Vineyards of Penedès, ideal for wine lovers
To take a tour through the vineyards of Penedès starting from Sitges, you can follow the Wine Road, a wine tourism itinerary that runs through the entire Penedès region.
This route offers the possibility to visit some of the most famous wineries in the region, taste their wines, and learn in depth about the winemaking process.
The Wine Road extends over more than 40 kilometers, during which visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes of vineyards and olive groves, as well as the architecture of some of the most emblematic wineries in the region. Guided tours of wineries can also be arranged to learn about the winemaking processes, from grape harvesting to bottling and aging.
There are a total of fourteen wineries spread across seven municipalities: Sant Martí Sarroca, Pacs del Penedès, Vilafranca del Penedès, Sant Miquel d’Olèrdola, Canyelles, Sant Pere de Ribes, and Sitges.
To embark on the Wine Road from Sitges, it is best to first take a stroll through the streets of this beautiful coastal town, from the beaches and the Promenade to the central area with its most famous historic buildings. You can also visit the Hospital Sant Joan Baptista winery, where you can taste a wine unique in the world and specific to the city: the malvasia.
Then, to continue enjoying the route with total freedom, it is recommended to rent a car. From Sitges, you can easily access the Wine Road via the C-32, which connects the coast with the Penedès region.
If you're looking for accommodation during this fabulous wine tourism itinerary, you can stay at the Hotel Calipolis de Sitges, located in a privileged location facing the sea and offering a wide variety of high-quality rooms and suites.
Wineries and wines of the Penedès Designation of Origin
The fourteen wineries that can be visited on the Wine Road are: Bodegas Torre del Veguer, Malvasia Interpretation Center of Sitges, Colet Clàssic Penedès, Familia Torres, Finca Viladellops, Heretat Mastinell, La Xarmada, Mas Bertran, Parés Baltà, Pinord, Puig Batet, Queviures i Embotits Mitjans, Rovellats, and Torreblanca.
Among the white wines of Penedès, those made with the native varieties Xarel·lo, Parellada, and Macabeo stand out, which are used to produce fresh and aromatic wines. International grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also cultivated and used in the production of more complex and structured white wines.
As for sparkling wines, Penedès is known for its Cava, which is the quintessential Spanish sparkling wine. Regarding red and rosé wines, they are produced from varieties such as Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. These wines are usually structured and complex, with notes of red and black fruits, spices, and toasted notes.
Gastronomic, cultural, and natural tourism in Penedès
But the route through the vineyards of Penedès is not just about wine. You can also discover the rich culture and heritage of the region, from picturesque villages and cities to historic monuments and medieval churches. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to taste the delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as escalivada, xató, calçots, cold meats, and, of course, local wines and cavas.
The Wine Road also provides the opportunity to visit some of the most emblematic municipalities of Penedès, such as Vilafranca del Penedès, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, or Subirats, where you can discover the culture, history, and gastronomy of the area.
Now that you know why the vineyards of Penedès are an ideal destination for wine lovers, you can plan your wine tourism route from the modernist town of Sitges to enjoy the quality and diversity of wines with the Penedès Designation of Origin, visit historic and modern wineries, and discover the rich culture and gastronomy of the region. What's your favorite winery?