If you’re planning a trip to Catalonia and want to experience something uniquely local, visiting a cava winery should be at the top of your list. Just outside of Barcelona, the Penedès region is home to the majority of Spain’s cava production. It’s a land of rolling vineyards, historical cellars, and family-run estates where you can taste the sparkling soul of Catalonia.
This post will highlight the top cava wineries near Barcelona—perfect for day trips that blend culture, flavor, and landscape. Whether you’re a wine novice or an experienced taster, these wineries offer an unforgettable introduction to Spain’s traditional sparkling wine.
Why Visit a Cava Winery?
Cava is a sparkling wine made using the traditional method (the same used for Champagne) and is typically crafted from native grape varieties such as Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. A visit to a cava winery offers not only the chance to taste different styles—Brut, Rosé, Reserva—but also to see how cava is produced, from the vineyards to the cellar.
Many cava producers also offer guided tours that include visits to underground caves where the bottles age for months or even years. These experiences are ideal for learning about the winemaking process while enjoying the scenic Catalan countryside.
Top Cava Wineries Near Barcelona
Here are some of the most highly recommended cava wineries near Barcelona, ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion:
1. Freixenet (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia)
Freixenet is perhaps the most famous cava winery in Spain and offers an engaging visitor experience. Tours include a video introduction, a walk through the historic cellars, and a tasting of their signature cavas. It’s a great first stop for anyone new to the world of cava.
2. Codorníu (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia)
Codorníu is the oldest cava winery, with roots going back to the 16th century. The winery’s stunning Modernist architecture is a highlight, and its vast underground cellars—some of the largest in Europe—are explored by a small train during the tour. Tastings include a wide range of premium cava styles.
3. Recaredo (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia)
A boutique cava winery focused on biodynamic viticulture, Recaredo is known for its aged brut nature cavas. Their visit offers a detailed explanation of traditional, sustainable production techniques, and tastings that showcase depth and complexity.
4. Llopart (Subirats)
Located on a hillside with sweeping views of Montserrat, Llopart is a family-owned cava winery producing organic sparkling wines. The experience here is more personal, and the tastings include generous pours of multiple styles, often paired with local delicacies.
5. Gramona (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia)
Gramona is a premium cava winery known for long-aged cavas with remarkable finesse. Their tours are educational, elegant, and ideal for wine lovers looking to taste cava at its most refined.
How to Visit a Cava Winery from Barcelona
Most of these cava wineries are located less than an hour from Barcelona by car or train. Vinum Iter offers private and small-group tours that include transportation, guided visits, and curated tastings. Whether you want to visit one winery or make a full day of it, there’s a tour for every interest level.
Exploring a cava winery near Barcelona is much more than a wine tasting—it’s a journey through Catalonia’s heritage. From large iconic producers to family-run estates, each winery has its own story to tell and a unique expression of cava to share. For travelers looking to combine wine, culture, and scenery, this is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Spain.