Barcelona Travel Guide

The Penedès wine-making region of Catalonia in Northeast Spain lies to the south-west of the city of Barcelona. The area is framed by the coastal hills of the Garraf and the higher inland mountains which skirt the Central Depression. Long considered one of the country’s best wine-producing regions after the Rioja, it is also one of the most ancient viticultural areas in Europe. Perhaps better-known for its Cava production (a sparkling wine which has had its own Denominació d’Origen since 1991) white grape varieties predominate, although the region also produces some highly-regarded, oak-aged reds.

The Denominació d’Origen Penedès is centred in the regional capital, Vilafranca del Penedès, with nearby Sant Sadurní d’Anoia the acknowledged centre of Cava production.

• Freixenet - The cava bodegas, at Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, can be easily reached by train. You could take the train from Plaça de Catalunya or from Sants station. Trains depart hourly from 6:00 to 10:00 in the morning. The trip takes around 45 minutes, which makes this visit a nice half day trip. The Freixenet distilleries are right across the highway as you exit the train station. Free 1-½ hr. tours are currently available from Monday to Thursday at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 17:00 hours; on Fridays at 10:00, 11:30, 12:00 and 13:00; on weekends 10:00 and 13:00 hours. For more information you can check: www.freixenet.es

• Codorniú - This is by far the most impressive bodega. You would need to drive or take a taxi to visit this beautiful building that was designed by Puig I. Cadafalch. You will enjoy this trip, as it has a cava museum and you will be able to visit the largest underground cellars in the world, as you will be taken around portions of the 26 km long underground cellars by train. The winery is open for visits Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:00 to 13:00 only. You can reserve a space on a tour by calling 938 913 342 or by email reservas@codorniu.es.

• Raventós i Blanc - This cava producer is located on the Plaça del Roure. Opens Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. If you would like to have a visit conducted in English you can phone 938 183 262. If you fancy nice Spanish food after the tour, you can enjoy lunch in the village at Cal Blay on Josep Rivera 7. It opens daily for lunch from 13:00 to 15:30. On Monday to Friday you can enjoy el menú del día for only €12. You can also visit the outdoor local market on Thursdays and Saturdays. For more informaiton you can check: www.calblay.com