Barcelona Day Trip: Cava Tasting in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
At a Glance
Escape the city for a refined day trip from Barcelona to the Penedès wine region, home to Spain’s finest Cava. This guide shares how luxury travelers can enjoy private tastings, scenic vineyards, and the authentic charm of Catalonia’s sparkling wine country.
Just an hour outside Barcelona lies a quieter side of Catalonia—rolling vineyards, family-run wineries, and the birthplace of Cava, Spain’s celebrated sparkling wine. While many travelers spend their days exploring Barcelona’s architecture and beaches, a day trip to the Penedès wine region offers an entirely different experience: authentic, scenic, and deeply rooted in Catalan tradition.
In this guide, I’ll share how to plan the perfect Cava tasting day trip from Barcelona—where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time in Spain’s sparkling wine country.
Why Visit Penedès Wine Country
The Penedès region is to Spain what Champagne is to France—home to the finest sparkling wines made in the traditional method (método tradicional). Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Montserrat mountains, the landscape is as captivating as the wines themselves.
What makes Penedès special:
It’s the heart of Cava production, with over 80 wineries (known as bodegas) producing Spain’s signature sparkling wine.
The region combines small boutique vineyards with historic producers like Freixenet and Codorníu.
Its proximity to Barcelona (just 45 minutes by train or car) makes it an easy, elegant escape from city life.
💡 Traveler Tip: Many wineries require reservations for tours and tastings, so plan ahead or have your travel advisor coordinate the details.
How to Get to Penedès from Barcelona
The Penedès wine region is located southwest of Barcelona and is easily accessible by car, private transfer, or train.
By Car or Private Driver: The most seamless option for travelers who value flexibility and comfort. The drive takes about 45 minutes, allowing you to stop in charming villages along the way.
By Train: Take the Renfe train from Barcelona Sants to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia—the heart of Cava country. From there, many wineries are within a short taxi ride.
💡 Luxury Tip: A private driver allows you to visit multiple wineries at your own pace and enjoy tastings without worrying about logistics.
Best Wineries for a Cava Tasting Experience
Codorníu
One of Spain’s oldest wineries and an architectural gem, Codorníu is often called the “Cathedral of Cava.” Founded in 1551, it offers stunning underground cellars and guided tours that end with a refined tasting of their top vintages.
Experience: Tour the modernist cellars designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Gaudí.
Perfect For: History lovers and design enthusiasts.
Freixenet
Another iconic name in Spanish sparkling wine, Freixenet offers a balance of tradition and innovation. Their guided tour takes you through vast cellars carved into the limestone hills before ending with a generous tasting flight.
Experience: Learn about the Cava-making process and enjoy a tasting paired with light bites.
Perfect For: First-time visitors who want a classic Cava experience.
Parés Baltà
A family-run organic winery that embodies the region’s progressive spirit. Parés Baltà is known for its biodynamic methods and warm hospitality, offering intimate tours that feel personal and authentic.
Experience: Learn how sustainability shapes each bottle, followed by a tasting on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Perfect For: Eco-conscious travelers and wine enthusiasts seeking something unique.
What to Expect During a Cava Tasting
A typical Cava tasting includes a tour of the vineyard and cellars, an explanation of how sparkling wine is made, and a guided tasting of several varieties—from crisp brut to rich rosé.
You’ll learn about:
The grape varietals (Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada) unique to Cava.
The traditional method—similar to Champagne’s, involving secondary fermentation in the bottle.
The aging process, which determines the complexity and flavor profile of each Cava.
Tastings often include small bites or tapas—think Spanish olives, Manchego cheese, or jamón ibérico.
Suggested Itinerary: One Perfect Day in Penedès
Morning: Depart Barcelona and arrive at your first winery around 10 AM.
Late Morning: Tour and tasting at Codorníu or Freixenet.
Lunch: Dine at a countryside restaurant such as Cal Blay 25 or El Celleret for a meal paired with local wines.
Afternoon: Visit a smaller, family-run winery like Parés Baltà for an intimate tasting.
Evening: Return to Barcelona in time for a sunset stroll or dinner in the Gothic Quarter.
The Bottom Line
A Cava-tasting day trip from Barcelona offers a refreshing change of pace and a deeper look into Catalonia’s culture and craftsmanship. Between the vineyard views, the warm hospitality, and the sparkling glasses raised in celebration, you’ll find that Penedès is more than a wine region—it’s a taste of Spain’s joyful, authentic spirit.
For the ultimate experience, let a travel advisor arrange a private driver, curated tastings, and lunch reservations so all you have to do is sip, savor, and enjoy.
Start planning your trip to Barcelona! Complete our Trip Design Form and let’s start planning something personal, seamless, and extraordinary.
Looking for more travel insight and inspiration? Here are a few posts you might enjoy:
7 Reasons to Visit Puglia, Italy
And for the latest official travel guidelines, check out: