Travel bucket list idea:
Penedes, Catalonia, Spain
South of Barcelona lies the interesting wine region of Penedes, set in pretty hills that cascade down towards the Mediterranean.
Although especially known for its sparkling wine (it contains 95% of the world’s cava producers), Penedes also produces light, fruity whites and full-bodied reds.
There are two main wine towns to aim for: Sant Sadurni d’Anoia and Vilafranca del Penedes, both of which have Modernista grace notes. Vilafranca also has a famous Sunday market.
Penedes Wine Region, Catalonia, Spain
Experience
Spain’s first organic winery, producing a range of award-winning crisp whites, spicy reds and cavas. Their Reserva Marti was listed among the 1,000 best wines in the world in the Vinalies International competition.
Good for age: 18+
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Experience
The largest and oldest cava producer in the Penedes wine region outside Barcelona, with a family wine-producing history dating back to the 16th century.
Good for age: 18+
Penedes Wine Region, Catalonia, Spain
Experience
Spain’s leading wine dynasty, the Torres family, established production here 130 years ago – its enjoyable tour includes an introduction to the wine production process and a ride through the vineyard on a mini train.
Good for age: 18+
Penedes Wine Region, Catalonia, Spain
Experience
Historic, large and family-friendly Cava producer, operating from a pretty 1920s-style hacienda building and offering fun, 90-minute guided tours including a ride on a small train.
Good for age: 18+
Penedes Wine Region, Catalonia, Spain
Experience
Award-winning winemaker famous for revolutionising the Spanish wine industry by introducing little-known French grape varieties – visit the company’s finca for tours and tastings..
Good for age: 18+
Commuter trains on the C4 line (Cercanias) from Plaça de Catalunya go to Sant Sanduri d’Anoia (44 minutes), the main centre of cava production, and to Vilafranca del Penedès (55 minutes). But to really see the region you’ll need wheels – for some proper wine tasting make sure you have a designated driver, or book onto a multi-winery tour leaving from Barcelona. You can also hire a bike and cycle through the vineyards (either on a tour or independently).
Most Penedès wineries welcome independent visitors, but require you to book in advance for tours, so plan ahead. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, the Catalunya Bus Turístic leaves Plaça de Catalunya for a day’s coach tour, including tastings and tapas at Freixenet, Jean Leon and Miguel Torres. Wine shop Gust de Poble, in the central town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, is the place to shop for local wines at good prices.
September to October, when the grapes are being picked and beginning to ferment, is the most interesting time to go. The vineyards are least impressive without their leaves, from November to March.
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