‘Cava Crazy’ Tour
Welcome to the land of Cava!
After a pleasant flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona we were collected by a luxurious van with private wineguide at Barcelona airport. Only a short 40 minute drive through Catalunya landscapes we arrive at our first winery CAN BAS, a true historical wine estate located in the heart of the Penedès region. The place is absolútely stunning!
We are welcomed on the patio with a fresh glass of white wine made of Xarel.lo and first we visit the church of Sant Joan Salerm, located on the property of the domain. It is a mesmerizing church with so much history, it is hard to imagine!
After the visit of the church we hop on a jeep for a drive through the vineyards. It is great to get to know the terrain and get more understanding of the vines. The vines in Penedès are so different than what I have seen before! Our private guide has a lot to tell, and explains us the soil and different varieties of this special wine region. We park the jeep on a beautiful spot and taste some of Can Bas best wines. What a place and what an amazing experience!
We move on to the cellar where we are explained about the vinification process. We see the different fermentation vessels and the room with amphorae. Now that we got to know the property it is time to taste its fabulous wines! The sommelier guides us through 4 wines, explaining us the difference in grapes, vinification and aroma. My favorite is their 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold but extremely elegant and smooth. We want more!
Being in Penedès…… also means……Cava! Lots of Cava!
So it is now time for the real work: an exclusive visit of the famous cellars of PERE VENTURA. Located in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, only 4 kilometres from CAN BAS.
We are welcomed with a delicious glass of Cava we have all longed for! In this region Cavas are made mostly with white grape varieties Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel.lo.
The wine in our glass has all these three grape varieties and has aged for a long time on the lees. With the glass in our hand we proceed to the underground galleries and hear the story of the founders and get more understanding of how this special Cava is made.
The surprise of the visit is the stop at La Capella, a very unique place in the winery. We have the honor to get a tasting of different Cavas at this magnificent chapel.
Time for some food!
After the two morning visits we are hungry and are brought to the private restaurant of the Pere Ventura estate for an exquisite lunch. Their chef is famous in this region and uses local ingredients for the dishes. Every dish is a surprise and is paired with a different Cava. My favourite pairing is the creamy chocolate dessert paired with 2016 brut Gran Reserve rosé Cava. Heaven!
After a busy day in Penedes we are brought to our 5-star hotel right in the middle of the vineyards. It is a luxurious place with a stunning lounge and beautiful rooms.
We get some time to relax before dinner.
Because we had lunch in the restaurant in the afternoon we are most happy with a light dinner served in the dining room of the hotel. We don’t have to go anywhere and are completely relaxed.
The dinner consists of delicious local food bites paired with different Cavas than we tasted in the afternoon. The learning continues even in the evening and I feel grateful for the occasion to taste só many different style Cavas.
After dinner we indulge in one last glass of bubbles in the beautiful hotel garden overlooking the vineyards, some music in the background. What more can one ask for!
