How to plan a tour of Spanish wineries

Q: We're traveling to Spain in the spring and would like to visit some wineries. But there are so many! Can you advise?

A: A very good resource to understanding and sorting through the wines of Spain is a free 120-page full-color booklet just published by Wines From Spain, a trade organization that does marketing and promotion for the Spanish wine industry.

The book was written by wine authority Doug Frost, who holds Master Sommelier and Master of Wine degrees, and it includes a brief history of Spanish winemaking, wine laws and labeling, winemaking terms, a glossary of grape varieties and a complete listing of Spain's denominations of origin (D.O.s).

The "Far From Ordinary Wine Guide" must be ordered online. A short questionnaire asks for your name, address and e-mail. The book will be sent for free until supplies run out. Go online to www.winesfromspainusa.com/WFSUSA/Guide/WineGuide.htm for complete details.

Meanwhile, I encourage you to watch for wine tastings featuring Spanish wines, and ask your wine seller to alert you to any upcoming events where you can meet visiting wine makers. Another good tactic when planning to visit any foreign wine region is to contact the regional winery association and request its assistance setting up appointments for visits.

Of course, planning your visits well in advance is a big plus. If you are traveling during the harvest season, it might not always be possible to be received at smaller wineries.

Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly in the Wine section.

He can be reached by e-mail at wine@seattletimes.com.