Top Five Vineyard Tours Near Barcelona

When you think of visiting wine country, you rarely imagine being close to a major city. Most wine regions around the world require a long drive from any metropolis.

However, Barcelona breaks this rule. You can visit Catalunya wine country within a short distance. Some top-rated vineyards sit just 90 minutes from the city center. One Denominación de Origen, DO Alella, lies only 20 minutes away. For those seeking Barcelona day trips, these options offer both convenience and quality.

Without further delay, discover our top five vineyard tours near Barcelona. We have not ranked them, as each offers something unique. We based this list on proximity and, in some cases, historical merit.

TIP: If you love wine, you should not miss our Barcelona wine experience. Join us on our evening Gourmet Tapas & Wine Tasting tour. You will taste the best wines Catalonia offers!

Alta Alella

Wine experts praise Alta Alella for its fine cavas, sweet wines, and a broad range of still wines. Giorgia leads tours for the vineyard, guided by Valerie Veilleux. The tour is both deep and broad, offering a phenomenal experience. You can explore the vineyard by quad, on foot, or by bike. Since it sits only 10 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches of Maresme, the view is always spectacular.

The visitor center sits on a hillside. From there, you can sip wine and enjoy stunning Mediterranean views. Alta Alella also hosts:

• Musical events

• Special dinners

• Wednesday yoga nights

• Seasonal activities beyond the typical tour

You can buy a tour, lunch, and tasting online or by contacting their office. Alta Alella produces over 27 wine varieties, so you will never run out of options for your next wine tasting adventure.

A tour of Alta Alella will enlighten you!

If you do not want to rent a car, you can take the Rodalies regional train from Barcelona to El Masnou. The train takes only 22 minutes. However, you must cover the last 3.5 kilometers to the vineyard by taxi, on foot, or by bike. We once attempted it with folding bikes, but a mountain bike works much better.

If you have extra time, visit the wine museum in nearby Teia. There, you will see ancient Roman winemaking remnants made famous by Pliny the Elder.

Tours run in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French.

Bouquet d’Alella

We fell in love with Pau and his family vineyard, Bouquet d’Alella. His land lies just north of Alella, an easy trip from El Masnou. Pau offers personalized visits. You receive attention from both him and his wife. You can also borrow their bikes and explore the vines.

Bouquet d’Alella has belonged to Pau’s family since the 1400s. The original buildings still stand. In the cellar, you will find ancient wine presses from the 1700s. The winery now produces:

• Four main wines (two whites, two reds)

• Several limited editions

• One sweet wine

Bouquet d’Alella creates special dining experiences in the vineyard. You can choose breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pau also hosts a full moon dinner once a month. You dine under the stars in the vines. Contact them to learn which day each month they hold these magical events.

If you want a more personal or intimate winery tour experience, this is a top choice. Pau claims his English isn’t great, but we disagree. He is a humble, wonderful host.

Castillo Perelada

The history of wine in Emporda begins with Perelada. The Mateu family started making wine here in 1923. Miguel Mateu bought the vineyard, which already had medieval roots. Three generations of Mateus have built a world-famous brand, best known for excellent cava.

Perelada itself is touristy. The town features a museum devoted to the Mateu family and the region’s wine history. Every summer, the castle grounds host a vibrant theater and concert series from July to August. You may see:

• National and international musicians

• Ballet

• Theater

• Symphonies

If you enjoy history, architecture, or wine, you will love this stop. Bring extra spending money, as prices run higher here. If you visit the casino, budget a bit more.

Pair your visit with the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres. Dali himself enjoyed Perelada cava. You can take a regional train from Barcelona to Figueres, then a bus to Perelada. Alternatively, drive from downtown Barcelona in just 90 minutes. This makes for a perfect Barcelona day trip.

Tours are available in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French.

Cellers Scala Dei

Cellers Scala Dei is the oldest vineyard and the first bottled under DO Catalunya (in 1974). The legendary 1975 Cartoixa vintage is a favorite of Josep Roca from Celler de Can Roca. Today’s wines are just as impressive. Scala Dei sits in the DOQ Priorat, a region full of wine history and dramatic scenery.

You can book a custom tour or join a scheduled visit. Tours run at noon and five on weekdays, or 10:30, noon, 13:30, and 17:00 on weekends. Although it’s a two-hour drive from Barcelona, the journey is worth it. You will see the legendary barrel room, the winery, and the rugged Montsant mountain range.

While here, visit the Scala Dei monastery. Monks planted the first vines in the 1200s. The area is rich in wine culture and history. If you love hiking, you will find excellent trails in this region.

My favorite wine from Scala Dei is Cartoixa. The current vintage packs as much flavor as the best from the past.

Celler Can Sais

We are big fans of winemaker Marta Arenas and her wines at Celler Can Sais. Marta stands out in DO Emporda. She is one of the most knowledgeable winemakers in Catalunya. Traditionally, men have dominated the industry, but Marta is changing that.

Celler Can Sais has stayed in Marta’s family for centuries. The vineyard overlooks the Mediterranean at Palamos. Marta welcomes tourists who want to help with the harvest or learn more about the wines.

The winery buildings and homes have grown with each generation. Now, the property feels like a small village in the hills of Baix Emporda. Marta is reclaiming terraced plots for more red vines.

We recommend pairing your visit to Can Sais with time at Palamos or Platja d’Aro beach. Spend the morning at the beach, then visit the vineyard, or reverse the order.

Celler Can Sais produces one of the most unique white wines we have tasted—2012 Mestral. This wine reflects the region’s flavors and its subtle minerality. Marta will greet you with warmth and energy. If you want to learn about Catalan grapes and wine, you must visit her vineyard.

You can easily visit several wineries by public transport in Spain. Many wine tourism operators run tours from Barcelona. Renting a car also works well. For more details on Catalan wine, check out catalunyawine.com.

FAQ: Barcelona Vineyards, Wine Tasting, and Day Trips

What is the best way to experience wine tasting near Barcelona?
The best way to enjoy wine tasting near Barcelona is to join guided vineyard tours. Local wineries offer tastings of still wines and cavas. Book tours directly or use a local wine tour operator.

Are vineyard tours from Barcelona suitable as day trips?
Absolutely! Many vineyards are within an hour of the city. For example, DO Alella is just 20 minutes away. Others, like Castillo Perelada and Cellers Scala Dei, are farther, but still make for rewarding day excursions.

What is cava, and can I taste it during winery tours in the region?
Cava is a sparkling wine native to Catalonia. Most wine tastings in the Barcelona area include cava. Vineyards such as Alta Alella and Castillo Perelada are especially known for their cava.

Which wine region near Barcelona should I visit for the most authentic experience?
Each wine region near Barcelona is unique:

• DO Alella offers proximity and history

• Priorat (home to Cellers Scala Dei) is famous for bold reds

• Emporda features dramatic landscapes and blends tradition with innovation

Join us on our evening Gourmet Tapas & Wine Tasting tour. Taste the best wines Catalonia has to offer, paired with the region’s finest tapas!