With over 300 wineries and 9 wine routes, Catalonia is one of the most dynamic wine regions in the world for wine tourism. Coupled with historical and cultural landmarks dating back to Greek and Roman times, as well as an unparalleled culinary scene, Catalonia captures the hearts and palates of wine lovers. If you are ready to embark on the wine trip of a lifetime, here is what to see and do—and of course, taste— in Catalonia.
Empordà DO Wine Route
Bordering the Mediterranean sea and caressed by the temperamental Tramontana north wind, Empordà is home to some of Catalonia’s most striking wines. Here, age-old traditions meet winemakers’ bold visions, which create wines steeped in genius. With its stunning rocky landscapes, an abundance of sublime restaurants, and picturesque villages bathed in pure light, Empordà embraces its visitors with its charms.
What to Do: Tour the Costa Brava aboard one of La Gastronomica’s sailing excursions, where you will pair a gourmet meal with a selection of Empordà wines. Learn More
Where to Stay: Dine at Casamar’s Michelin-starred restaurant, then retire to your elegant room with its welcoming seaside views. Learn More
Pla de Bages DO Wine Route
Nestled among the Montserrat Mountains and the Castelltallat Range, the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park and the Montcau massif, Pla de Bages—formerly one of Spain’s most important winegrowing regions—is having a renaissance, thanks to the perseverance and tenacity of several intrepid winegrowers. Working with Picapoll as its flagship variety, a new generation of winemakers in Pla de Bages are putting their stamp on the region and creating a legacy of their own.
What to Do: Visit Oller del Mas winery, one of the most historic in the region. Learn More
Where to Stay: Get in touch with your surroundings during a stay at Oller del Mas cabins. Wood, organic materials, and natural lines shape spaces in complete harmony with nature, and large windows allow for a direct connection with the environment. Learn More
Alella DO Wine Route
Alella’s wines have been firmly embedded in Barcelona since Roman times and the smallest Designation of Origin in Catalonia still thrives today. These urban wines were favored by the burgeoning Catalan upper middle classes but now are a favorite of wine lovers of all stripes. The salinity and minerality of Alella’s “Pansa Blanca” white wines, light reds, long-aged sparkling wines, and sweet wines provide something for all palates.
What to Do: Pair gourmet tapas with six different wines or cavas, then tour the vineyard and cellars at a not-to-miss experience at Alta Alella Winery. Learn More
Where to Stay: Rest up for your next wine adventure at the Can Roda farmhouse, one of the most historic farmhouses near Barcelona. The first document in which it is mentioned dates back to 1447 and is currently held in the Barcelona Diocesan Archive. Learn More
Priorat Wine Route
The power of Grenache and Carignan have carried Priorat’s name to the world’s finest tables and turned this patch of country, sculpted by cliffs and steep coastlines, into one of the most appealing Designations of Origin to visit. Harsh and challenging slate soils contribute to wines with a strong personality, but terroir is only part of what creates these elegant, voluminous, and intense wines. The winegrowers, intrepid yet sensitive, remain mindful of the heritage handed down to them.
What to Do: Tour the Scala Dei winery—located in the Scala Dei Carthusian monks’ charterhouse, a site dating back to the late 17th century—and enjoy an expert-guided tasting. Learn More
Or, take in the sunset and Priorat’s breathtaking landscape during a walking tour with El Brogit tour company. You will taste wines at Devinssi winery, followed by an alfresco dinner and a tour of the cellars. Learn More
Where to Stay: Relax in one of Terra Dominicata’s 26 guest rooms, a former monastery turned luxury hotel and winery in the midst of Montsant Nature Park. Learn More
Penedès Wine Route
The heart of wine-growing Catalonia offers everything lovers of fine wines could wish for: a patchwork of Mediterranean vineyards, small family-run estates as well as impressive large-scale wineries, and a diverse selection of wines for every palate. This DO’s proximity to Barcelona and its diversity of landscapes is home to high-caliber still and sparkling wines, plus forward-thinking winemakers who still keep an eye on tradition. Penedès is ripe for discovery.
What to Do: Visit Gramona winery from a different viewpoint: by horseback. Enjoy a 30-minute or one-hour ride accompanied by a guide who will take visitors through Gramona’s winemaking philosophy, followed by a wine tasting. Learn More
Where to Stay: Connect with nature at Casa Gran 1771 MontRubí’s Boutique Winery Hotel. The historic farmhouse-turned-hotel dates back to the 14th century and now boasts vineyards, a farm, and an onsite restaurant. Learn More
Lleida Wine Route
Take this route through the west to discover one of the most expressive, original, and unknown sides of Catalan wine. High-altitude vineyards, experiments in dry farming, and respect for terroir create wines of character and verve not found anywhere else in the country. This under-the-radar gem won’t stay that way for long, once word gets out about the innovation taking place. But for now, you have the unspoiled landscapes, charming villages, and tastes of regional dishes—not to mention the knowledge of the winemakers—all to yourself.
What to Do: Take in artwork at The Artists’ Vineyard at Mas Blanch i Jove Winery. Here you’ll find large-scale sculptures and installations created by artists such as Carles Santos, Guinovart, Joan Brossa, Susana Solano, Evru (Zush), and Frederic Amat. These unique pieces rub shoulders with the vines and olive trees on the estate for a gallery experience unlike any other. Learn More
Also to Do: Tour vineyards by bike or Segway, or lend a hand during harvest; at Clos Pons, you will engage your senses through numerous activities that showcase the estate’s farm, olive groves, and wines. Learn More
Trepat Route (Conca de Barberà DO)
Wine culture in Conca de Barberà DO can be traced back to the Cistercian monks; from their viticultural prowess rose winemaking cooperatives and majestic Catalan Art Nouveau “wine cathedrals.” Today, La Conca de Barberà is finding a new identity thanks to the Trepat grape. The wine route, now nicknamed “Trepat Route” shows how this variety brings freshness and personality to the red and sparkling rosé wines of the region. It is a region on the verge, and one you will want to see before others catch on.
What to Do: Get in touch with your inner dragon slayer at Vins de Pedra winery. Legend has it Saint George slew the dragon from one of the towers in Monteblanc’s town wall, rescuing all the people and his princess from a certain death. Today the Tower of Tastings is the head office of Vins de Pedra; enjoy a tour that gives new meaning to the term “vertical tasting.” Learn More
Also to Do: Visit the historic “wine cathedrals” along the Trepat Wine Route, and learn about the area’s culture of vines and wine at one of its wine museums, such as the one in l’Espluga de Francolí.
Terra Alta DO Wine Route
Terra Alta’s Mediterranean spirit, which so captivated Picasso, is also home to the finest white Grenaches. Time seems to slow down in this rural inland part of Catalonia — all the better to enjoy the fruity, full-bodied, and creamy wines for which Terra Alta is known. But modernity is afoot: a slew of new tourist activities and dining options at area estates bring energy to this alluring DO.
What to Do: Sant Josep Wines promotes the vocation and the tradition of winegrowers of the cooperative Agrícola Sant Josep from Bot to the Catalan wine market and to the world. We are part of the first generation of wineries that in the 1990s began to work to enhance the estate grown wines in Terra Alta. Learn More
Also, visit Terra Alta’s wine cathedrals Gandesa and el Pinell de Brai, two wineries designed by César Martinell, a disciple of world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Both buildings serve as outstanding examples of the Catalan Art Nouveau agrarian architecture found in Catalonia.
Where to Stay: Wake up to nature at Can Josep Spa Hotel. This boutique two-star country hotel in the village of Bot is just 165 feet from the Tierra Alta Greenway, an old railway repurposed as a bike trail, and ten minutes from Els Ports Nature Park. Learn More
Tarragona DO Wine Route
DO Tarragona wines are starting to emerge, and they are doing so with a bang. They speak to a Roman heritage, quality cooperatives, and a thirst for innovation. Macabeu is the flagship variety, but there’s no shortage of experimentation with varieties such as Ull de Llebre, Merlot, Samsó, Sumoll, Muscat, Parellada, and Grenache. Tarragona is Catalonia’s only UNESCO World Heritage City and a worthy home base from which to set out and explore this multifaceted wine region.
What to Do: Learn Nordic walking techniques as you tour the Mas Vicenc estate doing their Walk and Wine Experience. Explore the vineyards and enjoy wines paired with cuisine from a local restaurant, then round out the morning with a tour of the cellars. Learn More
For something beyond wine, take a guided tour of Casa Vermouth Padró, where you’ll delve into all facets of this wine-based spirit, from ingredients to production. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in this one-of-a-kind region. Learn More
Where to Stay: Pamper yourself at the Gran Claustre Hotel, located in the old quarter of the medieval town of Altafulla in Tarragona province. The hotel is listed as a heritage site and has been declared a cultural asset of national interest. Indulge at its haute cuisine restaurant, Bruixes de Burriac, and spend a few hours relaxing at the spa. Learn More
To learn more about the wines of Catalonia and the abundant experiences along its wine routes, Click Here.
Last Updated: May 9, 2023
