Most of the large vineyards who accept tours from the public in this regions spend a tonne of money for advertisement with tour operators, local media, famous bloggers, famous sommeliers and more. But what if you want to visit one that not many have heard of? Maybe one where you actually might spend time with the winemaker or the owners?
The odds of spending time with the people who make the wine continues to diminish as many regions become commercialised, but as new vineyards start up, taking advantage of the “stardom” of a region or maybe a nearby vineyard, there’s always something new, interesting or undiscovered vineyards to visit.
So, without further ado, here are 5 spots you can search out to enjoy a truly authentic experience. Word of warning, ALL require advance booking. No showing up and hoping for a tour.
Cellers d’en Guilla
This winery located in the super small village (aka 5 -8 buildings) of Delfia on the way to either Rabos or Garriguella, depending on which way you are going, is an amazing bit of architecture. On the outside, it looks like every other winery building, but on the inside it houses a masia that is several hundred years old that is surrounded by the larger structure. It functions now as visitor reception and a gorgeous tasting room. The winery also has an incredible rooftop area for a gorgeous 360 degree view of the hills, mountains and the plains of upper Emporda. The quality of the wines is undisputed. Gold medals and several “wines of the year” awards means you’ll enjoy a selection of indigenous elaborations of red Grenache, white Grenache and the only available in Emporda “grey” Grenache. The tours are affordable, starting at 7€ for tour and tasting one wine. We recommend the 17€ tour which includes a light tapas of breads and local meats.
More details: http://catalunyawine.com/cellers-d-en-guilla/
Website: www.cellersdenguilla.com
Email: info@cellersdenguilla.com
Appellation: DO Emporda
Loxarel
In the heart of Penedes, this wine and land has been in the Mitjans family for many generations. This history is deep, with 20th Century history giving it life as a Spanish Civil War airfield for the Republicans fighting Franco. Winemaker and owner Josep Mitjans says that he still turns up bullets and other things when he tills the soil every spring. The wines are fully biodynamic and organic, and Josep is religious about following the biodynamic way, including his naming and super cool wine labels. The tour? It depends on if it’s Josep, Pep (his number “two”) or one of the other staff are performing, because while the general gist of the tour, the family history the building tour etc is the same, they always like to give a little extra something to each visitor, depending on time of year and the people doing the tour. The tour averages 20€ per person for a normal tasting, but they’ll customise depending on your needs. Sparkling wines, including two that aren’t disgorged, amazing reds, and spectacular whites will treat you, with many incorporating fermentation in “amphora.”
More Details : http://catalunyawine.com/loxarel-has-history-and-mighty-fine-biodynamic-wines/
Website: http://loxarel.com
Email: loxarel@loxarel.com
Appellation: DO Penedes
Castell Riudabella
This place is freaking amazing. Roman history, including a reconstructed Roman pool on the original ground using the original foundation. A castle built beginning in the 13th century, given to the monks at Poblet Monastery, and then acquired by the Gil family during the Mendizabal legislation, and still owned by the direct descendants today. Pieter Gil, the son of the current owners, has quietly made some fantastic wines (three varietals) you can enjoy during a stay, or just a simple tour. The castle is incredible. You can walk through and see original ovens from the 17th century, a chapel dating to the same period, original Roman stones which show the “water right” and a museum which shows archaeological finds, along with the family history including letters from Napoleon the third. The have several apartments for overnight stays, and their place is a magnet for weddings and corporate events. It is a breathtaking place to visit.
More details: http://catalunyawine.com/historic-roads-lead-to-castell-riudabella/
Website: http://www.castellderiudabella.com
Email: info@riudabella.com
Appellation: Located in DO Conca de Barbera
Bouquet d’Alella
There are 8 vineyards in this appellation 25 minutes north of Barcelona. With gorgeous views of the Mediterranean, Bouquet d’Alella is mere kilometres from Teia, where ancient Roman wine vats were discovered and rebuilt by the Catalan government. This winery has not only amazing views, but also amazing wines, including reds, whites, one sweet wine and one sparkling. The tours here are amazing, and cater to tourists from outside Catalunya. They have their standard tour, plus a meal in the vineyard, nighttime dinner in the vineyard, breakfast, quadding, and the pinnacle of spring experiences – a calçotada. What to know what that is? Email us 😉 If you’re short on time, but want to visit a local vineyard, this is the tour for you. You can catch a regional train, and take a 10 minute taxi ride to the gates, and enjoy a half day in a vineyard.
More details: http://catalunyawine.com/bouquet-dalella-its-not-a-business-its-our-love/
Website: http://www.bouquetdalella.com/en/
Email: enoturisme@bouquetdalella.com
Appellation: DO Alella
Ferrer Bobet
Modern architecture meets classical Priorat wines. Ferrer Bobet is positioned in the mountains surrounding the Priorat region, with just incredible views across the mountainous and picturesque Priorat appellation. While Ferrer Bobet has garnered international acclaim for their wines in the professional review circuit, many overlook their tour as an option when they come to Barcelona. It’s one NOT to miss. Why? the winery tasting room slash observation area is one of the most special places to taste wine not only in Priorat, but in the region of Catalunya. Just take a gander at the photo above and imagine the view. The wines? Top ratings from ALL the critics, and a laundry list of industry accolades. You can taste two wines with their tour for 15€, but we recommend booking in advance, as they will not give you a tour without a confirmation. Our FAVOURITE way of going to Ferrer Bobet is with our friends and Barcelona By Road. You can see their Priorat tour here.
Website: http://www.ferrerbobet.com
Call: +34609945532
Email: No email … Best to contact Barcelona By Road and check out their tour info@barcelonabyroad.com
Appellation: DOQ Priorat