- Granada falls (January 2) - End of Reconquista
- Royal decree: Spain's Jewish population must convert or face expulsion
- Columbus voyage authorized - Discovery of "New World"
- New era of exploration and colonial expansion begins
- Tremendous wealth to Spain; expanded wine export opportunities
A second decree in 1502 under the Catholic Monarchs targeted Muslims as part of the Spanish Inquisition.
Don Juan Manuel (14th century)
Ruler of Peñafiel (Castilla y León). Issued ordinances regulating vineyard practices and wine trade, including harvest deadlines. Vineyards increasingly planted beyond city walls as safety improved.
Spanish & Portuguese Empires
16th - 17th centuries
Both Spain and Portugal became major maritime powers with global trade routes.
- 1580: Portuguese crown passed to Felipe II of Spain (after King Henrique's death)
- Kingdoms administratively distinct despite shared monarch
- 1640: Portuguese nobility declared Duke of Braganza as King João IV
- 1668: Treaty of Lisbon recognized Portugal as nation state
Spanish Independence & Growth
El Siglo de Oro (The Golden Age)
Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Spanish Empire was one of the largest in history. Spain dominated global exploration and entered a golden age of literature and arts.
- Diego Velázquez: Court artist of Felipe IV; masterpiece Las Meninas
- El Greco: Greek-born artist; distinctive expressionistic style
- Miguel de Cervantes: Author of Don Quixote
Wine Trade Expansion
- Early 1500s: Wine (mainly from Jerez) allocated 1/3 of cargo space on ships to Americas
- Spanish vines transported overseas for local viticulture
- Rioja wine shipped to ports of Bilbao and Santander for export by Dutch and English merchants
- Canary Islands and Málaga wines developed strong following in 1600s
- Coastal wines benefited from exports; inland wines struggled with transport
Dutch fortification: As leading wine traders, Dutch introduced fortification to preserve wines during transport. Distilleries appeared across southern Spain by mid-17th century.
Don Manuel Quintano (late 18th century)
Young priest from Álava (País Vasco). Studied Bordeaux winemaking in Bayonne (1785-86). Introduced racking for clarification and oak barrel aging for Rioja wines. His methods were cost-prohibitive under local legislation requiring uniform export prices, so practices were largely abandoned for nearly a century.
War of Spanish Succession
- 1701: War began after death of childless Carlos II
- Crown passed to Philippe, Duke of Anjou (grandson of Louis XIV) as Felipe V
- European powers formed coalition fearing French-Spanish unification under Bourbon monarch
- Peace treaties required Felipe V to abdicate any right to French throne
- Felipe V centralized government in Madrid; declared Castilian (Spanish) official language
19th Century Turmoil
- Napoleonic Wars/Peninsular War: Spain initially opposed France, then shifted allegiance
- 1808: France invaded; Fernando VII deposed; replaced by Joseph Bonaparte
- Spaniards revolted with British/Portuguese support; forced French retreat
- Conflict devastated many regions including Rioja vineyards
- 1814: Fernando VII restored to throne
- 1898: Spanish-American War—loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines
Disease & Growth (19th Century)
1850s - 1900s
Despite economic hardship, the 19th century marked growth for Spanish wine as winemakers largely ignored political instability.
Railway Revolution
- 1854: Railway connecting Jerez to El Puerto de Santa María
- New rail links: Logroño-Bilbao, Irún (País Vasco), Madrid
Rioja Modernization
- General Baldomero Espartero and aide Colonel Luciano de Murrieta explored modernization while in London
- Murrieta studied winemaking in Bordeaux, returned to implement techniques
- Introduced large vats (reduce heat/oxidation) and small oak barrels
- Granted title Marqués de Murrieta; founded bodega in 1852
Vine Diseases
| Disease | Arrival | Regions Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Powdery Mildew (Oidium) | 1850s | Galicia, Catalan coast, Canary Islands |
| Phylloxera | 1878 | First in Axarquía (Málaga), then Girona (1879); spread across country |
Phylloxera impact: Destroyed 2/3 of European vineyards. French merchants sourced from Spain; French winemakers settled in Rioja, Castilla y León, Navarra, Cataluña—bringing expertise and French grape varieties.
Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves (1864)
Imported Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot cuttings, planting them at Vega Sicilia estate in Ribera del Duero. Pioneered blending native and foreign varieties. Today, Vega Sicilia is one of Spain's most iconic wineries.
Josep Raventós i Fatjó (1872)
Of Codorníu winery. Traveled across Europe; visited Champagne and was inspired to produce Spanish sparkling wine using traditional method. After phylloxera devastated Penedès, replanting focused on indigenous white grapes. In 1872, produced Spain's first sparkling wine—Cava.
Modern Era
World Wars & Civil Conflict
1914 - 1975
World War I (1914-1918)
- Spain remained neutral; experienced economic growth
- Supplied wine to both sides of conflict
- Post-war alcohol prohibitions slowed exports
Primo de Rivera Dictatorship (1923-1930)
- King Alfonso XIII delegated power to military dictator
- Falange (right-wing nationalist party) founded by his son
Wine Regulation Begins
- 1925: Rioja supervisory body created by royal decree
- 1932: Estatuto del Vino (Wine Statute)—Spain's first national wine law
- 1932: Consejo Regulador de DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry authorized (established 1935)
- This legislation established framework for DO system
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936): Only Cataluña, País Vasco, Galicia granted Statutes of Autonomy
- War between liberal left and conservative right (Catholic Church central issue)
- Nationalist forces (pro-Church, conservative) won with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy support
- General Francisco Franco assumed control
Franco Dictatorship
1939 - 1975
- Spain politically repressive and economically isolated
- Left-wing parties banned; right-wing consolidated
- Catholic Church regained unprecedented influence
- Regional languages and identities suppressed
- Officially neutral during WWII despite ideological alignment with Germany/Italy
- Economic policies focused on self-sufficiency; restricted foreign investment
- Many vineyards uprooted for staple crops (wheat)
- Large co-operatives prioritized quantity over quality
- Bulk wine marketed as "Spanish Sauternes" and "Spanish Chablis"
Despite challenges, new appellations created in 1960s. Sherry exports grew dramatically (1950-1978). Rioja declared "vintage of the century" in 1970. DO system regulations formally approved in 1970.
November 20, 1975
Two days after Franco's death, Spanish monarchy restored. Prince Juan Carlos I, grandson of Alfonso XIII, proclaimed King of Spain—beginning a transformative new chapter.
Democratic Spain
1975 - Present
Constitutional Framework
- 1978: Constitution ratified; Spain becomes constitutional monarchy
- Article Two: Created pathway for autonomous communities
- Result: 17 autonomous communities + 2 autonomous cities
European Integration
- 1986: Spain joined European Economic Community (EEC)
- 1993: EEC transformed into European Union (EU)
- Required alignment with EU viticulture/winemaking standards
- Underfunded regions (Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha) received European Regional Development Fund aid
Wine Renaissance (1990s - Present)
- 1990s: Explosive growth; new winemakers challenged traditions
- Álvaro Palacios in Priorat; Telmo Rodríguez in Rioja
- 2008: Severe recession; unemployment reached ~25%
- Spanish wine's reputation for exceptional value sustained industry
- Today: All regions produce quality wines; significant advances in technology, viticulture, winemaking
Spain has maintained more land under vine than any other country for over 30 years. As of 2024: 928,108 hectares.
Exam Flags
30 key points for SWS exam review:
01Phoenicians (~1000 BCE): Introduced vine (Vitis vinifera), viticulture, winemaking, amphoras to Iberia
02Phoenician settlements: Gadir (Cádiz), Xera (Jerez), Malaka (Málaga)
03Kolaios (640 BCE): Greek captain blown off course to Tartessus; received by king Arganthonius
04Hispania: Roman name for Iberian Peninsula; conquered over ~170 years
05Vinum ceretensis: Roman technique—boiling must to concentrate flavor, adding back to fermentation
06Celtiberians vs. Vascones: Fought over Valle del Ebro for 100+ years; Celtiberians victorious
07711: Moors crossed Gibraltar; defeated Visigoth king Don Rodrigo at Guadalete near Jerez
08Al-Andalus: Moorish name for Iberia; 781 years of Muslim rule (711-1492)
09Nabibi: Sweet wine from raisined grapes; popular and taxed under Moorish rule
10Don Pelayo (718): Established Kingdom of Asturias; victory at Covadonga (722) = symbolic Reconquista start
1112th century Cistercians: Introduced underground cellars, maceration, full barrels, optimal site selection
12Sherish/Sack: Early name for Jerez wine; imported by Henry I of England in early 12th century
131469: Marriage of Fernando II (Aragón) and Isabel I (Castile)—foundation of modern Spain
14January 2, 1492: Granada falls; Reconquista ends; España unified
15Moriscos expelled 1609-1614 by King Felipe III
16Siglo de Oro: Golden Age (16th-17th c.); Velázquez, El Greco, Cervantes
17Early 1500s: Jerez wine allocated 1/3 cargo space on ships to Americas
18Dutch fortification: Introduced to preserve wines; distilleries in southern Spain by mid-17th century
19Don Manuel Quintano (1785-86): Introduced Bordeaux techniques (racking, oak aging) to Rioja; practices abandoned due to uniform pricing laws
201854: Railway Jerez-El Puerto de Santa María; expanded wine transport
21Marqués de Murrieta (1852): Colonel Luciano de Murrieta; modernized Rioja with large vats and small oak barrels
22Phylloxera 1878: First in Axarquía (Málaga), then Girona (1879); French winemakers settled in Spain
23Vega Sicilia (1864): Don Eloy Lecanda planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot in Ribera del Duero
24Cava (1872): Josep Raventós i Fatjó of Codorníu; Spain's first traditional-method sparkling wine
251932 Estatuto del Vino: Spain's first national wine law; established DO system framework
26Rioja DO 1925: First DO in Spain (supervisory body created by royal decree)
271936-1939: Spanish Civil War; Franco assumed control; dictatorship until 1975
281986: Spain joined EEC (became EU in 1993); required alignment with EU wine standards
291990s pioneers: Álvaro Palacios (Priorat), Telmo Rodríguez (Rioja)—challenged traditions
30Spain today: 928,108 ha (most land under vine globally); 3rd production, 2nd export volume, 3rd export value