Girona: Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting

Girona: Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting offers a delightful glimpse into Catalonia’s wine scene, combining scenic countryside with expert-guided tastings. For $169 per person, you’ll spend around five hours exploring two boutique wineries just outside Girona, tasting approximately 15 wines, and enjoying a traditional Catalan breakfast. The tour is perfect for wine lovers seeking authentic experiences, small-group intimacy, and a taste of regional culture.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the chance to see both traditional and contemporary winemaking techniques—a contrast that adds depth to the tasting experience. Plus, the inclusion of a local breakfast with cheese and sausages makes it a more complete cultural outing rather than just a series of tastings. One possible consideration is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation. This experience suits those who enjoy learning from passionate guides and want an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Catalan wines.

Key Points
– Authentic regional experience: Visit two boutique wineries with personalized tours.
– Diverse tastings: Taste around 15 wines, including reds, rosés, and whites.
– Cultural insight: Learn how both traditional and modern winemaking techniques are applied.
– Local flavor: Enjoy a typical Catalan breakfast with regional cheeses and sausages.
– Small-group intimacy: Limited to six participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
– Transport included: Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, with door-to-door convenience from Girona.

Discovering Girona’s Wine Region

This tour whisks you out of Girona into the picturesque countryside of the Empordà region, a landscape characterized by rolling vineyards that cling to the slopes of the Albera mountains. As we traveled, it was clear why this area is prized for its diverse microclimates and unique terroir—both of which contribute to the complexity of the wines produced here.

The landscape is dotted with vineyards that seem to stretch endlessly, and the owners of the wineries take pride in sharing their passion. This is a part of Catalonia where small-batch, boutique wineries thrive, often run by families committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Visitors get a rare chance to see these exclusive production facilities, often with the owners themselves explaining their craft.

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The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at Carrer dels Calderers, 19, where your guide—likely to be a local with a wealth of knowledge—meets you before heading out. The first leg, about 70 minutes in a comfortable air-conditioned van, takes you through the scenic countryside towards the first stop, Empordalia, Celler de Vilajuïga.

First Winery: Empordalia, Celler de Vilajuïga

At this boutique winery, you’ll experience a guided visit that showcases both traditional and innovative winemaking methods. The owners will be present to explain their process, which makes the experience much more engaging than just sampling wine. Here, you can see the vineyards firsthand and learn how the slopes of the Albera mountains influence grape growing.

The tasting at Empordalia features about 6 wines—reds, whites, and rosés—paired with a typical Catalan breakfast of cheese and regional sausages. This is a highlight for many, as the combination of local flavors and regional wines makes for a memorable introduction. As one reviewer put it, “Guides were great and very knowledgeable, enjoyed the first stop trying 6 great wines with a Catalonian breakfast.”

Second Winery: Terra Remota

After a 20-minute drive, you arrive at Terra Remota, where the focus shifts to more modern winemaking. This family-owned winery emphasizes environmental awards and sustainable practices, which adds a contemporary twist. The guided tour here lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a tasting of about 9 wines.

While the wines are acclaimed, some guests feel the tasting might be on the pricey side. One reviewer noted, “Wine tasting was good with 9 on offer but in my opinion expensive,” but also mentioned the environmental awards as notable. During the visit, you’ll see how technology and tradition blend seamlessly, offering insight into the evolving Catalan wine scene.

Optional Vineyard Strolls

Both wineries provide the opportunity to walk through the vineyards, giving you a close-up look at grape varieties and growing conditions. These moments are particularly rewarding if you enjoy visualizing the journey from vine to glass.

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Logistics and Practicalities

The entire journey lasts about five hours, with plenty of time to relax and savor the experience without feeling rushed. The small group size (limited to six) means you’ll get personalized attention and in-depth explanations, making it ideal for those who want to learn as much as possible about wine.

Transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, with pickups arranged at Plaça Sant Feliu beside “The River Caffe.” The tour ends back at the starting point, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from Girona.

Participants should note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, which might be inconvenient for some. It’s best suited for those staying nearby or comfortable with self-arranged transportation.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Flavors

Apart from wine, the tour offers a small-scale culinary experience, with tastings of locally-made sausages, anchovies, olive oil, and cheese. We loved the way regional products are integrated into the tour, giving it a sense of place.

The Catalan breakfast is hearty and flavorful, setting a relaxed tone for the morning. It’s a nice touch that elevates this from a simple tasting to a genuine culture.

Value for Money

At $169 per person, this tour presents a fair value considering the two winery visits, guided tours, approximately 15 wine tastings, and the local breakfast. The personalized approach, with expert guides and intimate groups, enhances the experience’s worth.

While some reviews mention the wines at Terra Remota can be pricey, most agree that the experience of learning directly from passionate owners, coupled with the beautiful scenery, justifies the cost. Plus, the inclusion of water and transportation makes it a hassle-free way to explore beyond Girona.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those eager to see Catalonia’s boutique wineries. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate small-group outings with knowledgeable guides who can answer your questions. It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those with young children, as the tour isn’t tailored to children under 18 and isn’t accessible for all.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic way to explore Catalan wine country, this Girona winery tour offers a memorable mix of scenic beauty, expert-guided tastings, and regional flavors. The chance to visit two distinct wineries, witness both traditional and modern techniques, and enjoy a regional breakfast makes it a well-rounded experience.

The small group setting and the personal attention from guides make this a particularly intimate outing, perfect for those who want more than just a tasting list but an insightful journey into local wine culture. While it may require some planning for transportation, the overall value, learning opportunities, and delicious wines make it a worthwhile addition to your Girona itinerary.

This tour is ideal if you love authentic, hands-on experiences, are keen to learn about winemaking, and want to enjoy some of the best wines in Catalonia in a relaxed, friendly environment.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the starting point at Plaça Sant Feliu.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 5 hours, including visits, tastings, and the local breakfast.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers entrance to 2 wineries, tasting around 15 wines, a typical Catalan breakfast, an expert guide, air-conditioned transportation, and water.

Can I visit more wineries?
This tour is limited to two wineries, focusing on quality experiences and intimate tours. Additional visits would require a different arrangement.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as the focus is on wine tastings and adult experiences.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online, with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the nature of winery visits and walking involved.

Embark on this wine journey outside Girona for a taste of Catalonia’s best, complemented by regional flavors and expert insights—an experience well worth savoring.

You can check availability for your dates here: