The paths to happiness
To side of a culinary wealth that continues to grow, oenology is not left out. A true wine-growing region with 70,000 hectares of vines, 12 Denominations of Controlled Origin (11 for wine and 1 for cava) and 300 producing cellars, Catalonia is the leading producer of superior quality wines in Spain. Practicing wine tourism here is therefore an ideal way to discover the richness of this territory. Several wine routes return to the origins and flavors of Catalan wines, find below some routes that cover nine of the twelve Catalan AOCs with ideas for visiting cellars, tastings, accommodation, family leisure, cultural activities… which will give you the opportunity to discover the Catalonia in all its aspects.
The DO Empordà Wine Route
The Empordà region, caressed by the sea and the Tramontana, gives birth to splendid wines. Restaurants with breathtaking views, sunny villages, wine cellars for all tastes and an authentic wine culture await you in this region marked by the proximity between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
An experience not to be missed in the Empordà: Tasting at sea
Traditional boat trip on the Costa Brava with a stop in a beautiful cove to swim and taste local products (fish from the Palamós Fish Market, Empordà wines).
The AOC Pla de Bages wine route
The struggle of a few courageous winegrowers has restored the heritage of what was once one of the most important wine-growing areas of Catalonia, With Picapoll as an emblematic grape variety, you will discover wines and cavas from a reborn heritage and of living memory.
An experience not to be missed in Pla de Bages: the huts of Oller del Mas
A unique concept of accommodation: 22 cabins, all different, in the heart of a green setting and equipped with bay windows and furnished terraces to encourage maximum immersion and contact with the surrounding nature, between forest and vineyards.
The Alella DO Wine Route
Mentioned by Latin authors, the wines of Alella are located in the province of Barcelona. Centuries later, they are the smallest AOC in Catalonia. The finesse of its white wines, the lightness of its reds and the harmony of its sparkling wines offer an infinity of choices for all palates.
An experience not to be missed in Alella: Gourmet visit to the Alta Alella winery
For food lovers, a meal consisting of gourmet tapas to pair with 6 exclusive wines or cavas. As an appetizer, private tour of the Pujol-Busquets family cellar and the Can Genis estate, bordered by the Serralada de Marina natural park, overlooking the Mediterranean.
The Priorat Wine Route
This emblematic land of the interior Costa Daurada gives birth to wines considered among the best in the world. Raising Grenache and Carignan to levels of excellence, Priorat is present on the greatest tables and has made this harsh and demanding terroir one of the most interesting appellations of origin to visit.
An experience not to be missed in the Priorat: Hotel Terra Dominicata
26 very comfortable rooms in a completely restored 12th century monastery, in the middle of the Montsant Natural Park. The Vives family provides a haven of peace in one of the world’s most beloved wine regions. In addition, it has its own cellar where it produces the wines of the estate and where guests will discover the secrets of making Priorat wine.
The AOC Penedès Wine Route
Between the plains of the Mediterranean coast and the pre-coastal sierra, this wine-growing heart of Catalonia offers everything lovers of fine wines can dream of. Coming from a region endowed with a rich artistic, cultural and natural heritage, between tradition and modernity, Penedès wines are young and accessible and have a high aromatic quality. Treat yourself !
An experience not to be missed in the Penedès: Horseback riding at the Gramona winery
Discover Gramona in a different way, take a horseback ride through the vineyards and unlock the secrets of the Penedès. Enjoy a 30-minute or one-hour ride in the company of a specialized guide who will explain the philosophy to you.
The Lleida Wine Route (DO Costers de Segre)
The roads of the Ponent will lead you to lands where one of the most original and unknown sides of Catalan wine is expressed. This province will allow you to discover postcard villages, rural cuisine, unspoiled landscapes and frank winegrowers ready to make you taste traditional or more recent wines, produced in charming estates.
An experience not to be missed in Lleida: The Vineyard of the Artists of Mas Blanch i Jové
This vineyard merges art and wine, here you will find sculptures and large-scale installations that live freely among the vines and olive trees located in the Designation of Origin Costers de Segre. And the wine cellar becomes the highlight of this particular artistic itinerary.
The Trepat Route (Conca de Barbera AOC)
The nursery of winegrowers, the initiatives inspired by Trepat and local varieties, as well as the desire to modernize the wine-growing scene are the main attractions of an appellation of origin which still has a long way to go. A terroir that proudly claims the uniqueness of its vines and cellars.
An experience not to be missed in Conca de Barberà: The Torre de Tastos
Today, the Torre de Tastos (located in one of the medieval towers of the wall of Montblanc) is the headquarters of Vins de Pedra. Within its four walls, observe the entire fortified city, and taste local wines and cheeses.
The AOC Terra Alta Wine Route
The Mediterranean spirit which emanates from Terra Alta and which Picasso fell in love with is also the homeland of the best Grenache Blancs. If you are looking for authentic and natural wine tourism, Terra Alta will not disappoint.
An experience not to be missed in Terra Alta: Discover Sant Josep Vins
Sant Josep Vins promotes the vocation and tradition of the winegrowers of the Sant Josep de Bot agricultural cooperative towards the Catalan and world wine market. We are part of the first generation of wineries that in the 90s began to work to promote the prestige of the wine harvested at home in Terra Alta.
The DO Tarragona Wine Route
Tarragona wines have evolved over time and are part of the revival of Catalan oenology. If you listen to them, they tell you about history, a glorious past (since Roman times), a powerful industry, cooperatives and a cuisine of excellence, facing the sea and the rear -country.
An experience not to be missed in Tarragona: Walk & Wine at Mas Vicenç
Perfect combination between sport (Nordic walking) and gastronomy in the middle of the vineyards of the Mas Vicenç estate, you will have the opportunity to discover food and wine pairings prepared, at each edition, by a different restaurant in the region.