Codorniu Winery

This is where is all began - Cava production that is - back in the 19th Century. Josep Raventos Fatjo of the Codorniu estate came back from a fact-finding jaunt around France and, copying the production methods of Champagne, came up with his own brand of sparkling wine. He ordered a cave (or cava in Catalan) be dug to store it and hey presto history was made. Cava was an instant success and it wasn't long before Spanish royalty were ordering express deliveries to their manifold tables. The Codorniu Winery remains one of Spain's two major Cava producers, but as well as buying up their rather tasty bottles, it is also possible to visit their vineyards on a guided tour. The Codorniu guide will lead you through the winery's vast underground cellars, the beautiful gardens and the stunning Art Nouveau buildings designed by one of Barcelona's greatest architects, Puig y Cadafalch.

Fantastic sparkling wines. I've been on many wine tours of Californian vineyards but this was my favorite. Needless to say we bought several bottles!