Barcelona: Cava Day Trip to 3 Family Wineries with Pickup

Summary

Family-run cava cellars, vineyard lunches and Catalan countryside

You’ll leave Barcelona for a day among Catalonia’s family-run wineries—tasting cava straight from the source, sharing lunch in a vineyard garden, and learning stories from locals who’ve lived this tradition for generations. With hotel pickup included and plenty of time to relax between tastings, it’s not just about wine—it’s about feeling part of something real.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to sip cava where it’s actually made? I did—so when our guide messaged the night before about pickup (mine was around 9am, but they adjust for everyone), I was already picturing rolling vineyards outside Barcelona. The van smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen; there was this quiet excitement as we left the city behind. Our guide, Marta, chatted about her childhood in Penedès—her accent soft but quick—and pointed out the Montserrat peaks as we got closer. I didn’t expect the first winery, Artcava, to feel so lived-in: stone walls cool to the touch, old wooden beams overhead. We tried three cavas right where they’re made. One tasted like green apples and bread crust—Marta laughed when I tried to guess the flavors.

The second stop was barely five minutes away but felt like another world—this cellar had been in one family for centuries. There were two siblings running things; they argued gently over who poured better (I think she won). We ate outside in a garden overlooking vines that seemed to go forever. Lunch was simple: Spanish omelette, pan con tomate with olive oil so fresh it almost bit back, cheeses that smelled earthy and sharp. I’m still thinking about that bread and tomato combo—it’s nothing fancy but somehow perfect after a couple glasses of wine.

By the third winery—Vins el Cep—the sun was higher and everything felt slower. This place is surrounded by nature; you can hear birds if you listen between conversations. We tasted their Pet-nat and something called Cava Gran Reserva (which I’d never heard of before). Honestly, by then I’d stopped trying to remember every detail—I just let it all blur together: laughter, clinking glasses, sun on my face. The drive back into Barcelona around 4pm was quiet; everyone a little sleepy, maybe just letting it sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three family wineries with tastings

• Receive guide message for pickup details
• Travel one hour from Barcelona to first winery
• Visit Artcava Winery and taste 3 wines
• Walk 5 minutes to second winery
• Tour 5-century-old cellar and enjoy wine pairing with local food
• Visit Vins el Cep winery for Pet-nat and Cava Gran Reserva tasting
• Return to Barcelona and drop off around 4 pm

Top questions

How long is the cava day trip from Barcelona?

The tour lasts around 7 hours, with pickup at about 9am and drop-off in Barcelona around 4pm.

Is lunch included on this cava tour?

Yes, lunch with local products such as Spanish omelette, Catalan bread with tomato, cheese and cold meats is included at one of the wineries.

Are children allowed on this winery tour?

No, kids under 12 are not allowed on this tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Barcelona?

Yes, hotel pickup is included unless your hotel is in a difficult parking spot—in that case a nearby location will be arranged.

How many wineries do you visit during the day trip?

You visit three small family-run wineries during the tour.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

You should inform them ahead of time if you have any food restrictions so they can accommodate your needs.

What wines are tasted during the tour?

You’ll taste several cavas (including Pet-nat and Gran Reserva) as well as some still wines at different stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Barcelona (or nearby if needed), all entry fees at three family-run wineries in Penedès, generous tastings of cava and still wines at each stop, a traditional vineyard lunch with local specialties like Spanish omelette and Catalan bread with tomato—and an air-conditioned ride back to the city by late afternoon.