Wine and gastronomy are part of Catalonia's popular culture of excellence. Throughout this excursion, you will delve into the Penedes region to learn all about the fascinating world of wine and cava. The influence of the sun and the Mediterranean Sea make the Penedes a privileged territory for winemaking. Here the sampling of vintage wine, gourmet foods, and a convertible 4x4 drive around the vine
yards combine into the quintessential Catalonian experience. A fun and unique way to enjoy some of Barcelona's best wine and cava...aboard a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Great fun if you are vacationing in Barcelona or if you are just in town before or after your cruise. Upon meeting at a centralized location, you will board a comfortable luxury bus, as part of a small group, for a premium, personalized adventure less than an hour from Barcelona. Your first stop is a family-run boutique winery which has been cultivating vines for more than two thousand years. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by an expert winemaker who will share the history of this millinery winery and guide you into the subterranean wine cellar. In this remarkable space, you will learn fascinating facts about grape varieties, vine growing, wine making, and the optimal conditions for its storage. You will then venture into a stylish tasting room where you will sample four charming wines and an assortment of gourmet deli treats. When you have finished, you will visit the traditional manor house (current residence of the owner family) and vineyards in a convertible 4x4 vehicle to add some adventure to the day. You will be accompanied by your guide and a viticulturist, a passionate grape expert! While basking in the Spanish sun, you will enjoy the stunning rural landscape and a Romanesque church. The second cellar visited is an equally historical winery specialized in cava, a naturally sparkling wine with an unmistakable flavor deeply rooted in Catalonia. This portion of the excursion includes an exclusive opportunity to enter the Capella, the heart of the cellar and oldest part of the winery featuring an enchanting candle-lighted ancient room where time stands still. After visiting the vineyard and cellar, you will sample four unique cavas, paired with a selection of epicurean appetizers to enhance the experience. Below is a list of what is typically sampled:
Wines:
2016 Savignon blanc
2014 Syrahy Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Chardonnay and Xarel lo
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cavas:
GRAN RESERVA 2014 Xarel lo, Macabeu and Parellada
VINTAGE GRAN RESERVA 2012 Xarel lo and Chardonnay
CUVEE GRAN RESERVA 2014 Xarel lo and Chardonnay
VINTAGE ROSE GRAN RESERVA 2013 Pinot Noir
Bytes and Tapas:
Green Picked Olives
Toasted Bread with Tomato (catalan Bread)
Local selection of nuts
Goat cheese pearls
Cured sheep cheese with quince jelly
Chips
Fuet with toasted bread (catalan Bread)
Iberic Ham on toasted bread
Cured sheep cheese
Catanias (chocolates)
Following your excursion, sit back and enjoy the short ride back to the city where you may continue to explore or return to your Barcelona hotel or cruise ship at your leisure and own expense. Come and raise your glass for a toast to a great wine experience as you learn the secrets behind these Catalonian vineyards. This is a rare treat for your eyes and taste buds as explore the beautiful wine country of the Penedes.
