Andalucía: A Love Letter to Spain’s Sunlit Soul (written by Nicola Hollingsworth)

Andalucía—a name that conjures up images of flamenco dancers spinning in vibrant dresses, the timeless spectacle of bullfighting, and golden paella simmering under the Spanish sun. This region basks in over 300 days of sunshine each year, creating a mood of unparalleled joy and vitality. Having called Andalucía home since October 2023, I can confidently say this place is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The warmth of the people rivals the climate, the food is a sensory marvel, and the wine… oh, the wine.

Let’s talk about the wine.

For centuries, Andalucía has been synonymous with sherry. The region’s storied bodegas have perfected the art of crafting deep, tawny sherries from grapes like Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel, and Palomino. These wines are nothing short of breathtaking, but that’s only the beginning of Andalucía’s wine story. In recent years, the region’s white wines have stepped into the spotlight, offering vintages that are as exciting as they are delicious.

One standout is Barbadillo Blanco, a staple in my cellar and a true icon of Andalucía. As the first-ever white wine to be produced and bottled in the region, it carries an undeniable prestige. More importantly, though, it delivers on the palate—a delicate crispness with citrus notes, apricot, peach, and a whisper of stone fruit, balanced by a subtle hint of Greek honey. Every sip feels like an invitation to explore Andalucía’s breathtaking landscapes, from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the rugged beauty of the Sierra de Baza. Sunlight, mountains, and the distant cry of eagles—it’s truly Andalucía in a bottle.

Then there’s Gross Rosado from Bodegas Gross Hermanos in Málaga, a rosé that perfectly captures the spirit of Andalucía’s coastline. Pale pink with floral notes and bursts of tropical fruit and citrus, this wine is the epitome of sunshine in a glass. It instantly creates a vision of the chiringuitos lining the shores, where fresh seafood and ocean breezes are as abundant as the waves. It’s a sip of summer, no matter the season.

Of course, no conversation about Andalucía’s wines would be complete without a nod to its reds and my favorite is from Cortijo Los Aguilares in Ronda. This place is so beautiful it feels otherworldly, especially when you stand on the bridge dividing the old and new parts of the city. From here, the view of the canyon will make you reflect on your own mortality.

This late-harvested Graciano creates wines with bold mineral notes, a touch of balsamic vinegar, and a striking deep cherry color that evokes the magic of Andalucía’s winters. There’s nothing quite like sipping on this red by a crackling fire—yes, it may be a bit cliché, but it’s a cliché I wholeheartedly embrace.

Andalucía’s wine scene is vast and varied, with hundreds of bodegas waiting to be explored. My local treasure is Bodegas Jabalcón, nestled near Zújar. Their Benzalema is a standout—a crisp, elegant reflection of the region’s mountainous terroir. But their reds are equally compelling, showcasing the complexity and passion of this winemaking tradition.

Of course, wine is only half the story in Andalucía. The cuisine is an experience unto itself. Don’t leave without trying the region’s signature dishes: smoky, saffron-laced paella; crispy bacalao frito; and hearty garbanzo con chorizo, a dish that’s pure comfort on a winter’s evening. Summer brings its own delights, like creamy ensalada rusa, while year-round favorites include buttery tortilla española and the unforgettable jamón Serrano. For a simple yet sublime sandwich, pair jamón Serrano with olive oil, or try tuna with avocado—you won’t regret it. Honestly, one my favourite things to do (other than drinking wine) is to have one of these amazing flavourful sandwiches alongside a cup of rich Spanish coffee. It’s genuinely the closest to heaven I’ve ever been.

For an affordable but unforgettable meal, I can’t recommend Hostal y Restaurante Jaufíl enough. Located near Zújar, it offers a menu that embodies the heart and soul of Andalucían cooking. From meat so tender that it falls off the bone to a wine selection that will leave you breathless. The staff treats you so much like family, you’ll feel like you’ve returned home – even if you’ve never been here before.

If desserts are more your thing, head to Pasteleria Alameda in Baza. Situated directly opposite Alameda Park, this dessert shop is an absolute feast for the eyes (and the stomach). From coffee so strong, you’ll be up for a week to the delicate pastries, this is the only place that a slice of paradise is named tiramisu.

However, no tour would be complete without churros (Spain’s other national dish), and I have just the place. Restaurante Cache is a phenomenal little café located in the heart of Baza, offering a plate of churros that could feed a small army. Once you taste them here, you’ll refuse to eat them anywhere else. The owner, Milagros, is possibly the kindest person I’ve ever met, and her coffee otherworldly.

Finally, head to Casa Bao in Baza for some authentic Chinese cuisine. I know it’s not Spanish food, but we’ve all fancied a Chow Mein in our time.  Its impressive buffet and friendly atmosphere are only surpassed by their beautifully curated wine and food pairings.

In Andalucía, life is meant to be savored. From its sun-drenched landscapes to its vibrant culture, and from its exquisite wines to its mouthwatering cuisine, this is a region that captures your heart and refuses to let go. Come for the flamenco and the sunshine; stay for the wine, the food, and the people.

~ Nicola Hollingsworth