Visit the cava capital of the world by train from Barcelona. Tour the underground cellars of Freixenet or Codorníu (5km of tunnels!), learn the traditional method of sparkling wine production, and taste multiple cavas paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.
The Penedès Cava and Wine Tour takes participants to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, a small town 45 minutes southwest of Barcelona and the production capital of cava — Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine made primarily from indigenous Catalan grape varieties including Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. The town produces more than 90 percent of all cava sold worldwide, and tours of its underground cellar networks offer a rare view of sparkling wine production at both industrial and artisan scale.
The two principal producers open to visitors are Freixenet, whose six kilometres of underground tunnels form one of the most extensive cellar systems in Europe, and Codorníu, whose modernist winery buildings were designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and are classified as a National Monument. Both offer self-guided and guided cellar tours by prior appointment, typically lasting 90 minutes and covering the entire production process from pressing and primary fermentation through secondary fermentation in bottle (the traditional method), riddling, and disgorgement. The underground temperature remains a constant 15°C regardless of season.
All cellar tours include a cava tasting at the conclusion, typically covering three to five wines ranging from brut nature through to reserva and gran reserva categories. Both Codorníu and Freixenet offer premium tasting packages that include food pairings — local charcuterie, Catalan cheeses, and bread with olive oil — at additional cost. Smaller artisan producers in the surrounding Penedès wine country, including those focused on still wines from native varieties such as Garnatxa, Sumoll, and Malvasia de Sitges, are accessible by car or bicycle from Sant Sadurní.
The FGC rail line connects Barcelona's Plaça Espanya station directly to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in approximately 45 minutes with trains departing several times per hour, making the excursion straightforward without a car. Advance booking for cellar visits is strongly recommended, particularly on weekends from April through October. Both major producers have visitor reception areas that are fully wheelchair accessible; some cellar areas involve ramps and may require advance coordination.
Good to know
- Operator
- Freixenet
Highlights
- Freixenet or Codorníu cellar tour
- Underground cellar labyrinth
- Cava tasting (3-5 varieties)
- Food pairing
- Sant Sadurní village
Tips for visiting
- Book cellar visits directly with Freixenet or Codorníu at least a week ahead in peak season — weekend morning slots fill quickly.
- Take the FGC train from Plaça Espanya rather than driving; parking near the cellars is limited and trains run frequently throughout the day.
- Eat before the cava tasting; the included food pairings are modest accompaniments rather than a full meal.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for group cellar tours — latecomers are not typically admitted once the underground descent has begun.
- Bring a light jacket regardless of season; cellar temperatures are a constant 15°C below ground even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Freixenet and Codorníu?
Both are large historic cava houses based in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. Codorníu is the older (founded 1551) and its winery is a listed modernist monument; Freixenet is known globally for its iconic black bottle and has more extensive tunnel tours. Visiting both in one day is feasible if tours are booked back to back.
How do I get to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia from Barcelona?
Take the FGC line from Plaça Espanya station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs €5–8 each way. Trains run several times per hour on weekdays and weekends.
Can I visit smaller artisan producers in the Penedès?
Yes. Several smaller cava and still wine producers in the surrounding villages offer visits and tastings, typically by appointment only. The Penedès wine route organisation lists member wineries with contact details.
Is the tour worthwhile for non-drinkers?
The underground cellar visit is visually and historically impressive independently of the tasting. Non-alcoholic alternatives are generally available on request, but the tour is structured around cava culture and most of the content relates to production and tasting.