Montserrat & Codorníu Wine Cellars

Embark on a journey into Catalonia early in the morning in an air-conditioned bus from Barcelona. Put the bustle of the city behind you as you climb the hills outside Barcelona and make your way to the Penedes wine region, where you will make a stop at Caves Codorníu for a visit to the wine cellars.

Caves Codorníu has been producing wine all the way back from 1551. Their underground cellars are the largest in the world, and they are the birthplace of Spanish sparkling wine, named cava. Your guide will lead you through the rows of Modernista-style buildings to visit the Cathedral of Cava, a unique and beautiful building that highlights the best of this style of architecture. From here you will go on to visit the cellars, built between 1895 and 1915 by the Modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Here you can watch the entire winemaking process as grapes are harvested, turned into wine, and then fermented for at least 9 months in the cool and dark conditions of the underground cellars. Your visit to the cellar will then conclude with an electric train ride and a taste of wine.

After a scenic ride along the Llobregat River, you’ll find yourself in the rugged and majestic landscape of the ‘serrated mountain’, Montserrat, a treat for nature lovers of all ages. You will have a brief orientation with your guide upon your arrival, after which the guide will lead your group into the Gothic Basilica nestled in between the rock spires and sheer cliffs. Here you can see the famous Black Madonna, believed to be carved out of wood in Jerusalem in the late 12th Century. The Benedictine monks, purportedly, built the monastery around the statue because it was too heavy to be moved, thus turning this remote outpost into a pilgrimage spot. Your guide will also show you the major attractions in the region, like the museum with a marvellous collection of paintings, Stations of the Cross, as well as bars, restaurants, shops and home products market.

Once you’re done with the tour, you can also enjoy the local culinary specialities, from herbal liquors to cheeses, cured meats, and honey, at the stalls set up by the local artisans to let visitors sample and purchase their wares. These delicacies will give you an authentic taste of the regional Catalan cuisine, nicely rounding off your trip before you return to Barcelona.