Catalonia is a wine tourism destination with history. We’re not just talking about tasting wines, but about all-inclusive experiences featuring nature, adventure tourism, gastronomy, relaxation and much more. Discover the culture and heritage of each territory in your wine glass and let yourself be surprised by its flavour. The vines are now coming to life again after their winter repose, offering a chance to enjoy the sight of the first green shoots.
Wine and ham to captivate your palate in Barcelona
Wine is not the only product with different designations of origin. Discover the varieties of Ibérico hams by savouring them with the best wines, chosen specially for the occasion. This is the delicious pairing offered by Bodegas Torres, in the heart of the Penedès and only 45 minutes from Barcelona. You’ll enjoy a stroll through the vineyards surrounding the estate, visit the winery with an expert guide, and sample four wines with four first-rate hams. A unique combination of flavours.
Vineyards that stand up to the force of the Tramontana
A route around the Empordà is the best way to enjoy the flavours, aromas and landscapes of this region. Open to the sea and to the winds, this is the site of a very particular designation of origin, the Empordà DO, denoting the production of wines and olive oils with character. The vines and olive trees resist the force of the Tramontana, or wind from the north. Take a tour of some of the most outstanding estates and wineries on the Costa Brava, such as Coll de Roses, Bodega Espelt and Empordàlia. And to round off your adventure, why not stay in the gastronomic hotel Emporium 2*, in Castelló d’Empúries?
The vinegar from the Costa Dorada consumed by Nobel laureates
The vineyards of the Bodegas Avgvtvs Forvm in El Vendrell have witnessed centuries of history. And that’s because these lands are home to the vestiges of what was known as the Vía Augusta, a Roman road that once connected Rome with the most important cities on the Mediterranean. A guided visit is a chance to learn more about the process of producing this wine, and to sample their very special sweet-and-sour vinegars. You’ll discover a whole range of ideas for this product that you may be unfamiliar with. The vinegar is so good that it’s served at the Nobel Academy’s prizewinners’ dinner.
A wine tourism experience in the heart of Catalonia
If you want to take a journey through both history and wine culture at the same time, Oller del Mas is the place for you. The estate and the castle–still standing today–date from the 10th century, and offer outstanding views over Bages. You can take a guided tour of the country house and its surroundings, explore the wine harvest zone and learn about how the wine is made, and visit the castle to enjoy the views over Manresa from the tower. Your tour will end with a tasting of two wines.
Following the trail of the Battle of the Ebro
This interesting combination takes place in the trenches of the Cota 402 in Corbera d’Ebre. This is a unique testimony to the battle in the Spanish Civil War in 1938 which was fought by locals and soldiers from all over the world. The old town of Corbera d’Ebre still has ruined streets and spectacular landscapes that you can see as you follow this route. It ends with a wine tasting in the trenches themselves at the Bodega Frisach, overlooking some spectacular views.
Two days to explore the lands of Lleida
If you’re the kind of person that likes to fill every moment of your weekend and not miss a second, you’ll find all you need in Lleida. This experience is a chance to enjoy the best leisure options in Agramunt, with visits to the anti-aircraft shelter, the Espai Guinovart and the Turrón and Chocolate Museum. You’ll then go on to the town of Os de Balaguer, where you’ll see the olive oil mill, the castle, and a traditional winery producing wines, cavas and the local liqueur known as ratafía. Round off your adventure with an excursion in an off-road vehicle to Balma de Vilars to see the cave with rock paintings from the Bronze Age.
A journey on the Tren dels Llacs
The pre-Pyrenees conceals spectacular corners that are difficult to reach. The Tren dels Llacs (The lakes train) has a special charm and will transport you through these spaces on a wonderful route between Lleida and La Pobla de Segur. Twenty minutes from the arrival station you’ll come to Bodega Encús, producing mountain wines from vines planted at an altitude of 100 m. You can also visit the town of Talarn and sample the flavours of Pallars Jussà with a set menu from the local area, or including a pairing with wine.
