Visit Penedés

Where it all started...

The beginning of every story is exciting, and in the case of Cava it all began in the Penedés region. The town of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia has earned itself the status of capital of this marvellous sparkling wine, the heart of this Catalan wine region with a long tradition. A place not to be missed on the Cava Route, where some of the most historic wineries are concentrated.

The landscape, situated halfway between the Mediterranean and the imposing slopes of the magical mountain of Montserrat, gives Penedés a unique character that makes it one of the most interesting wine tourism destinations in Catalonia, and the rest of Spain. The lively cultural life, with many festivals and activities linked to the winemaking calendar, helps to create an unforgettable visit, at whatever time you choose to come.

History, geography, cultural heritage, and the uniqueness of being the birthplace of Cava, make this an ideal destination for enjoying wine tourism with the family, located only 45 km from Barcelona. Many buildings in Catalan Modernist style bear the mark of Cava: architectural jewels of the industry, as well as factories that have been converted into museums. An ideal place to delve into the history and origins of the wine, all year round.

And once we’re in Penedés, what should we do?

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the heart of Cava

In the Alt Penedés region, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia is the undisputed capital of Cava. From here, you can peruse the raft of possibilities on offer within the territories of the Designation of Origin Cava.

This is the ideal place to delve into the history and origins of Cava. A place not to be missed, and the true cradle of this vibrant sparkling wine with its power of seduction...

Two essential things to visit in Sant Sadurní are some of the most archetypal and characteristic cellars in the history of Cava, and the Cava Interpretation Centre, located in a wine distillery dating from 1814: the La Fassina building.

The historic centre of the town, with its emblematic medieval defence tower and modernist buildings, is pleasant for a stroll on autumn afternoons.

Visit the wineries

Within the setting of this area where the Cava industry has established itself, whether in small wineries or in larger ones, you can meet the protagonists of day-to-day life in the winemaking world. On organised visits and tours of Cava wineries, you will see how they work, and learn from them about the production process.

Discover the wineries

Museums, historical sites, and festivals, all with a single protagonist: CAVA

Where can you learn more about the importance of viticulture in the Penedès, as well as the area’s history? At Vinseum, the Museum of Catalan Wine Cultures in Vilafranca del Penedés - a must-see. A total of 17,000 pieces are organised into fascinating archaeological and ethnological collections, witness to local winemaking heritage - this area has been linked to the cultivation of the vine and wine production since ancient times.

Another interesting visit is the prehistoric site of Font de la Canya, located in the municipality of Avinyonet del Penedés. This Iberian settlement of the Cosetan tribe was abandoned when the Roman army arrived, and was not excavated until 1997. A permanent exhibition explains about the discovery of materials used in winemaking and wine consumption.

Wine culture also hooks up with music - the Vijazz festival is held in the town of Vilafranca del Penedés in July. Music shares the limelight with Penedés wine and Cava, showcased as part of a varied programme that brings together the best of international jazz.

Five unmissable events

MICROVI May

VIJAZZ July

LA FIESTA DE LA FILOXERA September

CAVATAST October

MOST FESTIVAL November

Visit the vineyards of Penedés through its viewpoints and trails

If Penedés has one defining feature, it is its vineyards. Only 30 minutes from Barcelona, you can enjoy a sea of vines that extends from Alt Penedés to Baix Penedés and Baix Llobregat.

A good way to take in the vast extent of this area of vine-planted terraces is by visiting the special vineyard viewing points, “miravinyas”, where you can enjoy unique panoramic views. Look out for the signs to the miravinya in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, where you go up to the Romanesque hermitage of Sant Benet d'Espiells, surrounded by vineyards; in Torrelavit, where a giant chair stands on the small hill of La Malgranada; in Subirats; in La Bardera, next to a 14th-century farmhouse; and in Avinyonet del Penedés, where the miravinya El Zarcillo offers a spectacular view of an area dominated by vineyards, olive and peach trees.

Walking along the Camí del Vi (Wine Route), in Vilafranca del Penedés, is another recommended activity. This 3.5 km route features eight stops explaining how this town is linked to winemaking. The walk invites you to reflect on the passage of time in nature, to trace the origins of old tavern songs, to breathe in the scent of the earth, and to soak up the Penedés landscape.

*All the Penedés viewing points are listed in the mobile application Miravinya (only available for Spanish devices), which offers a suggested route through this region to discover its nature, history, landscape and culture.

How to get there

By train

The Rodalies de Catalunya RENFE service leaves from Barcelona (Arc de Triomf, Plaça Catalunya and Sants stations) and stops at Vilafranca del Penedès: Line R2 (Granollers Centre-Sant Vicenç de Calders) and Line R4 (Manresa-Sant Vicenç de Calders). Takes approx. 1 hour.