Cava, one of our greatest vinicultural treasures, is a delightful sparkling wine born in Catalonia that has won over palates across the globe. And there is no better way to enjoy it than by taking a trip to Penedès, the cradle of cava, where unforgettable experiences await among golden bubbles.
On a cava tour through Penedès, you’ll be surrounded by rolling vineyards and centuries-old wineries where time seems to stand still. You’ll witness how Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada grapes are transformed into those exquisite bubbles that burst delightfully on the palate.
This journey will allow you to understand the passion of our Catalan winemakers. Immerse yourself in our rich culture and the gastronomic tradition that surrounds this iconic Spanish beverage.
What makes a cava tour in Spain unique?
While cava might remind you of champagne or prosecco, our sparkling wine is truly distinctive. The Mediterranean terroir of Penedès, with its limestone soils and privileged climate, gives the grapes a unique character. Whereas champagne is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, cava is crafted from native varieties that capture the very essence of the Mediterranean.
Cava was born in the 19th century, when Josep Raventós, inspired by a visit to Champagne, decided to apply the traditional method to his vineyards in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Since then, this village has become the capital of cava, home to over 80 wineries. Here, we strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, preserving ancestral techniques while incorporating modern technologies.
What makes your visit truly special is the Catalan warmth. Our winemakers are guardians of a family legacy, and they will share it with heartfelt passion. We offer an authentic experience, far from mass tourism, where every glass tells a different story.
Touring vineyards and wineries: the heart of the cava tour
The soul of our cava tour lies in the historic wineries that open their doors to you. You can visit iconic names like Freixenet or Codorníu, with their awe-inspiring underground cellars, or discover family-run gems like Recaredo or Gramona. In these smaller estates, you’ll engage directly with the owners, who will share anecdotes and knowledge passed down through generations.
Your journey begins in the vineyards, where expert guides will explain the particularities of each grape variety and sustainable cultivation techniques. Then you’ll proceed to the pressing and fermentation rooms, where the magic begins. But the most memorable moment will be when you descend into the underground caves—labyrinths carved into rock, where thousands of bottles rest patiently.
Throughout your visit, our oenologists will unveil the secrets of the traditional method: from the first fermentation to the second in the bottle, including the manual riddling and final disgorgement. This artisanal process is what sets cava apart from more industrial sparkling wines.
Premium tasting: flavours, aromas and pairings
The highlight of the tour is the tasting session, where all your senses will come alive. Our sommeliers will guide you through the differences between a Brut Nature, known for its dryness, and a Semi Seco, softer on the palate. You’ll discover how a Reserva, aged for 15 months, evolves into a Gran Reserva, maturing for over 30 months and developing aromas of brioche, dried fruits, and spices.
We organise the tastings progressively, starting with young, fresh cavas and finishing with the most complex ones. You’ll learn professional tasting techniques—from how to properly hold a glass to how to identify primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas.
To complete your experience, we offer pairings with local delicacies. You’ll be surprised at how a Brut Nature perfectly complements Iberian ham, while a Rosé cava pairs beautifully with Catalan cured meats. Artisan cheeses also find their ideal match among our wide range of cavas.
Cava vs. corpinnat: differences and must-try options
In recent years, a new player has emerged on our sparkling wine scene: Corpinnat. Created by wineries that chose to leave the Cava D.O., this label represents our commitment to the highest quality and deep respect for the land. To be certified, we must meet stricter standards: 100% organic grapes, manual harvesting, at least 18 months of ageing, and complete vinification on the estate.
The key difference lies in the production philosophy. While the Cava D.O. covers a wider territory and allows some flexibility, Corpinnat focuses solely on the historic heart of Penedès and adheres to more restrictive practices. The result is lower production sparkling wines with greater character, made from native varieties and with strong environmental commitments.
Many of our tours include visits to both types of wineries, allowing you to compare these two approaches. This duality enriches your experience and showcases the vitality of our sector.
How to book your cava tour and live an unforgettable experience
To make the most of your cava tour, we recommend planning ahead and choosing the itinerary that best suits your interests. If you’re a beginner, a general tour including major historic wineries might be ideal. If you’re an experienced taster, we suggest a more specialised route focused on boutique producers.
Our tours range in duration from half-day experiences to full weekend getaways. Shorter options include visits to one or two wineries, while the longer ones cover up to five wineries over several days, with meals in local restaurants and accommodation in charming rural hotels. Prices range from €50 for a basic tour to €300 for premium experiences.
We recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the vineyards are at their most beautiful. In September and October, you might even witness the grape harvest. Tours are available in several languages, but we advise booking in advance, especially during peak season.
Come and discover the secrets of cava with us! Book your cava tour in Penedès now and let yourself be seduced by the most elegant bubbles in Spain. We look forward to sharing with you an unforgettable wine adventure among ancient vineyards, historic cellars, and tastings that will awaken all your senses. Raise a glass with us to memorable moments in the birthplace of Spanish cava!
