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On this journey, guided by our expert in wines and wine tourism, we will delve into the emblematic Designations of Origin of Catalonia. Our purpose is to immerse ourselves in its winemaking tradition to understand its landscapes and its cultural identity. The diversity that characterizes this territory makes it an irresistible destination for wine and wine tourism lovers. We will approach wine legends such as Oriol Pérez de Tudela, Tomás Cusiné, Raúl Bobet, Sara Pérez, and Ramón Roqueta, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the history of Catalan wine. Throughout our journey, we will contemplate the landscapes and the culture that surround the vineyards and their wineries: sea and mountains, stories and traditions. From the dizzying slopes of Priorat to the gentle hills of Penedès, every corner of this land will reveal the richness of its wine heritage and the uniqueness of its native grape varieties, from the breeze of the Costa Brava to the mountains of the Pyrenees. During the trip, we will deconstruct wine tourism in Catalonia, one of the world’s main tourist destinations, which has chosen to make wine tourism the central axis of its communication and of the sector’s degrowth to improve its sustainability. We will surgically analyze the issues of the different territories, the various tourism projects, and of course, their models. We aim to be analytical, educational, and constructive. Otherwise, the journey would not be worth it. We will combine family-run wineries with modern wine-making facilities. We will taste exquisite varieties that reflect the authenticity of their terroir and the mastery of their creators. Landscapes poured into the glass, stories served at the table—with each sip and each bite, we will discover the nuances that distinguish each Designation of Origin and the culture that sets them apart. To further enhance our journey, we have asked the owners of these wineries, the very souls behind them, to personally lead our visits.
The trip begins with arrival at the hotel. At the scheduled time, we will hold an orientation meeting about the journey and take the opportunity to get to know the other participants. We have planned a cultural visit through the old town of the city, where in an enjoyable way we will immerse ourselves in the destination from a cultural, social, or gastronomic perspective. Overnight.
After breakfast, we will depart towards the Penedès region. If traffic permits, we expect to arrive about one hour after departure. Our first stop is one of the most renowned wineries in the D.O. Cava, which is now part of CORPINAT. Here, we will learn about their famous Xarel·los.After the tasting of their sparkling wines, we will head to the historic D.O. Tarragona. In Vilavella, our host and wine activist Oriol Pérez de Tudela will be waiting to share with us the history of this Denomination of Origin and its potential future. He will prepare an informal yet delicious meal at his home, paired with a grape variety that aims to become emblematic: Cartoixà Vermell. After the visit, we will continue our journey to Poblet or La Pobla de Cérvoles.
Arrival at the hotel or guesthouse, depending on availability, and check-in. Here, we suggest trying a wine from the D.O. Conca de Barberà. Evening at your leisure. Please note that if you wish to dine out, we recommend making a reservation in advance, as dining options in these villages are more limited than in larger cities.
After breakfast, we will depart for the Tomàs Cusiné winery, considered one of the finest wine blenders in the country and current president of the D.O. Costers del Segre. With him, we will explore the landscapes that inspire his wines. During the visit, we will also taste some wines from the D.O. Conca de Barberà. After the visit, we will head towards the Priorat region, passing by its birthplace, Scala Dei. We will not stop for a visit here to fully enjoy a wine-paired lunch at Clos Figueras, a winery owned by one of the region’s most prominent wine merchants. Here, we will discover the modernity of their wines and their strong commitment to wine tourism. Following lunch, we will visit one of the most iconic wineries in the region. Its founder was one of the “five pioneers” — visionary winemakers who sparked a social, agricultural, and entrepreneurial revolution in the area. This transformation is now studied in many business schools.
If her busy schedule allows, she will join us during the visit or the tasting. There is no one better than her to highlight the dedication and passion behind the work carried out in these lands, so closely tied to the dreams of many unsung heroes. After the visit, we will continue to Falset, the capital of two appellations: the qualified D.O.Q. Priorat and the D.O. Montsant. Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Evening at your leisure to enjoy the culinary offerings of this charming regional capital.
We will depart for Gandesa, the capital of the D.O. Terra Alta region. Upon arrival, we will visit one of the iconic wineries of this appellation, where we will have the chance to taste some of the best White Grenache (Garnacha Blanca) and Hairy Grenache (Garnacha Peluda) wines in the country. The tasting will be accompanied by tapas specially paired with wines.
After the visit, we will head towards Lleida. After approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, we will arrive at the hotel. Check-in and overnight. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
After breakfast, we will depart for the Pyrenees. After approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, we will arrive at our winery, where we will learn more about the grape varieties that have best adapted to climate change. This winery is a pioneer in such research and is a national reference not only for the quality of its wines but also for its bold decision to plant vines at over 1,000 meters of altitude and ferment them in ancient rock-carved vats. If the owner, Raúl Bobet, is available, he will personally guide us through the wine tasting.
After the visit, we will head into the heart of Catalonia. Today’s lunch is not included, but we will stop at a local restaurant so you can enjoy a meal of your choice. After lunch, we will continue our journey to Món Sant Benet, where we will be staying. Dinner is at your own expense. You will have several options to choose from within the complex, ranging from a Michelin-starred restaurant to a traditional in-style meal.
After breakfast, we will head to a winery located just 25 minutes from the hotel.
Pla de Bages is one of the smallest wine appellations in Catalonia, yet one of the most highly rated by consumers. Today, we will visit the winery that helped preserve and highlight this historic wine region, which was once the largest in the area until phylloxera and industrialization changed the landscape. The current owner, whose family has been one of the key driving forces behind this D.O., will do his best to join us and share the story and challenges of this unique appellation. After the visit, we will arrive in Vic, check in at the hotel, and head out for a tapas tour around the “Ciutat dels Sants” (City of Saints), a fun and flavorful way to explore Catalan culture and gastronomy. We will stroll through the historic old town and can view the murals by Sert (a disciple of Dalí) in the cathedral.
Following the tour, we will continue our journey into the heart of Catalonia. During an hour and a half drive, we will pass through landscapes rich in history—shaped both by legendary bandits and by their rugged geography. We will then arrive in Girona and check in at the hotel. At the agreed time, we’ll enjoy a wine-paired farewell dinner featuring wines from the D.O. Empordà—a delicious way to say goodbye to these landscapes touched by the Tramontana wind, which gives the wines their character and uniqueness. Special attention will be given to their exceptional Cariñena (Carignan) wines.
Breakfast. We will depart by private transport to one of the most iconic wineries in Palamós, located in the Baix Empordà region. Its strong commitment to sustainability and its distinctive architectural design have made it a landmark in the area.
We will enjoy a guided tour, and at the end, a lunch featuring typical local dishes will be waiting for us—served with stunning views of a quintessentially Mediterranean landscape.
After lunch, we will continue to our Eco Resort located in the D.O. Alella. If traffic allows, we expect to arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after departure.
Arrival and check-in. You may choose to go for a walk, relax in the spa, enjoy a healthy eco-friendly dinner… the choice is yours!
We will visit breakfast and departure to the winery today, currently one of the strongest advocates for organic wines and the preservation of a natural environment under constant pressure from urban development. The D.O. Alella has always been defined by its Pansa Blanca grape and its deep Roman roots. After the visit, we will head to Barcelona so that all our guests can catch their transportation home.
