50 Great Cava Wine Tasting Tour - Vilarnau

Vilarnau is where avant-garde and exclusivity meet artisan tradition and quality. This winery produces a classic range of awarding winning Cavas in limited quantities. Steeped in history and run by an innovative company, Vilarnau is a sleek, contemporary winery nestling on land where vineyards have been cultivated since the 12th century.

The land was once owned by the Arnaus, a 12th century family headed by Albert de Vilarnau. Vilarnau is the name for country house or domus and is from where Vilarnau takes its name. The Vilarnau label was established in 1949 by the Cuscó family who produced wine from the vineyards on the estate, but in 1982, it became part of the Andalusian group, González Byass. The González family are renowned for their support of culture, art, science and sport and this is evident in both the design and management of Vilarnau.

The striking landscape is perfect for growing native Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada grapes, which are cultivated alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The land is one year away from achieving organic status. The stunning mountains of Montserrat in the distance protect the vineyards from the cold winds of the Pyrenees. The Serrada Litoral, or the Jagged Coastline, hugs the side of the estate and forms a barrier for the salty winds from the Mediterranean Sea, which is less than 30 kms away creating the perfect conditions for a consistent, quality grape harvest. Vilarnau produces 1,200,000 bottles per year and in addition to using their own grapes, the company works with 35 viticulturists who grow grapes on land which provides the optimum conditions to produce the best possible grape harvests.

The Vilaranau spirit is characterised by cutting edge exclusivity, craft tradition and modern design. This approach is apparent inside the winery. Floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the reception area and frame views of the grounds immediately outside as well as the vineyards and countryside beyond. The fresh, contemporary interior is softened by the use of natural wood and subdued lighting designed by fashion designer Antonio Miró who has developed an ongoing relationship with the winery. In addition to designing the interior, he was also involved in the reinvention of two of its Cavas: Vilarnau Albert de Brut Nature and the Albert of Vilarnau Barrel Fermented. A pair of lips and the slogan Glop in silenci are the simple motifs used on the bottles to evoke a sensory, intimate experience.

In addition to working with designers, Vilarnau provides a platform for Catalonian artists to show their work. The cellar also accommodates a gallery space where temporary exhibitions are displayed. The exhibition at the time of writing was by artist Marta Arañó who uses wine to produce a series of illustrations related to the wine produced.

A range of activities are available for visitors from tours and special dinners in the cellars to family activities, private views and tasting courses.