Embrark on a captivating 8-day self-driven road journey through Catalonia, where the essence of culture, cuisine, and viticulture comes to life. It offers a deep dive into the region’s rich wine culture, heritage, terrific landscapes, and gastronomic excellence. If guests prefer not to drive, a personalized driver service can be arranged for seamless exploration.

The tour, conceived as a loop, starts in Penedes (via Barcelona airport). It ends in Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, where ancient history and modern effervescence blend seamlessly. The tour provides an intimate glimpse into Catalonia’s personality through a road trip that shows the region is unique among the wine world’s elite. Venture into renowned wine regions like Priorat, where traditional techniques meet innovation. Meet inspiring young winemakers in less-famous regions like Monsant & Costers del Segre, and experience firsthand why they focus on old vines, and organic or biodynamic grape cultivation.

There is a cornucopia of terroir and the landscapes vary enormously. Close to the coast there is a tapestry of picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and verdant valleys. Inland, like in Priorat, you’ll encounter dramatic slopes adorned with terraced vineyards, where gnarled vines cling tenaciously to the rocky soil, yielding grapes of extraordinary character and intensity. The land is dotted with quaint villages, ancient monasteries, and handsome Roman remains.

Food wise, Catalonia stands out as a culinary powerhouse within Spain, boasting a rich gastronomic tradition that is revered both nationally and internationally. It has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation while staying connected to its culinary heritage. Away from larger cities, the rural heartland of Catalonia embraces a simpler, more rustic approach to cooking, focusing on hearty, flavour-packed dishes that showcase the bounty of the land.

This tour is not just a wine tour, but a journey into the heart of Catalonia’s culture, history and gastronomy. Apart from Barcelona, beautiful and rewarding Catalonia, is one of Spain’s most overlooked regions. From the grand Roman remains of Tarragona to the serene landscapes of Terra Alta, explore a land where history and modernity converge.

If you like, you can customize this tour for a further personalized exploration, catering to your specific interests and preferences.

Rural Catalonia with its rich culture & architecture, feels like a world apart from the rest of Spain. Its provinces boast an impressive array of landscapes that are both breathtaking and tranquil, often untouched and ready to be discovered. Among its treasures are ancient monasteries and spectacular architectural legacies that dot the landscape

Dotted all around Catalonia you also find some of Spain’s most esteemed wine regions, adding to a vibrant and colorful culinary history. Think Penedès or Priorat or lesser visited areas like Monsant, Terra Alta or Conca de Barberà. Catalonia’s wine culture is deeply rooted in history, dating back to 3,000 years, making it one of the Mediterranean’s oldest winemaking regions. This rich tradition, which flourished under the leadership of medieval monasteries, showcases the enduring legacy of viticulture. Over time, its wine heritage has been enriched by valuable additions, such as the Modernist wineries designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, showcasing the Catalan take on Art Nouveau.

The region’s diverse terrain yields an incredible variety of fresh produce. The Mediterranean Sea offers an abundance of fish and shellfish, while the fertile inland plains are rich with vegetables and rice fields. The mountains provide a bounty of meat, game, single varietal olive oils and much-loved wild mushrooms, a testament to the Catalan passion for gastronomy.

Next to the Basque region, Catalonia may have the most sophisticated cuisine in Spain, reflecting a passion for food & wine and a diverse cultural history of the land. Catalan cooks like to mix surf and tufg, with surprising dishes in which seafood, meat nuts, meat an vegetables mingle in a single dish. Innovative chefs create dishes which may be considered to be at the cutting edge of Catalan cuisine, but at the same time inviting rustic-style Mediterranean cooking remains in generous supply.

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, needs little introduction. Despite the influx of mass tourism, this popular city has much to offer even the most discerning traveler. The city boasts several authentic neighborhoods that have retained their local charm. Barcelona is renowned for its excellent cuisine. Alongside San Sebastian, it is arguably the hotspot for culinary innovation in Spain, making it an ideal place to conclude your wine and gastronomic tour.

Just a short 45-minute journey from Barcelona leads you into the captivating Penedès region. The landscape is adorned with pine and orchard-covered hills, and a rich tapestry of vineyards stretching from the warm coastal plains to the higher, cooler elevations inland. Despite its modest size, Penedès boasts a diverse range of climatic conditions and soil types, framed by the natural borders of the Montserrat mountain range to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and south. This gives rise to uniquely terroirs.

Renowned as the heartland of Spanish sparkling wine production, Penedès has become synonymous with Cava since 1872, when the 1^st Cava production commenced. The wine is known for its traditional method of second fermentation in the bottle, distinguishing itself from Champagne through its unique terroir and local star grapes such as Macabeu (Rioja’s Viura), Parellada, and Xarel-lo. The Monastrell, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), and Garnacha vrietals are used for its still red wines.

Penedès came to prominence in the late 19^th century when the phylloxera crisis in France catapulted Catalan wines into the international spotlight, fulfilling the demand left by the devastated French vineyards. This period marked the beginning of Penedès’ rise to international acclaim, further strengthened during the First World War when the region’s sparkling wines filled the void left by the Champagne region, then a battlefield.

In a nod to the exceptional quality akin to that of Champagne, the recently established CORPINNAT association unites Penedès’ finest small organic producers in their quest to create the highest quality sparkling wines in Spain, thereby competing with the best Champagnes.

Tarragona is a historical treasure of ancient Roman occupation of Iberia. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its storied past; the town boasts well-preserved monuments including an aqueduct, amphitheater, and circus. Of interest too are the remnants of the Roman wall, and the Gothic Cathedral erected over a Roman temple foundation.

The lively daily life of the city has a special flavor during the many festivals and cultural activities. Santa Tecla Festival, for example, is celebrated with the spectacular human towers, traditional dances, and bordering insane fireworks competitions!

The cliff-perched old town, with its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant marketplaces, conceals a surprising culinary scene offers limitless options for food and drink from traditional Catalan dishes to innovative cuisine.

Wast of Taragona, lies the Priorat region. It commences a mere 18 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, a step wall of cliffs rising above the coast. The journey to and within Priorat, with its steep and winding roads, offers breathtaking views surpassing many traveler’s expectations. This area derives its name from the “Priorato de Scala Dei” or “Priory of the Stairway to God,” a Carthusian monastery established in the 12th century, marking the region’s first foray into winemaking.

Priorat’s landscape offers a dramatic tapestry of jagged peaks and slate outcrops, offering a wild, rugged beauty that is most captivating. This unforgiving land yields some of Spain’s finest olive oil, figs, hazelnuts, and notably these days, its most distinctive wines. Audacious vintners  had begun to reinvigorate the region’s wine fortunes in the 1980s, spearheaded by pioneers like René Barbier and Alvaro Palacios. They revitalized the local wine industry by focusing on quality and the unique potential of its ‘Llicorella’ slate soil.  This transformation brought prosperity back to the region, elevating its wines to international acclaim.

Today, Priorat’s ancient vines of Garnacha and Cariñena, resilient against the sparse mineral slate, are complemented by newer varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The region produces powerful, deeply colored red wines that are highly esteemed. At the same time some younger vintners are making fresher wines, with less weight from new oak and fresher red fruit palates.  Priorat’s status as one of the two wine regions in Spain with the DOC certification underscores its dedication to quality.

Adjacent to Priorat lies Montsant, an equally enchanting yet underrated wine region. Known for its deep, complex wines that can be bought at exceptionally good prices, Montsant offers a compelling alternative to its Priorat neighbor. The region benefits from a diverse Mediterranean climate, ideal for ripening local Garnacha and Cariñena grapes, among others, resulting in bold, robust reds. The Montsant Natural Park’s serene beauty adds another layer to the region’s allure, making it an idyllic retreat for those who love unspoiled nature.

The culinary landscape of Priorat and Monsant, rooted in local, seasonal ingredients and traditional Catalan cuisine, complements its wines. From rustic meals in family-owned establishments to refined dishes in celebrated restaurants, the region offers a gastronomic journey as rich and varied as its wines. Embracing organic and biodynamic practices, many of these 2 regions wineries’ reflect a profound respect for nature, aiming to produce wines that are true expressions of their environment.

Further inland, the Terra Alta wine region is a hidden gem, a tranquil and pristine region, characterized by rolling hills and vine-covered terraces. Its landscapes have inspired generations of artists, Picasso included. The land offers some superstar wines, stunning landscapes, rich history, and deep-rooted traditions. We feel Terra Alta is a most rewarding destination for characterful wines with a unique identity

Many young winemakers moved here to make low-intervention wines. Emphasizing a commitment to the environment and quality, many of Terra Alta’s winemakers embrace organic and sustainable practices in viticulture. This dedication ensures that the wines not only encapsulate the essence of the terroir but also reflect a profound respect for nature.

The region’s pride are its white wines, especially those crafted from the Garnacha Blanca grape, celebrated for their freshness, aromatic richness, and balanced acidity. The local terroir also lends itself to producing exceptional red wines from Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena grapes.

Terra Alta’s significance extends beyond viticulture, having played a pivotal role during the Spanish Civil War. History enthusiasts can delve into this era at various sites like the Ebro Battle Museum in Gandesa, the region’s capital. Time seems to pause in the area’s picturesque villages, offering a window into a traditional Catalan lifestyle preserved through the ages.

The local cuisine features authentic dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients – this is one of the vegetable gardens in Spain. The region’s olive oil, renowned for its quality, is a perfect complement to local flavors and culinary traditions.

Lleida (Lerida) is an ancient and beautiful university city just to the southwest of the Costers del Segre wine region. It is celebrated for its rich history and some fantastic architecture. It features an ancient, fortified Cathedral that began construction early 13th century. This monument beautifully transitions from a bold Romanesque base to exquisite Gothic vaults, showcasing a unique architectural evolution: the cloisters are quite splendid. In medieval times, Lleida was a vibrant economic center, with its diverse Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities. It explains the opulence of its old town streets, with several good museums. Nowadays, the fortress Cathedral that dominates Lleida’s skyline serves mostly as a testament to its former splendor. A new Cathedral, built during the 18^th century, finds home in the lower part of the city, adding to its architectural diversity.

In the realm of viticulture, Lleida is the perfect base to visit the Costers del Segre wine region. This area, with its patchwork of discontinuous subzones, is home to a rich variety of both indigenous and international grape varieties. Spanning from the outskirts of Lleida to the Ebro and Pyrenees, the region’s diverse microclimates and terroirs produce wines of unique character. Costers del Segre is celebrated for its broad array of premium wines, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Star grapes include Garnacha and Tempranillo but also international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon

The genesis of this wine region traces back to just before the Spanish Civil War, when Manuel Raventós, a Cava pioneer from the famous Codorníu winery in Penedes, embarked on an ambitious project close to Lleida. He revitalized a vast estate near the city by planting vineyards and establishing grain fields with extensive irrigation channels. His efforts culminated in the transformation of an old castle and the creation of a vibrant community complete with housing, a church, and a school.

In recent decades, Costers del Segre has witnessed a remarkable surge in wine quality, thanks to innovative practices, modern technologies, and the expertise of young, well-educated oenologists. These winemakers, who have travelled widely share a newfound confidence in their own grape varieties; this region too stands out for a pioneering spirit in winemaking, blending advanced techniques with time-honored traditions to produce distinctive and experimental wines. Committed to sustainability, many local wineries embrace organic farming practices, ensuring the conservation of natural beauty and the production of environmentally friendly wines.

Complementing its vinicultural achievements, Costers del Segre boasts an attractive culinary scene. The local cuisine, both rustic as well as modern, strongly emphasizes seasonal ingredients, perfectly paired with the region’s wines. Particularly special is the mixing of seafood with produce from its mountainous terrain.

Conca de Barberà is perhaps the least known of the Catalan wine regions. It is another gem where medieval history, unique architecture, and a vibrant winemaking tradition come together. Testament to this is the Cistercian Monasteries network, renowned for their historical contributions to wine and brandy making, cheese production, and the introduction of “rare” vegetables like artichokes, spinach, and asparagus to the region. The UNESCO-listed Santa María de Poblet Monastery stands out for its breathtaking Gothic cloisters and the Kings’ pantheon. Nearby, the medieval town of Montblanc captivates visitors with its well-preserved walls and towers, a window into the past against a picturesque backdrop.

Despite being the monastery of Catalonia, Santa María de Poblet faced a long period of neglect. Restoration efforts began in 1930, allowing monks to return gradually, their presence continues to this day. This monastery spearheaded a renewed interest in grape and wine production in Conca de Barberà, with successful winemaking focused on the cooler hillsides.

Conca de Barberà is a region of challenging soils and mild climate. The land is celebrated for producing young, fresh, and light wines. It’s particularly famous for its rosé wines made from the local Trepat grape—a variety that yields light, aromatic reds and rosés found nowhere else. The region also excels in crafting delicate white wines from Macabeo and Parellada grapes.

Small, family-owned wineries dominate Conca de Barberà, and here too there is a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices.