About this experience
You will travel to a small town with just over ten thousand inhabitants, yet there are almost a hundred wineries! This is the capital of the region where the Catalan pride, sparkling wine cava, was born. You will learn the history and secrets of this elite drink, taste it in the company of a winemaker, and then visit an old chocolate factory.
What to Expect
The history of cava in its homeland
You will spend a day in the region where a special type of sparkling wine was created, becoming a recognizable brand of Catalonia and all of Spain. During the journey, we will talk about the history of winemaking in the area, rare types of local grapes, and the main differences between cava and champagne. While strolling through the capital of the region, Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, you will also admire samples of Catalan modernism. Then, you will visit one of the interesting wineries I will select depending on your budget and the day of the week.
Secrets of the sparkling drink
You will see how in a production facility that produces 20-50 thousand bottles a year, it is quite manageable with four hands. You will learn about the unexpected signs of good cellars, nuances of handling grapes, and the unique process of making cava. Taste exquisite sparkling wine and discover the differences between young cava and aged varieties, as well as brut nature and dry cava. Moreover, while trying elite wine during a friendly chat with the winemaker, you will hear where the rivers of his wonderful drink flow, bypassing supermarket shelves. And if you wish, you can immerse yourself in the world of enogastronomy, experimenting with wine and snack pairings.
Chocolate factory
Among the wineries with sparkling wines, there is also a paradise for sweet tooths established here in the 19th century. You will learn about the history of chocolate and its spread in Catalonia, appreciate the diverse range of varieties, and taste everything your heart desires: from silky hot chocolate to crispy ones with nuts.
Organizational Details
How the tour goes
- The tour starts in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, where we can go together from Barcelona (by public transport or with a driver) or meet directly in the city
- Tours at the winery and factory are conducted in Spanish, English, and Catalan, and I will act as an interpreter
Not included in the price
- Transfer by car with a driver from Barcelona to Sant Sadurni d'Anoia - arranged upon booking
- Visit to the chocolate factory with tasting - 5.5 euros/person
- Visit to the wine house:
— winery with tasting (4 types of wine and traditional Catalan snacks) - 13 euros/person. This option is available for 1 participant as well as for a group.
— winery with a gourmet composition (4 types of wine and a set of specially selected snacks, including langoustines, foie gras, mushroom risotto, etc.) - 25 euros/person. This option is available for a group of 4 participants.
Additional Options
You can also include a visit to a restaurant or a farm in vineyards with a horseback ride in your program.
