Barcelona is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. With vivid architecture, incredible museums, unbeatable nightlife, and tapas to die for – it’s easy to see why visitors flock here from everywhere. But if you want a break from this bustling city, why not explore the wine country that’s less than 60 kilometers away? The sparkling wine region of Penedes is just a short drive from the heart of Barcelona. For a top winery experience that combines the charm of a small, family run operation, gorgeous vineyards and carefully crafted wines, head to Giro del Gorner .

Penedes wine country is Cava land

Penedes is the region that is responsible for Cava, Spain’s sassy answer to French Champagne. Sure, it has bubbles, and good quality Cava also undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle like its French counterpart. But the grapes are native to Spain not France, so Cava has a different flavor profile than Champagne. A bit more fruit forward, less acidic and edgy, Cava has characteristics of the native grapes it contains – Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada. There is structure, hints of grassiness and chamomile, and lemon pith. It’s a refreshing sparkling wine in any season.

Giro del Gorner offers new winery visit packages just an hour from Barcelona

The newest winery to offer wine tourism packages is Giro del Gorner. While you could visit larger Penedes wineries, here you have the chance to meet the winemaking family and step right onto the vineyards that border their home. The winery sits on a scenic ridge with soft hills of vines undulating into the distance. While Giro del Gorner makes delicious white wines, including the top quality barrel-fermented Gorner Xarel-lo, visitors will definitely want to try the signature Penedes Cavas being made here.

Three winery visit options at Giro del Gorner in Penedes

Marta Giro, winery owner and doting mother of three sons, recently developed three tourist packages that run from the ordinary to the extraordinary:

The Traditional visit (9 euros) lasts an hour and entails a walk in the vineyard followed by an educational cellar tour and tasting of two Cavas.

The Walk Among the Vineyards (37 euros) is a four hour sojourn among the vines. It includes a vineyard walk, cellar tour, and leisurely Catalan picnic.

The most extraordinary visit option is Making Cava (48 euros) - a three and a half hour tour, activity, and tasting. This package allows visitors to try their hand at blending their own special cuvee. Guests will also disgorge (remove the lees) and label their bottle. After the hands-on activities, visitors will partake in a Cava tasting with Catalan snacks.

All of the winery visits at Giro del Gorner are by appointment and can be scheduled for groups of 4-12 people. For information or to schedule a visit, contact the winery at +34 93 898 80 32.