Barcelona Day Trip: Best Wineries in Penedès
The Penedès region, located just outside of Barcelona, is one of Spain's most famous wine-producing areas, renowned for its Cava (sparkling wine). Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, Penedès offers a picturesque landscape of rolling vineyards and historic villages, making it an ideal stop on a motorcycle tour of the greater Barcelona region.
One of the best things about visiting wineries in Penedès is the casual nature of the experience. You can simply ride up to a winery, sit on the terrace overlooking the vineyard, and enjoy a single glass of wine without the pressure of a full tasting. If you're short on time, this flexibility makes it easy to visit one or two wineries during your tour. For those looking to spend more time in the region, many wineries are easily accessible by bicycle from the main town, Vilafranca del Penedès (just an hour by train from Barcelona). Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle for the day at one of these motorcycle rental agencies in Barcelona.
Note: This guide focuses on the ambiance and experience of the wineries rather than specific wine quality.
Família Torres
One of the oldest and largest wineries in Spain, the Torres house has produced wine since 1870, covering five generations of family control. Not surprisingly, they also produce the largest amount of wine in Spain, exporting their bottles to over 140 countries. There are several Torres wineries in Spain, the Penedes vineyard being the first and largest, with Cabernet Sauvignon being the predominant grape planted here. Their award winning Mas La Plana wine is what they are most known for.
What I love most about the vineyard visit is where you enjoy their wines. A row of tables and chairs runs down the middle of their vineyard, so you sit amongst the same vines that carry the grapes you are now sipping on.
Distance from Vilafranca del Penedès: 5 min by motorcycle/car, 10 min by bicycle
Self-guided tour: Yes
Specialty: Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting garden in the Família Torres vineyard
Parés Baltà Winery
Established in the 1930s, Parés Baltà is a family-run winery with a focus on organic farming and Cava production. The highlight is their relaxed wine tasting garden, which offers beautiful views of the vineyards—perfect for a small group or a quiet afternoon.
Distance from Vilafranca del Penedès: 10 min by motorcycle/car, 15 min by bicycle
Self-guided tour: Yes
Specialty: Cava and organic wine
Finca Viladellops
Finca Viladellops, the winery that has produced wine since 1877, makes up most of the small town of Viladellops, Spain. All the buildings that sit on the winery’s compound have an old world aesthetic with its whitewashed facades and Spanish roofing tiles, one that tangibly represents the heritage and history of this family owned winery. Something I appreciate with winery visits is when the tasting area is saddled in the middle of the vineyard, it gives a more immersive experience.
Distance from Vilafranca del Penedès: 15 min by motorcycle/car, 30 min by bicycle
Self-guided tour: No (guided tours available at €35)
Specialty: Grenache and Xarel·lo
Mont Rubí
Mont Rubí is located on the edge of the Penedès region at a higher elevation, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. You’ll have to visit by car or motorcycle, we wouldn’t recommend cycling unless you are good cyclists. The vineyard has a more polished and refined look, making it an ideal spot for a romantic visit. They are known for their use of the Sumoll grape, which has largely been abandoned by other wineries, but remains the centerpiece of their Gaintus wine.
Distance from Vilafranca (main city in Penedès): 22 min motorcycle/car
Free/self-guided tour of vineyards: Yes
What are they known for: wines made from the Sumoll grape, which has been largely abandoned by other vineyards in the region. Gaintus, made from this grape, is their flagship wine.
Transportation in and Around Penedès
If wine tasting is your thing and want to spend some extra time in the region on a wider motorcycle holiday of Barcelona and surrounding areas, we have some suggestions on transportation to get around. Some of the vineyards are accessible by bicycle from the main town of Vilafranca del Penedès, so you can do a combination of taxi and bicycle if you want to park up the motorcycles for the day.
Bicycle Rental in Penedès
Penedès Ecotours offers affordable bike rentals for those who want to tour the vineyards without worrying about riding a motorcycle after wine tastings. You can rent an electric bike for €25 (half-day) or a regular bike for €15. Full-day rentals are available for an additional €10.
Regional Train from Barcelona
If you prefer to leave the motorcycle for the day, taking the R4 regional train from Barcelona Sants station to Vilafranca del Penedès is an easy option. No need to purchase tickets beforehand, you can purchase tickets in the machines in the main hall of Sants. The ride takes about an hour and costs less than €6. Trains run frequently—at the 22nd and 57th minute of every hour.
Annual Events in the Penedès Region
COTA Wine Festival (May)
The COTA Wine Festival is a celebration of the wine and culture of the Penedès region, featuring local wineries and vineyards. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, traditional food, and live entertainment, making it a key event for wine enthusiasts.
Vijazz Jazz Festival (July)
The Vijazz Festival combines jazz music and wine tasting in the heart of Vilafranca del Penedès. Local wineries offer tastings while international jazz artists perform, making it a unique blend of music and local culture.
Cava Week (October)
Cava Week is dedicated to the region's most famous product, Cava (sparkling wine). Throughout the week, local producers offer tastings, guided tours, and special events celebrating the Penedès’ sparkling wine heritage.
Grape Harvest Festival (October)
Held annually in Sitges, the Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the traditional harvest season. It includes parades, grape stomping, and wine tastings, paying homage to the region’s rich winemaking history.
