History of Penedès Wine
Penedès is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe, with records dating back to Roman times. In the 19th century, the region was devastated by the phylloxera (filoxera) plague, which destroyed native vines. This crisis led to a revival based on sparkling wine production, and in 1872, the first bottle of Cava was produced in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.
Capital of Cava: Sant Sadurní d'Anoia
Known as the birthplace of Cava, Sant Sadurní is home to more than 80 producers of Spanish sparkling wine. Here, you can visit iconic wineries like:
- Freixenet – one of the largest and most well-known Cava producers
- Codorníu – credited with producing the first bottle of Cava
- Recaredo – known for biodynamic Corpinnat wines
- Gramona – acclaimed for long-aged organic sparkling wines
Vilafranca del Penedès – Capital of White Wine
Vilafranca del Penedès is the commercial and cultural capital of the region, and the hub for high-quality white wines made from grapes like Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada. It's also famous for its Castellers (human towers) tradition—an unmissable local spectacle.
Main Wine Classifications in Penedès
- DO Penedès: Denomination of Origin for still wines, especially white and rosé.
- Cava DO: Traditional sparkling wines made using the méthode champenoise.
- Corpinnat: Premium sparkling wines with strict rules on organic grapes and long aging.
- Classic Penedès: Organic sparkling wines under the DO Penedès, emphasizing terroir and sustainability.
How to Visit the Penedès Wine Region
Penedès is just an hour from Barcelona and ideal for a day trip or weekend escape.
🚆 By Train:
Trains from Barcelona Sants go to both Sant Sadurní d’Anoia and Vilafranca del Penedès.
🚗 By Car:
Drive through scenic vineyards and visit several wineries in one day. Ideal if you plan to explore smaller producers.
🍷 Wine Tours:
Guided wine tours are available with hotel pickup, tastings, and food pairings.
Best Time to Visit Penedès
- 🍇 September – October: Harvest season and local wine festivals.
- 🌼 Spring: Blooming vineyards and ideal weather for cycling or picnics.
- 🎆 November: Celebrate Cava Week in Sant Sadurní with open wineries and events.
More Catalan Wine Adventures
Enjoyed Penedès? Explore nearby Priorat for bold reds or learn about Corpinnat, the future of premium sparkling wine.