The wine routes are a gateway to the cultural and sensory richness offered by the world of wine. Wine tourism, at its core, is the perfect combination of passion for wine, the history of wineries, and the exploration of unique wine landscapes. In this context, Empordà, in Catalonia, emerges as an unparalleled destination for wine lovers.
Catalonia’s rich winemaking tradition has its roots in antiquity, when wine culture and trade reached the region around the 6th century BC through the prosperous Greek colony of Empúries. This city, located in what is now the Empordà region, became a vital center for the dissemination of winemaking knowledge in the region.
History of the Empordà Designation of Origin
In the Middle Ages, vineyards thrived near abbeys and monasteries, with notable examples like the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery. Here, the monk winemaker Ramon Pere de Noves excelled in the art of winemaking, leaving a legacy that endures in the history of Catalan wine. Other monasteries, such as Sant Quirze de Colera or Santa Maria de Vilabertran, also stood out as vineyard owners in the Empordà region.
Despite the challenges, the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of Catalan winemakers prevailed. In the 1930s, the cooperative winery movement, supported by both the Commonwealth and the Republican Generalitat, marked the beginning of a new era for Empordà viticulture. This collaboration led to improvements in wine quality, modernization of facilities, and strengthening of marketing channels. At the same time, private initiative joined the collective effort, bringing quality Empordà wines to new markets and gaining international recognition.
Today, that legacy lives on and pulsates in the region. Numerous Empordà wineries are part of the Empordà Designation of Origin, and their vineyards, stretching near the sea and clinging to the hillsides, give rise to bottles that captivate those who taste them. Two thousand six hundred years later, our devotion to wine remains unchanged, and these lands continue to witness the magic that began with the arrival of the Greeks.
Wine tourism in Empordà: Enjoy its Designation of Origin
In Empordà, wine tourism goes beyond tasting exquisite wines. It’s about immersing yourself in wine culture, exploring the stories that each winery tells through its wines, and discovering the very essence of the land. This region has established itself as a privileged destination for those seeking oenological experiences.
Why Empordà?
Origin and Winemaking Tradition:
The origin of wines throughout the Empordà region (both in Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà) dates back centuries, shaping the landscape with extensive vineyards and wineries that have stood the test of time. The winemaking tradition in this region is palpable in every sip, every carefully cultivated cluster, and every winery that carries a unique story within it.
For its DO (Denominación de Origen) Empordà
This designation covers a geographical area that extends across the Alt Empordà region and part of the Baix Empordà, framed by the spectacular beauty of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. With a long winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, the Denominación de Origen Empordà has established itself as one of the most prominent wine destinations in the region.
The vineyards of the Denominación de Origen Empordà are characterized by their geographical and climatic diversity, ranging from coastal areas to inland hills and valleys. This variety of terroirs provides a wide range of microclimates and soils, allowing for the cultivation of a great variety of grapes, both indigenous and international. Among the most prominent indigenous varieties are Garnacha, Carignan, Macabeo, and Moscatel, which are used to produce unique and characterful wines.
The wines are known for their quality and diversity. From fresh and fruity whites to intense and complex reds, and delicate and aromatic rosés, the region offers a wide variety of styles and flavors. Red wines from the area often have a Mediterranean character, with notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and aromatic herbs, while whites and rosés are fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.
This designation of origin is also known for its long history and tradition in the production of sweet and fortified wines, such as the Garnatxa de l’Empordà liqueur wine, made from overripe Garnacha grapes and aged in oak barrels. These wines are appreciated for their complexity and richness of flavors and are the perfect complement to desserts and cheeses.
Wineries:
Masetplana – Garriguella
MP360: CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE (oil and wine in nature). Among vineyards and olive groves, around the table, you will discover the secrets of all our oils and wines while enjoying a breakfast with local products.
MP180: CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE. You will walk around the oil mill, exploring vineyards and learning more about the history of this corner of the Empordà. You will taste our oils and three of our wines accompanied by local products.
If you want to stay overnight in nearby accommodation, you can stay at Can Coll or at Camping Vell Empordà.
Vinyes dels Aspres – Cantallops
From a predominantly granitic and slate terrain, ideal for obtaining quality grapes, a characteristic and unparalleled wine is born. The cellar is located in the historic ancestral house Can Batlle, which has been a reference in winemaking since the 17th century.
In the late 1990s, with renewed passion, the heirs chose to revitalize the family’s winemaking activity. With environmental awareness, we work by respecting the land, the product, and avoiding aggressive synthetic products, thus obtaining a wine with unique characteristics.
Using techniques learned from previous generations and meticulous care, this cellar is capable of producing 100,000 bottles per vintage.
In Cantallops, Vinyes dels Aspres will surprise you with its unique approach. Stay at CAN XIQUET in the same town.
La Vinyeta – Mollet de Peralada
At La Vinyeta, the model of the old farmhouses is revived, where vine cultivation coexists in perfect harmony with olive trees and livestock. Chickens make use of grape residues, sheep graze among the vines, and bees contribute to biodiversity, thus confirming the commitment to ecological practices.
In terms of wine tourism, they offer experiences that include visits and tastings.
Explore the exclusive wines of La Vinyeta and enjoy a cozy stay in els Estanys, or in Masía de montpedrós
Mas Geli – Pals
The vision of the Pérez Cansell family is to transcend the conventional and offer a complete experience that combines the natural beauty of the surroundings with the freshness of Anna, the owner, the musical harmony created by her brother Lluís, and the charming sunsets, all while enjoying a glass of wine among the vineyards. At Mas Geli, discover the authentic essence of Baix Empordà, where every detail is meticulously designed to provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Welcome to Mas Geli, where passion for wine intertwines with nature to create truly exceptional moments.
If you want nearby accommodation to enjoy more than one day in the surroundings, opt for Cal Borrelet, in Sant Miquel de Fluvià.
Celler Brugarol: Vall-llobrega
Celler Brugarol’s underground chambers will take you on a fascinating journey through the mysterious world of winemaking, revealing not only the production process but also the captivating interplay of light and shadow created by RCR’s innovative architecture, which brings the cellar to life.
Under the direction of winemaker Roger Rius, Brugarol’s wines and sparkling wines have been awarded several prizes and distinctions, standing out for their quality, craftsmanship, and absence of additives. The cellar offers wine tasting sessions, business meetings, and a wide range of gastronomic events, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy everything Brugarol has to offer.
We recommend staying at the restaurant miramar y miramor room and enjoy this area for a few days.
Celler Mas Anglada – Fonteta
Since its opening in March 2004, Celler Mas Anglada has stood out as a reference in the production of high-quality wines that blend winemaking tradition with constant innovation. With passion and dedication, we have worked tirelessly to offer our customers a unique experience with every sip of our wine.
Our vineyards, mainly planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are treated with care and respect throughout the production cycle. With meticulously tended cultivation areas, we aim to obtain the best possible fruit to craft our distinctive wines.
The equipment in our cellar includes 20 French oak barrels, a laboratory, and a tasting room, ensuring precise control and exceptional quality at every stage of the production process. Additionally, we have facilities for accommodation, dining, and celebrations, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all our visitors.
We invite you to explore the world of wine with us at Celler Mas Anglada and discover the passion and dedication we pour into every bottle we produce.
If you’d like to spend a night in the area and make the most of your time exploring Empordà, we recommend staying at Can gat vell in the town of Llampaies. The rural houses are conveniently located, just 3 km from the AP-7 highway exit, 17 km from the beaches of the Costa Brava such as L’Escala, Sant Martí d’Empúries, between Girona (23 km) and Figueres (21 km), and Banyoles (26 km).