This charming Catalan town of Vilafranca del Penedésis best known for it's Cava production (Spain's famous sparkling wine), is located 50km inland from Barcelona.
The village of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia being is home to many of Catalan largest production houses. Graced with a quaint old town centre with some notable Medieval landmarks, the town is surrounded by some of the largest Cava wineries (The two major producers are Codorníu and Freixenet) in Spain and offers plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and gastronomic experiences.
David was our tour guide, he runs and owns Wine ventures Barcelona. David is very knowledgeable of this area, and offers the tour in English, French, or Spanish.
David can customize just about any tour your heart desires. There are bike tours, which gives you a stunning scenery in the countryside, there There are half and whole day including stops for lunch, farms, and other site seeing! We have used David 4 times for when family and guests come and visit, and we have never been disappointment.
Check out the Vinseum wine museum
The museum is very important tie between Vilafranca and wine making. Housed within a former Royal Plaace. Vinseum – a combination of vin, ‘wine’, and ‘museum’ – contains some 17,000 items related to wine making in Catalonia. It covers the introduction of vinification methods by the Ancient Romans up until the current day.
Shop at the Saturday market
Every Saturday the town centre comes to life as some 200+ producers set up shop on the main square of Vilafranca de Penedès from 8am to 2pm. The market is a perfect way to familiarise yourself with local produce and buy authentic souvenirs such as cured meats, olive oils and of course some great very reasonably priced wine.
Basilica de Santa Maria
One of the most historic monuments in Vilafranca is the Basilica de Santa Maria. It's a 13th century Gothich church which was awarded the status of basilica in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Wine tasting at a local bodega
If you’re not in the mood for visiting the wineries, and want to get right to business tasting Cava at local bodegas, you will want to check out places such as Coupage Vinoteca of the Taverna de Vinseum. They offer a wide range of local and international wines, including reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines.
Discover and admire the historic wine merchants houses
The growth and popularity of the Spanish "sparkling wine" through the 19th and 20th century meant prosperity and growth for local wine merchants. The town centre is dotted with beautiful and established houses built by the merchants to showcase their success. Once your there, make sure to pass by the Palau del Fraret, Palau Macià, the Casal dels Gomà and the Casal del Marquès d’Alfarràs which are particularly noteworthy.
Sample local fare at Cal Ton
A visit to this beautiful country side wouldn’t be complete without the chance to try the local gastronomy of Cal Ton . Having opened its doors back in 1982, the restaurant is one of the town’s most well recognized restaurants after being mention in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant offers a refined selection of dishes rooted in local culinary tradition, with plenty of meat and fish dishes.
Vilafranca cemetery
Cemetery of Vilafranca del Penedès is noted as one of the most significant Cemeteries of Europe, this cemetery boasts ornate mausoleums belonging to some of the town’s most illustrious and affluent figures. Take a stroll along its tree-lined pathways and you’ll be able to piece together the history of this remarkable Catalan town.
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