Planning a Costa Brava wine tour? Top wineries and tastings in Alt Empordà

Discover the best wine-tasting experiences in Alt Empordà with this Costa Brava wine tour guide, featuring must-visit wineries, food pairings, and practical tips.

Photo by Apolo Photographer

Alt Empordà, nestled in the north-east corner of Catalonia, is one of Spain’s most exciting yet underrated wine regions. With its rolling vineyards, historic wineries, and a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, it’s a dream destination for wine lovers. Whether you’re a casual traveller looking for a relaxed tasting or a connoisseur eager to explore complex vintages, a Costa Brava wine tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and exceptional wines.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best wineries in Alt Empordà, what to expect from a wine tour, and where to experience unforgettable food and wine pairings.

The Empordà wine region: A brief overview

Winemaking in Alt Empordà has deep roots, with vines first planted by the Greeks and Romans over two thousand years ago. The region’s location between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean creates ideal conditions for producing distinctive wines. The Tramuntana wind, a strong northern breeze, plays a key role in keeping the vineyards healthy by reducing humidity and disease.

Empordà is best known for its full-bodied reds, often made from Garnacha and Carignan, but its crisp whites and refreshing rosés are gaining attention. Some wineries also produce sweet wines using traditional solera ageing methods, a technique similar to that used for sherry.

Top wineries to visit in Alt Empordà

Alt Empordà is home to a mix of historic estates and small, innovative wineries. Many offer guided tours where visitors can walk through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and taste different vintages. Here are some of the best places to visit on a Costa Brava wine tour.

Perelada Winery

One of the most well-known wineries in the region, Perelada is set in the grounds of a medieval castle. It has been producing wine for centuries, combining traditional methods with modern techniques. The estate offers guided tours, including visits to the vineyard, cellar, and the castle’s impressive wine museum. Their tasting sessions often feature a mix of sparkling, white, and red wines.

La Vinyeta

A boutique winery with a focus on sustainability, La Vinyeta is a favourite among visitors looking for a more personal experience. The owners are known for their innovative approach, producing wines that reflect the region’s character. Tours here are relaxed and often include a tasting of their organic wines paired with local cheeses and olive oil.

Masia Serra

A small, family-run winery with a reputation for high-quality reds, Masia Serra offers intimate tastings in a picturesque setting. Their wines are made using grapes from old vines, which gives them a rich and complex flavour. Guests can enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard, followed by a tasting session on the terrace overlooking the landscape.

Clos d’Agon

Located near the town of Calonge, Clos d’Agon is known for its elegant wines produced with a mix of local and international grape varieties. The winery uses modern techniques while maintaining a strong connection to the region’s winemaking traditions. Private tours and tastings are available, often led by the winemakers themselves.

Espelt Viticultors

A family-run winery that balances tradition with innovation, Espelt Viticultors is committed to organic and sustainable winemaking. Their range includes fresh, mineral-driven whites and structured reds. The winery offers guided tastings, with some experiences including a vineyard walk to see how the grapes are grown.

Mas Oller

A beautifully restored estate near Pals, this vineyard focuses on producing expressive wines with a clear connection to the land. Mas Oller has been revitalised in recent years, combining traditional grape varieties with modern techniques. Visitors can take part in tastings and guided tours that explore both the history of the estate and its winemaking philosophy.

Several wineries offer tours through platforms like Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide, where visitors can book vineyard visits and tastings in advance. Checking availability before your trip is recommended, as some wineries require reservations.

What to expect from a Costa Brava wine tour

A Costa Brava wine tour can be anything from a casual tasting at a small, family-run estate to a full-day experience visiting multiple vineyards. Whether you’re driving yourself or joining an organised tour, knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your visit.

Types of wine tours

• Guided winery tours – Most wineries offer structured visits, which typically include a walk through the vineyards, an explanation of the winemaking process, and a tasting session. These tours usually require a reservation.
• Self-guided tastings – Some wineries allow visitors to drop in for a tasting without a full tour. This is a good option for those who prefer a more flexible schedule.
• Private wine tours – For a more tailored experience, private tours are available, often including exclusive tastings, food pairings, and personalised guidance from the winemaker.
• Multi-winery tours – Some companies offer full-day experiences visiting several wineries, with transport included. These tours can be booked through local providers or online.

What’s included in a typical wine tour?

Most standard winery visits last between one and two hours and include:

• A guided walk through the vineyards, where you’ll learn about the grape varieties and how the Mediterranean climate shapes the wines.
• A tour of the winery and cellar, explaining the winemaking process from fermentation to ageing.
• A tasting session, usually featuring three to five wines, sometimes paired with local products like cheese, olive oil, or cured meats.

Some wineries go beyond the standard format, offering vineyard picnics, blending workshops, or barrel tastings. Prices vary depending on the winery and the experience, but most tastings cost between €10 and €30 per person.

When to visit and booking tips

• The best time for a wine tour is spring or autumn, when the vineyards are at their most beautiful and temperatures are pleasant.
• Harvest season (September-October) is a fascinating time to visit, with some wineries offering grape-picking experiences.
• Many wineries require advance booking, especially for guided tours. It’s best to check their websites for availability.
• If driving, remember that wine tastings can add up quickly—consider booking a tour with transport or designating a driver.

For those looking for a hassle-free experience, there are guided wine tours which include visits to multiple wineries, transport, and tastings. These tours are ideal for visitors who don’t want to drive or plan everything individually.

Wine and food pairings in Alt Empordà

Empordà wines are deeply connected to the region’s food culture, and many wineries and restaurants offer pairings that highlight local flavours. The area’s Mediterranean cuisine, influenced by both the sea and the mountains, provides plenty of opportunities to match wines with traditional dishes.

Classic wine pairings

• Red Empordà wines (Garnacha, Carignan) – Best paired with grilled meats, lamb, and hearty stews. A bottle of full-bodied Garnacha goes particularly well with roast lamb or botifarra sausages.
• White Empordà wines (Macabeo, White Garnacha) – These fresh, mineral-driven whites complement seafood dishes like suquet de peix (Catalan fish stew) or grilled prawns from Palamós.
• Rosé wines – A popular choice in the region, Empordà rosés are dry and aromatic, making them a great match for pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) and anchovies from L’Escala.
• Sweet wines (Garnatxa de l’Empordà, Moscatell) – These naturally sweet wines pair beautifully with cheese, dried fruit, and crema catalana. Some wineries even offer chocolate pairings.

Where to enjoy wine and food pairings

• Many wineries offer wine and food pairing experiences, where tastings are accompanied by local cheeses, cold cuts, or specially designed menus. La Vinyeta and Masia Serra are particularly known for this.
• Restaurants such as Compartir in Cadaqués or Els Brancs in Roses feature curated menus with Empordà wine pairings.
• Some wine bars in Figueres and Girona specialise in serving local wines alongside tapas.

For those looking to go beyond a standard tasting, it’s worth checking winery websites or booking a guided food and wine experience.

Practical tips for your Costa Brava wine tour

A little planning goes a long way when organising a Costa Brava wine tour. From choosing transport to finding the best places to stay, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Getting there and getting around

Most wineries in Alt Empordà are best reached by car, as public transport options are limited. If you’re not driving, consider these alternatives:

• Guided wine tours with transport – Several companies, including those on GetYourGuide, offer wine tours with pick-up from Girona or Barcelona.
• Taxi or private driver – Local taxi services and private hire drivers can take you between wineries, though costs can add up.
• Bike tours – Some wineries, like La Vinyeta, are accessible by bike, and there are cycling wine tours available in the region.

Where to stay

Staying in the region allows you to explore the wineries at a relaxed pace. Options include:

• Boutique hotels and rural guesthouses – Many wine estates, such as Mas Oller, offer charming rural accommodation.
• Coastal towns – Places like Cadaqués, Roses, and L’Escala offer seaside stays with easy access to wineries.
• Figueres or Girona – Both cities have good accommodation options and are well-connected to the region.

Other activities to complement your wine tour

• Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres – A must-visit for art lovers, just a short drive from several wineries.
• Medieval villages – Pals and Peratallada are great stops between vineyard visits.
• Costa Brava coastline – After a day of wine tasting, unwind at a nearby beach or take a boat trip.

Checking winery schedules and booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season. If you prefer a stress-free experience, consider a pre-arranged wine tour package with transport and tastings.

A final toast to Alt Empordà’s wines

Alt Empordà is a region where history, landscape, and winemaking come together to create a unique experience. Whether you visit a centuries-old estate like Perelada, enjoy a relaxed tasting at a boutique winery, or pair a local Garnacha with fresh seafood, a Costa Brava wine tour offers something for every wine lover.

With so many excellent wineries to choose from, planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re exploring independently or joining a guided tour, the combination of great wines, stunning scenery, and Catalan hospitality makes this a destination worth discovering.

If you’re ready to start planning, check out local wineries, book a tasting, or explore guided wine tours available through Tripadvisor or GetYourGuide.

Tags: Alt Empordà, DO Empordà, Wine, Wine tour