Empordà Wine Region Guide

Emporda is located in the province of Girona, in the northeast corner of Catalonia, Spain's Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) for the production of wine. 

Emporda wine region has several nature reserves and a stunning coastline of beaches and bays. It also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with the Museum of the Surrealist painter Dali being a famous local landmark, and Emporda's traditional and new cuisine attracting gourmets from all over the world. The area generally extends from the town of Figueres northward to the French border and the French winemaking areas of Banyuls and Roussillon Côtes. The Emporda is a contrasting landscape. The Pyrenees in the north and the Mediterranean in the south form a natural border. 

Discover the best wine tastings and tours in Emporda!

Discover Empordà Wine Route

The Empordà wine route is a treasure for those who love wine and want to visit Catalonia. The Emporda D.O. Wine Route has been promoted by the Costa Brava-Girona Tourist Board in collaboration with the Regulatory Council. The public and private sectors have been united on this route to produce an exceptional wine tourism experience that is complemented by cultural events and active tourist experiences. Read more about the Empordà wine route!

Location of Empordà wine region

Alt Emporda's production area is located in the extreme northeast of Catalonia (extending from the city of Figueres north to the French border). 

The famous Costa Brava has created Emporda as a place with a unique natural landscape. It connects the coast with the mountains and is influenced by the famous northern Tramuntana winds.

It is located between the slopes of the Sierra de Rodes and Las Alberas mountains, starting from Cap de Creus and spreading in an arch to Garrotxa d'Emporda. 

Historical Background of Empordà Wine Region

The local winemaking tradition began during the Roman Empire. Around the 6th century B.C., the wine culture was introduced to the region and the wine trade was developed. Like many winemaking regions in Spain, Emporda's winemaking relied on monks and monasteries in the Middle Ages. 

For a time, the region was spared from the phylloxera infestation of the 18th and 19th centuries and became a major wine supply area. But it didn’t last long. The pests eventually destroyed the vines. In recent years, a group of great practitioners are working to revive the local wine industry.

Type of Terroir Empordà Wine Region

The Emporda DO, at around 260 meters above sea level, has more diverse acidic sandy soils, which are very conducive to the cultivation of wine grapes. In the Emporda plain, alluvial soils predominate, while in the mountains the soils are mainly slate and granite.

The climate is characterized by strong northerly winds which made the local wine called ‘Wines of the Wind’. And the climate is suitable for the cultivation of medium/long-term varieties.

Empordà Wine Characteristics

The quality of the local wines is dependent on the many old vines - many of them more than thirty years old.

• Red wines are the focus of Emporda wines, accounting for about 60% of the total production, and are often aged. It’s rich and complex, with pronounced fruit aromas and spice notes.
• Garnatxa de l'Emporda is another speciality. It is a smooth, naturally sweet wine made from Garnacha grapes. The region's own sweet wine, Moscatel de l'Empordà, is full-bodied as well.
• Organic wines, mistletoe wines, wines made from overripe grapes and sparkling wines also complete the Empordà wine range.

Food to Pair with Empordà Wine Region

Prawns from Palamós

The Prawns from Palamós is a crustacean of the species Aristeus antennatus.It presents a very intense red color and it is valued for its fine, firm and tasty meat. 

Holiday Roast Chicken

Rostit de festa major is a traditional Catalan chicken dish that's made for holidays and festivities. Before serving, the dish is also moistened with pan juices. Once done, rostit de festa major is typically accompanied by roasted potatoes and a fresh salad on the side. 

Oli de l’Empordà

Aceite de L’Empordà is an extra virgin olive oil from Argudell, Curivell, Lei de Cadaqués and Arbequina olive varieties. The characteristic aromas of this exceptional oil are reminiscent of that of freshly cut grass, walnuts, green fruit or artichoke.

Places to Visit in Empordà Wine Region

Dali Theatre-Museum

Instituted in 1974, this museum was built on the remains of the former Figueres Theater and features a broad range of works of the world-renowned surrealist painter Salvador Dalí (1904-1989.)

Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes

The Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Roda was built on the slopes of Mount Verdera, below the ruins of the castle of San Salvador de Verdera, with exceptional views of the bay of Llansá and the port of La Selva, north of Cap de Creus.

Cami de Ronda

The Camí de Ronda was a footpath built along the Costa Brava coast to help the Guardia Civil control the coast and stop smuggling. The origins are located in the 19th century when it was formed from small footpaths through the cliffs along the coast of Catalonia.

Check out best wineries in Emporda!

Frequently Asked Questions About Empordà