Catalunya has long been a centre of production for wine, with evidence that ancient Phoenicians traded Catalan wines as far afield as Egypt more than 2000 years ago, and for centuries the whole areas economy was heavily reliant on wine export both to Barcelona, Tarragona and beyond.

Today Sitges lies towards the northern edge of the ‘Penedès’ wine region which produces a wide variety of red and white wines and 95% of the world’s Cava (white sparkling wine) Two of the largest Cava producers – Freixenet and Cordoniu are recognised across the globe, and wines made by Catalunya’s most famous wine exporter – Torres – can be found on supermarket shelves around the world.

To get to know more about wine making in general and the grapes and vintages of Spain and Catalunya there are a number of tours taking in the surrounding area, with tastings to introduce local wines. Please find below our pick of the best wine and cava tours in the area, and if you find another worth recommending please let us know!

Parés Baltà Winery Tours

C/ Masia Can Balta s/n, Pacs del Penedès,Tel: 938 90 13 99 Website (Catalan, Castellano, English, French, German)

A favorite of the Sitges247.com team, this small, organic, independent family run company is one of the only vineyards which owns and manages all it’s wine production from start to finish – including their very own bees to pollinate the vines and a flock of sheep to eat leaves and fertilise the soil. The Parés Baltà tour takes you from the fields through the harvesting and fermentation process all the way to a delicious tasting, all accompanied with a skilled, passionate guide. Highly recommended for small groups 2-10

How to get there from Sitges: The best option is by car, but if travelling by public transport take a Plana bus from Sitges to Vilafranca Del Penedès, and then a taxi 5km from the town to the bodega. (90 minutes total travel time)

Torres ‘Experiences’

Finca el Maset s/n, Pacs del Penedès, Tel: 938177487, Website

Voted the most admired vineyard in the world 2014 by wine professionals – is half an hour drive from Sitges and receives a lot of visitors throughout the year. To accommodate their guests Torres have developed a unique tour to introduce guests to the area, local grape varietals and of course the Torres family and organisation.

The basic tour includes a film introduction, unique sensory tunnel, train ride and a glass of a Torres wine. The tour is suitable for enthusiasts of all experiences and ages.

Other ‘experiences’ include an Eco Tour; VIP tour; Introduction to Wine Tasting; Wine & Cheese Pairing; Pigeage Grape Stomping (Aug-Sept); Wine & Culture events; and eBike route; Themed brunches and a variety of tasting packages!

For all activities booking in advance is required.

Tip – sign up to Torres Club online for discounts on the basic tour and other members only benefits.

Freixenet Cava Tours

Joan Sala, 2. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia Tel: 938917096 Website

The Freixenet Oenological Tour offers an audio-visual introduction followed by a tour of the original cellars and a miniature ride before being invited to try some of their famous Cava! Suitable for visitors of all ages, booking in advance required.

For more ardent Cava-lovers there is also the possibility to book an ‘À La Carte’ visit for an extended, more intimate visit.

How to get there from Sitges: Using public transport the best way is by taking a train from Sitges to Sant Vincenç de Calders then changing there for Sant Sadurni – Freixenet is a short walk from the station (approx 80 minutes total travel time)

 

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