Discover Penedès: Catalonia’s Wine Paradise
Nestled in northeastern Spain, the Penedès region in Catalonia is a wine lover’s dream. Known for its sparkling Cava and diverse still wines, this picturesque area offers rolling vineyards, historic towns, and a rich culinary scene.
Towns and Villages
Vilafranca del Penedès serves as the wine capital of the region. Its charming old town features the VINSEUM wine museum and numerous wine shops.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the heart of Cava production. Visit the Cava Interpretation Center to learn about the sparkling wine’s history and production process.
Other Notable Towns:
- Sitges: A coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant arts scene
- Gelida: Home to a historic funicular railway and medieval castle
- Subirats: Offers panoramic views of the Penedès vineyards
Wine Producers
The Penedès boasts a mix of large-scale producers and boutique wineries. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insight into local winemaking traditions.
Must-Visit Wineries:
- Codorníu: One of the oldest Cava producers, known for its modernist cellars
- Torres: A family-owned winery with a state-of-the-art visitor center
- Parés Baltà: An organic and biodynamic winery offering unique tasting experiences
- Jean Leon: Specializes in high-quality still wines with a Hollywood connection
Accommodations
From luxury wine resorts to charming rural guesthouses, Penedès offers diverse lodging options for wine tourists.
Wine-Centric Stays:
- Hotel Mastinell: A 5-star hotel shaped like a bottle of cava, with its own winery
- Can Bonastre Wine Resort: Luxury accommodations surrounded by vineyards
- Cava & Hotel Mastinell: Offers wine-themed rooms and spa treatments
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Cal Pere Pau: A rustic guesthouse in a converted farmhouse
- Hostal Grau: A family-run hotel in the center of Vilafranca del Penedès
Dining
Penedès cuisine blends Catalan traditions with fresh local ingredients. Many restaurants offer wine pairings to complement regional dishes.
Top Restaurants:
- Cal Blay Vinticinc: Modern Catalan cuisine with an extensive wine list
- El Cigró d’Or: Farm-to-table dining in a restored 16th-century farmhouse
- La Fonda Neus: Traditional Catalan dishes in a cozy setting
For a unique experience, try Cal Xim in Sant Pau d’Ordal, known for its wood-fired grilled meats and vegetables paired with local wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Penedès offers numerous wine shops and bars for tasting and purchasing local wines. Here are some top picks:
- Vinotèca La Roba del Revès (Vilafranca del Penedès): Extensive selection of local wines and expert advice
- La Cava de Sant Sadurní (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia): Specializes in Cava and offers guided tastings
- El Cel de les Oques (Vilafranca del Penedès): Wine bar with a rotating selection of local wines by the glass
- Vins i Caves Gual (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia): Family-run shop with personalized recommendations
Other Shops
Beyond wine, Penedès offers unique shopping experiences:
- Mercat de la Carn (Vilafranca del Penedès): Historic market for local meats and cheeses
- La Botiga de Gelida (Gelida): Artisanal products and souvenirs
- Xocolates Simon Coll (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia): Chocolate factory with a shop selling handmade chocolates
- Mercat del Centre (Vilanova i la Geltrú): Fresh produce and local specialties
Attractions
Penedès offers more than just wine-related activities:
- Castell de Subirats: 10th-century castle with panoramic views of the vineyards
- Monestir de Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs: Romanesque monastery surrounded by vineyards
- Garraf Natural Park: Coastal park with hiking trails and secluded beaches
- Funicular de Gelida: Historic funicular railway offering scenic rides
Events
Penedès hosts various events throughout the year:
- Cavatast (October, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia): Annual Cava festival with tastings and food pairings
- Festa del Xató (February-March, various towns): Celebrates the traditional Catalan xató salad
- Vijazz Penedès (July, Vilafranca del Penedès): Wine and jazz festival
- Festa Major de Vilafranca (August): Traditional Catalan festival with human towers and folk dances
Appellations
Penedès is home to several wine appellations:
- DO Penedès: Covers still wines from the region
- DO Cava: For sparkling wines produced using the traditional method
- DO Catalunya: A broader appellation covering wines from all of Catalonia
- Corpinnat: A breakaway group of high-quality sparkling wine producers
Each appellation has its own set of regulations and quality standards, reflecting the diversity of Penedès wines.
Grape Varieties
The Penedès region is known for its diverse grape varieties. Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada are the primary white grapes used in Cava production.
Red varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Cariñena. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also grown.
Main Wine Styles
Penedès is famous for its sparkling wines, particularly Cava. The region also produces excellent still wines, both white and red.
Crisp white wines made from Xarel·lo are gaining popularity. Full-bodied reds from Tempranillo and Garnacha blends are also noteworthy.
Food Specialties
Catalan cuisine shines in Penedès. Try pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and botifarra (Catalan sausage) with your wine.
Local cheeses like Garrotxa pair beautifully with Cava. Don’t miss calçots (grilled spring onions) when in season.
Drives & Walks
Take a scenic drive through the Carretera del Vi (Wine Road) connecting various wineries. The route offers stunning vineyard views and tasting opportunities.
For walkers, the Miravinya route provides six viewpoints overlooking the Penedès vineyards. Each stop offers unique perspectives on the landscape.
Itineraries
One-Day Wine Tour
- Morning: Visit Freixenet or Codorníu for a Cava tour
- Lunch: Dine at a local restaurant in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
- Afternoon: Explore smaller wineries like Pares Balta or Albet i Noya
Three-Day Exploration
- Day 1: Cava houses and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
- Day 2: Vilafranca del Penedès and its VINSEUM wine museum
- Day 3: Scenic drives, small wineries, and local cuisine
Getting There & Around
The Penedès region is easily accessible from Barcelona. Trains run regularly from Barcelona Sants to Vilafranca del Penedès and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.
Renting a car offers flexibility for winery visits. Many wineries are located in rural areas, so driving is often the most convenient option.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather for wine tours and outdoor activities.
Visit during the harvest season (September-October) to experience the excitement of grape picking and wine production firsthand.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Penedès wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for the “Wineries for Climate Protection” certification.
Torres leads in sustainability with its Torres & Earth program, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and water conservation.
Language Tips
Catalan is widely spoken in Penedès, alongside Spanish. Learn basic greetings like “Bon dia” (Good day) and “Gràcies” (Thank you).
Wine-related terms: “Vi” (wine), “Celler” (winery), “Tast” (tasting). Familiarize yourself with these for a richer experience.
Further Resources
- DO Penedès Official Website: Information on wineries, events, and wine routes.
- Enoturisme Penedès: Comprehensive guide for wine tourism in the region.
- Cava Regulatory Board: Details on Cava production and producers.
Download the Penedès Wine Routes app for self-guided tours and real-time winery information.
