Catalonia is More than Barcelona

Q: Any suggestions to get to the wineries by bicylce (also from Barcelona)?

On this website ( www.costabrava.org ) you can find everything you need to know about our region, the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees. It’s a destination specializing in cycling, so it offers a lot of activities and services related to this sport, such as activities that combine electric bikes and wine tastings. Check them out at the following link: https://costabrava.org/en/experiences/cycling-tourism/. So yes, it is possible to arrive at most of the wineries by bike without a problem. You can call the wineries and they will help you arrange the trip there. Also, there’s a map of the Empordà Wine Route ( https://trade.costabrava.org/es/publication/mapa-ruta-del-vino-do-emporda/ ) and it shows which wineries have cycling activities. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more doubts you can contact me at info@lagastronomica.cat .

Exploring the Essence of Catalonia-Beyond the Hustle of Barcelona

On October 25, WineTourism.com hosted a live webinar centered around the topic "Catalonia is more than Barcelona." The webinar took a deep dive into the captivating intricacies of Catalonia, featuring insights from Marc Kolling, the Wine Tourism Business Development Manager at Familia Torres, and Clara Antúnez Ferrer, the Experience Manager, and Founder of La Gastronòmica. Supported by the Catalonia Tourist Board, this webinar provided a distinctive perspective on the rich cultural tapestry and gastronomic wonders that form the heart and soul of Catalonia. The discussion vividly portrayed this enchanting Spanish region, revealing its hidden gems and lesser-known treasures that lie beyond the bustling streets of the iconic Barcelona.

Q&A from the live

Do you have any tours for wine expert travelers?

Yes! La Gastronòmica offers wine lovers tours, it’s a project we have called “Gotim Tours”. You can check out the website https://www.gotimtours.com/ or send me an e-mail with your requests at clara@lagastronomica.cat I’ll be happy to help.

It is alright to bring the children to the wine experience?

It is becoming more common to have family activities in the wineries, and there are a lot of activities for children. A great example could be the winery La Vinyeta (DO Empordà), which offers a wide range of family activities. Also, there’s a map of the Empordà Wine Route (https://trade.costabrava.org/es/publication/mapa-ruta-del-vino-do-emporda/) and it shows which wineries have family activities. Check them out.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more doubts, you can contact me at info@lagastronomica.cat.

When would you recommend visiting Catalonia?

Catalonia is an all-year-round destination due to its mild Mediterranean climate. However, the best time to visit Catalonia is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons when the weather is generally milder and more pleasant. Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the large crowds typically seen during the peak summer months, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Is it still good to go visit during the winter?

Yes, we offer all-year activities, and winter is nice because it is very authentic and the landscape becomes more wild. The Girona Pyrenees turn into a snow-covered mountainscape in the winter that anyone who loves skiing or high mountain terrain would find hard to resist. Also, there are winter gastronomic products like black truffles that are excellent. Moreover, there is a festivity called “La Garoinada”, which consists of eating sea urchins, that is held in the middle of the winter and is one of the best-known and most traditional gastronomic meetings of the regions of Girona.

Any suggestions to get to the wineries by bicylce (also from Barcelona)?

On this website (www.costabrava.org) you can find everything you need to know about our region, the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees. It’s a destination specializing in cycling, so it offers a lot of activities and services related to this sport, such as activities that combine electric bikes and wine tastings. Check them out at the following link: https://costabrava.org/en/experiences/cycling-tourism/. So yes, it is possible to arrive at most of the wineries by bike without a problem. You can call the wineries and they will help you arrange the trip there. Also, there’s a map of the Empordà Wine Route (https://trade.costabrava.org/es/publication/mapa-ruta-del-vino-do-emporda/) and it shows which wineries have cycling activities.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more doubts you can contact me at info@lagastronomica.cat.

More about speakers

Niklas Ridoff - CEO at WineTourism.com

Since 2021, Niklas has led a young and passionate team at WineTourism.com. Recognized as a global leading platform, WineTourism.com serves as a vital link connecting the global wine community with wineries in almost every wine region worldwide. Niklas actively participates in research activities in the wine tourism industry, collaborating with various institutions, including travel and wine organizations, as well as universities, to provide invaluable insights to businesses operating within the sector.

Marc Kolling - Wine Tourism Business Development Manager at Familia Torres

Marc holds the position of Wine Tourism Business Development Manager at Familia Torres. Building upon a legacy that traces back to the 16th century, Familia Torres has cultivated a deep reverence for the land, fostering an unwavering appreciation for the vineyards that define their essence. Marc is dedicated to imparting this rich heritage through immersive wine tourism experiences, inviting visitors to engage with the genuine narrative of the vineyards and the commitment that has characterized Familia Torres for many generations.

Clara Antúnez Ferrer - Experience Manager and Founder at La Gastronòmica

Clara is the creative force behind the design and production of the immersive services and experiences offered by La Gastronòmica. For over five years, La Gastronòmica has drawn inspiration from the realms of wine, culinary arts, health, and sensory exploration. With a profound appreciation for regional landscapes, La Gastronòmica specializes in curating active tourism experiences within the Empordà wine region. Their offerings transcend boundaries, aiming to unravel the stories of origin and the distinctive terroirs through the medium of food and wine.