The wine and cava trail 01/04/2015

If anything defines Catalonia, it's its vineyards which not only shape its landscape but the very essence of its nature, traditions and historic legacy. Just a short distance from Barcelona, 30 minutes by road, you can immerse yourself in the counties of Alt Penedès, Anoia, Baix Llobregat, Baix Penedès and Garraf, which make up the Penedès region, which is famed around the world for its wines and cavas.

There's no better way to understand the wine culture of Catalonia than to immerse yourself in this landscape situated between the Mediterranean coast and the pre-coastal mountain range. Covering an area of more than 27,542 hectares and with 153 wineries, there's no doubt that it is the land of wine and cava. Its wines, made with traditional local and French grape varieties, together with its ongoing research into new techniques, such as organic growing, experimenting with and mixing new varieties with different plant densities, put this region at the cutting edge of wine-production, not just in Catalonia but around the world.

Wine and cava are such a serious business in the Penedès that they even have a museum devoted to them. The VINSEUM (Museu de la Cultura del Vi de Catalunya), is a place of pilgrimage for lovers of this drink that dates back many centuries. The locals talk about, drink and live wine with an infectious enthusiasm. So much so that many of the people who visit the region go home with the intention of making their own wine.

If you've got a free morning, don't miss out on the opportunity to discover this nerve centre of Catalan culture. You can take the Catalunya Bus Turístic and explore it in an easy, convenient way. The ticket includes a guided tour, tasting and pairing at some of the most famous and prestigious wineries in the Penedès. You'll find out how the different varieties of wine and cava are made, learn how to tell them apart and, best of all, take part in guided tastings led by experts. The visitor experiences are available in different languages so you won't miss a single detail. You'll also be able to buy the wines and cavas you liked most directly from the winery.

If you need further details or information about opening times and prices, you'll find them on the VisitBarcelona Tickets website. You'll also find other activities to discover the secret of wines. But don't forget to raise your glass and wish a long life to Catalan wine before you taste it: another tradition which has been going since wine-making began.