🍷 At The Sun Places, luxury is savoured slowly.
That's why we have created this route through the DO Empordà, a journey to the origins of wine on the peninsula.
Stay at our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava and discover a denomination of origin that is resurging with strength among vineyards that look out to the sea.
The DO Empordà Wine Route is one of the best-kept secrets of Spanish wine tourism. Located in the northeast of Catalonia, between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, this denomination of origin produces wines of unique personality, marked by the tramontana wind, slate and granite soils, and a tradition dating back to the Greeks and Romans.
Far from the hustle and bustle of other wine regions, Empordà offers relaxed, authentic and exclusive wine tourism.
Today we take you to discover this route, with everything you need to enjoy it as a luxury traveller.
Our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava are located near the best wineries, and we can arrange private visits, exclusive tastings and pairings with local cuisine.
We are committed to relaxed, exclusive wine tourism.
🏺 History of the DO Empordà: from Roman wine to the current renaissance
The history of wine in Empordà is as ancient as it is fascinating.
As early as the 6th century BC, the Greeks established in Empúries introduced the vine and its cultivation to this territory. But it was the Romans who created a true wine industry, exporting wine from Empordà to other provinces of the empire.
Numerous amphorae have been found in the excavations of Empúries, demonstrating the importance of wine trade in antiquity.
During the Middle Ages, the monasteries (such as Sant Pere de Rodes and Sant Quirze de Colera) kept the winemaking tradition alive, and vineyards spread around the abbeys.
The great splendour came in the 19th century, when Empordà wines (especially the generous ones, similar to Sherry) were successfully exported to America. Phylloxera, at the end of that century, devastated the vineyards and caused a crisis that lasted for decades.
In the 1970s and 80s, a group of entrepreneurial winegrowers began the recovery of native varieties and modernised winemaking techniques.
In 1975, the Empordà Denomination of Origin was officially created, and since then it has continued to grow in quality and prestige.
Today, the DO Empordà is one of the most promising denominations in Spain, with internationally recognised wines.
🏞️ The landscape of the DO Empordà: vineyards with sea views
One of the hallmarks of the DO Empordà Wine Route is its unique landscape. The vineyards stretch from the interior to the coast itself, on terraces that descend towards the Mediterranean.
The soils are varied: slate, granite, sand and clay, which provide a great diversity of nuances to the wines.
The climate is Mediterranean, but with a determining influence: The Tramontana, a north wind that blows strongly, dries the atmosphere and protects the vines from diseases, but also stresses them and reduces production, concentrating flavours in the grapes.
The result is wines of great personality: powerful and structured reds, fresh and aromatic whites, and rosés of singular elegance.
The wine-growing landscape of Empordà is dotted with centuries-old farmhouses, medieval villages and archaeological remains, making any route a complete cultural experience.
🍇 Grape varieties of the DO Empordà: garnacha and cariñena, the queens
Native varieties are the soul of the DO Empordà. Garnacha (black and white) and cariñena (also known as samsó or mazuelo) are the grapes that give personality to the wines of the region.
Garnacha occupies approximately 36% of the Empordà vineyard and produces high-alcohol wines with body, fruit and spices. Cariñena, a later-ripening and more resistant variety, contributes acidity, structure and ageing potential.
In addition, other varieties are grown such as macabeo, parellada (for fresh whites), syrah, merlot and cabernet sauvignon (for signature reds).
A curiosity: white cariñena is a native variety that is regaining its place and produces very interesting white wines, with minerality and freshness.
DO Empordà wines are produced in the following typologies: whites (fresh and flavoursome), rosés (in a palette ranging from pale to intense), reds (young, aged and reserves), and sweet and generous wines (with historical tradition). There are also quality sparkling wines.
🍷 Differences between DO Empordà, Penedès and the wines of Jerez or Sanlúcar
To better understand the singularity of the DO Empordà, it is worth comparing it with other Spanish denominations. Here we explain the main differences:
DO Empordà vs DO Penedès:
Penedès is world-renowned for its cavas and fresh whites made with xarel·lo, macabeo and parellada. In contrast, Empordà stands out for its powerful reds of garnacha and cariñena.
While Penedès has a milder, more Atlantic climate, Empordà is marked by the tramontana wind and Mediterranean influence.
DO Empordà vs Jerez and Sanlúcar:
Wines from Jerez and Sanlúcar are generous wines, made with palomino and pedro ximénez grapes, and subjected to a biological ageing system under flor (finos, manzanillas) or oxidative ageing (olorosos, amontillados).
In Empordà, although there is also a tradition of generous wines, the focus is on aged reds and highly expressive whites.
The fundamental difference is that Jerez wines are dynamic ageing wines (criaderas and soleras), while those from Empordà are mostly vintage wines.
In summary: Empordà is a land of powerful reds and singular whites, with a personality closer to Priorat than to Penedès or Jerez. Its unique character comes from garnacha, cariñena and the tramontana.
🏛️ The best wineries of the DO Empordà for a luxury experience
The DO Empordà Wine Route brings together around thirty wineries, each with its own personality. We have selected the most exclusive ones for you:
Castillo de Perelada (Peralada): It is the most emblematic winery of the DO Empordà. Located in a medieval castle, it combines history, art and avant-garde. Its new winery, designed by RCR architects (Pritzker Prize 2017), is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture (LEED GOLD certified). The visit includes the castle museum, the church, the cloister and a tasting of its wines. They offer VIP experiences with private tastings at Finca Garbet, a property by the sea at Cap de Creus.
La Vinyeta (Mollet de Peralada): A family winery committed to organic farming and sustainability. Their wines are fresh, authentic and very personal. They offer guided tours, tastings on the terrace with vineyard views and picnics among the vines. They also organise sunset concerts and pairings with local produce.
Celler Espelt (Vilajuïga): Surrounded by vineyards with sea views, this winery combines tradition and modernity. Its architecture integrates perfectly into the landscape. They offer organic wine tastings, vineyard walks and pairings with local products.
Bodegas Terra Remota (Sant Climent Sescebes): One of the most innovative wineries in the DO, with a strong commitment to sustainability and design. Their wines are organic and biodynamic. They organise tastings on their spectacular terrace, visits to their vineyards and dinners with a private chef. They are also famous for their "Vins i Música" concert series.
Mas Estela (Palafrugell): A small boutique winery located in an 18th-century farmhouse, surrounded by vineyards near the coast. Their wines are of very limited production and high quality. They offer intimate visits with the owner himself and tastings in their garden with sea views. It is the perfect option for those seeking exclusivity and personalised treatment.
If you are interested in wine tourism, don't miss our guide on Gastronomy of the Costa Brava.
🍽️ Pairings and gastronomy on the DO Empordà Wine Route
Empordà wine is inextricably linked to its gastronomy. The traditional dishes of the region are the perfect pairing for the DO's reds and whites.
The Palamós prawn (a cult product) pairs perfectly with a dry, fresh white garnacha blanca or with a light rosé. The Suquet de Peix (rock fish stew) calls for a young, fruity red or a full-bodied white.
Brothy or dry rice dishes (such as black rice or mar i muntanya) pair excellently with a cariñena or garnacha red with some structure.
Local cheeses (such as formatge de drap de l'Empordà), cured meats, grilled meats and game can also be paired.
For a luxury experience, we recommend booking at Celler de Can Roca or Compartir, two temples of haute cuisine that offer exceptional pairings with DO Empordà wines.
And don't miss our guide on Gastronomy of the Costa Brava.
🏛️ Tribute to a generation: Josep Pla, Dalí, Picasso and the Gitano de la Costa Brava also loved wine
The wines of Empordà were celebrated by the artists and writers who visited the Costa Brava. Josep Pla, the great chronicler of Empordà, dedicated many pages to praising the wines of his land. In his work "El que hem menjat" (What we have eaten) he passionately recounts the virtues of garnacha and cariñena.
Salvador Dalí, a great lover of good food and good wine, also enjoyed Empordà wines. It is said that at his dinners at the Castle of Púbol or at his Portlligat House there was always a bottle of Empordà wine.
Pablo Picasso, who spent several seasons in Cadaqués, also tasted the region's wines. And the charismatic Gitano de la Costa Brava, Manuel Bisbe, entertained evenings at the Hotel Llafranc with champagne and local wines.
From The Sun Places, we want to pay tribute to this generation of artists who contributed to making the Costa Brava great. Their names are linked to the history of wine in Empordà.
We invite you to read our guides on Cadaqués and the footprint of Salvador Dalí and Josep Pla and the literary Costa Brava.
🏌️♂️ Luxury can also be active: golf, spa and nature near the Wine Route
To complete your wine experience, the surroundings of the DO Empordà Wine Route offer other luxury activities:
Golf in Empordà:
- Empordà Golf Club (Gualta): 10 minutes away. Two 18-hole courses. Green fee from €100.
- Golf Platja de Pals (Pals): 8 minutes away. 9-hole course with sea views.
Luxury spas:
- Thalasso Centre Palamós: 15 minutes away. Marine treatments.
- Hotel Peralada Spa: 20 minutes away. Thalassotherapy with seawater pools.
Nature and culture:
🌍 What does the DO Empordà Wine Route represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
The DO Empordà Wine Route represents the rebirth of a millennia-old tradition. After decades of decline, Empordà viticulture has experienced a spectacular recovery driven by a new generation of winegrowers and winemakers.
For Empordà, wine is a pillar of its cultural and economic identity, and a way of retaining population in the territory.
For Catalonia, it is a denomination of origin that is gaining international prestige thanks to the quality of its reds and whites.
And for The Sun Places, the DO Empordà Wine Route embodies the luxury of authenticity and connection with the territory: the luxury of walking through centuries-old vineyards, of meeting the winegrower who has cared for his vines for generations, of tasting a unique wine while watching the sunset over the sea.
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover the DO Empordà Wine Route
Fancy immersing yourself in the world of Empordà wine? We propose a 3-day luxury wine itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and Perelada):
- Dinner at the castle restaurant or at a nearby Medieval Village (Peratallada, Monells).
Day 2 (La Vinyeta and Espelt):
- Morning: Guided tour of La Vinyeta with picnic among the vineyards (includes organic wine tasting).
- Afternoon: Visit to Celler Espelt, with a walk through the vineyards with sea views and terroir wine tasting.
- Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant (Casamar or Bo.Tic).
Day 3 (Terra Remota and farewell):
- Morning: Visit to Bodegas Terra Remota with biodynamic wine tasting and private concert (if it coincides).
- Farewell lunch with wine pairing and local products on the winery terrace.
- Afternoon: Walk through the Pals Rice Fields or visit a medieval village before collection.
- Luggage collection and transfer to the airport.
📌 Practical tips for enjoying the DO Empordà Wine Route in style
- Book your accommodation with The Sun Places at least 2 months in advance during high season.
- Winery visits require advance booking, especially private experiences. We manage them for you.
- The best time for wine tourism is spring (vineyards in bloom) and autumn (harvest). Summer is hotter but the wineries are air-conditioned.
- If you are driving, remember the alcohol limits. We recommend hiring a private transfer to be able to enjoy the tastings without worry.
- Make the most of The Sun Places concierge services to organise private visits, restaurant reservations and transfers.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway along the DO Empordà Wine Route.
We advise you on the best wineries, exclusive experiences and accommodation so you can experience the most authentic wine tourism on the Costa Brava.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we have travelled half the world in search of unique experiences, and we assure you that the DO Empordà Wine Route is one of the most authentic and exciting. The combination of landscape, history, art and, of course, top-level wines, will surprise you.
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