The Penedès designation of origin is known worldwide for its wines and cavas. Calafell is within the Penedés wine area and there are many vineyards in its surroundings.
Most wineries and cavas are open to the public. There are countless small wineries and three world-famous large wineries such as the "Bodegas Torres", "Cavas Codorniu" and "Cavas Freixenet".
In Calafell is the Agricultural Cooperative. At Agrobotiga it directly markets its Penedès designation of origin wines and Arbequina olive oils from the Siurana designation of origin.
Vilafranca del Penedès is the capital of the Alt Penedès region and is 27 km from Calafell. Vilafranca houses the Wine museum. It is a city with a medieval old town with the Gothic church of Santa María and the Romanesque church of Sant Joan. Vilafranca del Penedès has a large open-air market held on Saturday mornings in the city center. This town is world famous for its “colla castellera” (human towers) and for the catanias (chocolate and almond bonbons).
We recommend visiting the “Bodegas Torres” located in Pacs del Penedès, 6 km from Vilafranca del Penedès. "Bodegas Torres" have been winemakers since the 17th century and wine and cognac producers. To get to these wineries, you need a vehicle or a taxi from the Vilafranca train station.
Los Castellers is the Catalan tradition and culture of making human towers. Human constructions widely known throughout the world for their spectacular nature.
El Penedès is one of the areas with the greatest castellera tradition and Vilafranca del Penedès is the population with the castellera grouping with the highest towers (they have reached up to 10 stories high).
Other towns with important castelleras groups are: El Vendrell, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Tarragona and Valls.
Do not miss the opportunity to see an exhibition of castellers. You will be amazed at the height and breadth of the human towers that are made. An exhibition that you will not be able to forget.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is very close to Vilafranca and is the capital of cava (sparkling wine).
The popular “Freixenet” wineries are located right next to the Sant Sadurní d’Anoia train station. During your visit you will be able to know the process of elaboration, go through its underground galleries with a little train and taste its products.
The "Codorniu Cavas" are the pioneering brand in the production of cava in Penedés. The winery was designed by Puig i Cadafalch and is a beautiful example of modernist architecture. The guided tour introduces the visitor to a maze of tunnels where they can appreciate the slow process of making Catalan Cava.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia has an infinity of small wineries where a more artisanal production process can be seen.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia has the “Simon Coll” chocolate factory and is located in the center of the town. There they explain the chocolate making process and you can taste their products.
The small winery “Augustus Forum” is located closer to Calafell (10 km). There they make wines and vinegars from their vineyards located next to the old Roman Via Augusta in El Vendrell.
It is recommended to book visits to all these wineries in advance, selecting the time and language.
