Rías Baixas is a small wine growing region located in Galicia, in north-west Spain known for its citrus and salty white wines. Located very close to Northern Portugal, Rías Baixas shares many characteristics with Vinho Verde over the border, and likewise, both share a long and strong history of grape growing using many of the same grape varieties. Established officially as a D.O. (Denominacíon de Origen) in 1988, the total vineyard area covers just over 4000 ha. By comparison, Chablis has 5,800 ha. of planted vineyards.
It´s cool maritime climate with high rainfall is quite an unusual climate for grape growing and is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and moderate temperatures keeps the area lush and green. The average rainfall is 1,600 mm – almost three times the national average for the whole of Spain. Or to put it another way, it rains more in Rías Baixas than it does in Kristiansand!