Lenoturisme en Catalunya permet al visitant de viatjar a través de dotze denominacions d’origen i de descobrir un paisatge del vi variat i fascinant, des dels vinyes acariciades per la brisa marina fins a aquelles que s’estenen per les grans planes de l’interior o que s’enfilen pels vessants de les muntanyes. Durant tot l’any es poden visitar més de 300 cellers, passejar entre vinyes, admirar un ric patrimoni i combinar vi i gastronomia, entre altres propostes.
Amb una superfície de més de 65.000 hectàrees de vinyes, 12 denominacions d’origen i una producció anual de més de 380 milions de botelles, Catalunya és una de les destinacions enoturístiques més prestigioses del món i un cofre del tresor per als amants del vi. Per permetre als turistes descobrir aquesta riquesa, l’Agència Catalana de Turisme ha ideat un itinerari on the road que travessa el sud de la regió, des de Barcelona fins al Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre, passant per les més importants DO catalanes. Un itinerari que no és només per a apassionats dels vins perquè cada parada té una oferta variada d’història, arquitectura i art.
Per acompanyar els turistes a través d’aquestes meravelles hi ha el segell Enoturismo Catalunya, creat per desenvolupar, promoure i consolidar propostes específiques d’experiències i d’activitats enoturístiques d’alt valor afegit, que contribueixin al coneixement i al gaudi del patrimoni i la cultura vitivinícola catalana.
Itinerary: on the wine road of Barcelona towards the south
First stop
Leaving Barcelona behind, you come across the Penedès, the region with the largest wine production in Catalonia, which hosts three important towns: Vilafranca del Penedès, the capital of the region from which the DO takes its name; Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the capital of Cava; and Subirats, the capital of the vine. This region hosts the DO Penedès, the vast majority of wineries of the DO Cava and the main producers of the DO Catalunya.
For enthusiasts, the Penedès is a treasure trove of wine-related activities: horseback riding, bike or Segway tours through the vineyards, wine tasting courses, lunches among the vineyard rows, exciting helicopter and hot air balloon rides offering spectacular views of vast vineyard areas on the inland plain or mountain vineyards. But not only wine: an activity for the whole family is a visit to the Espai Xocolata of Simón Coll in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (on the route between Barcelona and Vilafranca in the Penedès), an experiential tour in a factory producing chocolate since 1840. The origins, culture, history and process of chocolate preparation. Tastings are, of course, also included.
Second stop
Leaving the Penedès behind, you enter the heart of the Priorat region, land of the DOQ Priorat, a wine that exudes the spirituality of the Carthusian monks who, in the 12th century, founded the Escaladei monastery, the first Carthusian monastery in Catalonia. The Priorat is the only denomination in Catalonia to have obtained the highest certification, with wines that have become authentic legends and among the most appreciated worldwide. Passing through this area, a visit to the three Cistercian monasteries, Santes Creus, Vallbona de les Monges and Poblet – with the tombs of the kings of the Crown of Aragon – which constitute three jewels of Gothic architecture, is a must. Around the monasteries, a tourist route has been created that combines architecture and landscape. In the Priorat area, you can combine the discovery of wineries with a guided visit to the Bellmunt del Priorat Mining Museum, which hosts a modern exhibition and also includes a visit to the old mining colony. The Eugènia Mine was, in fact, the largest lead mine in the country.
Third stop
Towards the Terres de l’Ebre the third stop is the Terra Alta region, located in the far southwest of Catalonia, characterized by the rich and complex DO Terra Alta. The Terra Alta Wine Route is a path through the main wine villages, with about 20 wineries offering visits and tastings, but it is also an area for all tourist tastes: nature lovers will appreciate the Sant Jaume trail, which is an invitation to a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Those who love culture can visit the Cèsar Martinell winery in Pinell de Brai, pure modernism, and cannot miss a visit to Horta de Sant Joan, a small town located in the province of Tarragona, known for having hosted Pablo Picasso. Walking through the streets of this village, it is possible to retrace the steps of the great painter and immerse yourself in a place marked by the passage of Romans, Muslims and Templars. A blend of art and history that gives Horta de Sant Joan an aura of mystery between myth and legend.
Arriving in the Terres de l’Ebre for the last stage of the journey, you come across Tortosa, a paradise for culture lovers. Its immense heritage led it to be Catalan Capital of Culture 2021. The capital of the Terres de l’Ebre boasts the Suda castle, the Santa Maria cathedral and elegant modernist buildings. The Delta de l’Ebre, being the largest river in Catalonia and the second largest on the Iberian Peninsula, is a place of primary importance for Catalan history and is the perfect place for history enthusiasts, anthropology lovers and for all who appreciate unspoiled nature. With its 320 km of surface area, of which 80 are in the Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park, it represents the wettest area of Catalan territory and constitutes one of the most important aquatic habitats in the Mediterranean. In the Natural Park, to fully enjoy the variety of landscapes and breathe fresh air, it is recommended to set out along one of the proposed routes in search of migratory birds. Along the route, which can also be done by bicycle, there are several strategically placed towers to best enjoy the unforgettable spectacle of the surrounding nature.
Los vinos de Cataluña
Cataluña certifica la calidad de sus vinos a través de doce denominaciones de origen: DO Alella, DO Conca de Barberà, DO Costers del Segre, DO Empordà, DO Montsant, DO Penedès, DO Pla de Bages, DOQ Priorat, DO Tarragona y DO Terra Alta, aparte de las DO Cava y DO Catalunya.
Wine Routes in Catalonia
In Catalonia, there are perfectly structured wine tourism routes such as the Priorat Wine Route, the Lleida-Costers del Segre Wine Route, the DO Empordà Wine Route, the Penedès Wine Route and DO Alella Wine Tourism. Large internationally renowned wineries, traditional and family-run wineries with organic and biodynamic production, modernist buildings known as “wine cathedrals”; modest huts in the middle of a vineyard, century-old farmhouses, the most avant-garde architecture… a varied ensemble that shows visitors the secrets of Catalan wines, often near elements of great interest such as the Poblet monastery, Sant Pere de Rodes, Escaladei, Empúries.
Wine Museums in Catalonia
The wine-growing history of Catalonia can also be explored by visiting the various museums and interpretation centers of Wine and Cava, among which stand out: the Castell del Vi (Falset), the CIC Fassina-Centre d’Interpretació del Cava (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia) and Vinseum (Vilafranca del Penedès).
180 wine and food events in Catalonia
The wine tourism visit in Catalonia can also coincide with some of the more than 180 wine and food events that take place throughout the year and can be combined with all kinds of activities that allow you to get to know the vineyards in an active and original way: on foot, by electric bike, segway, mountain bike, off-road, on horseback or even by helicopter or sailing boats. And the day can end with a vinotherapy session.
Les chiffres du tourisme du vin en Catalogne
- 2 500 ans de vignobles et de vin, remontant aux Ibères, Grecs et Romains.
- Mers et montagne, avec des vignobles méditerranéens, le long de la côte, dans les vallées et sur les collines.
- Plus de 300 caves qui invitent à découvrir le secret de leurs vins et du cava.
- Ferme historiques, caves modernistes et « grandes cathédrales » du vin.
- VINS PRESTIGIEUX. Vins et champagnes de renommée mondiale.
- L’accord des vins avec la cuisine méditerranéenne, traditionnelle, mais aussi innovante.
- Œnotourisme et multiples expériences dans et autour de l’une des villes les plus fascinantes d’Europe.
- HÉBERGEMENT ET SERVICES SPÉCIALISÉS. Hôtels gourmets et établissements offrant un hébergement de haute qualité, avec des services adaptés à tous les touristes.
- STYLE DE VIE. Soleil, plage, paysages, cuisine et culture. Une région pour tous les goûts et tous les intérêts.
- 12 DO. 11 vins DO + 1 DO cava. 600 caves, dont 300 ouvertes au public.
