The territory of the Rueda D.O. is located in the central area of the depression formed by the River Duero, constituting, together with part of the northern sub-plateau, a high plain of gentle reliefs and slopes that are subjected to Atlantic winds.

The terrains are situated at a considerable altitude with a slight swing from south to north. All the tertiary lands result from the influence of the Duero, especially due to the arenaceous component of some soils with the inveterate clayey soil of Castilla.

Extensive alluvial and deluvial terraces on the edges of the Duero and its affluents Trabancos, Zapardiel and Adaja make up the main geology of Rueda. There is a predominance of brown-grey lands that are poor in organic material and easily worked. Their stony nature enables good airing and drainage, with outcrops of limestone at the highest points of the hills. The soils are permeable and healthy with textures that vary from sandy-loamy to loamy.

In the Rueda D.O., both the soil and the climate are fundamental factors which condition vegetable development, especially for the crops which require a special and favourable coming together of the climate and the humidity during the vegetative period. The maximum height of the area is surpassed only by the crops of Segovia.