Cava country just outside of Barcelona
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Spain
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is a small village outside of Barcelona. Only a 45-minute drive – or with the metro actually if you prefer – and you are in the middle of cava country where almost all cava in the world is made. Really hard to imagine this place being so close to Barcelona.
What is cava?
Cava is a sparkling wine that can be both white and rosé. The word cava means cave or cellar, referring to the large underground cellars used for preservation or aging of wine. It is made with same methods as champagne and was for a long time called Spanish champagne. That changed however when Spain entered the European Union in 1986. The Macabeau, Parallada, and Xarel·lo are the main grape varieties being used to make it. Overall a really good sparkling wine that is made with traditional methods and is very affordable.
Where to stay
We stayed a few minutes outside of the villages at Masia Olivera. Family-owned with five houses that can be rented both individually or together. Lived in the middle of the vineyards, a short distance into town and great host by Raimon. Definitely worth checking out if heading to the area.
Where to eat
The best culinary experience was at Mastinell that was a really cool building with their own winery as well. We had the three-course lunch menu with included wine for only 22 EUR. Long-lunch with great wine and food that is a must! Besides that, we had a fully equipped kitchen at Masia Olivera and ate at home with great locally produced ingredients.
What to do
Cava tastings of course! You are here to drink cava and visit 2-3 cava producers. We went with one smaller producer (Recaredo) and one larger (Codorniu). Both had great tours with tastings and the mix with small and big was perfect for us.
The lunch and trip to Mastinell is also something that has to be done and worth the trip. We also made a stop at local chocolate producer Simón Coll in town.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
Google Maps
Plus
Great experience if you like wine
Proximity to Barcelona
Great food
Minus
Bigger producers a bit touristy