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Winemaking runs deep in the Costa Brava Spain region and is woven into the cultural identity of Catalonia.
We had the pleasure of exploring Emporda Wines at some of the best wineries in Costa Brava.
The stunning wineries seat between the sea and mountains in Costa Brava produce a range of wines from old vines to international varietals.
Passionate and dynamic producers are pushing the boundaries with Catalan wines and driving their popularity.
Any itinerary that involves exploring Costa Brava must include touring the region’s top wineries.
Discover Emporda wines with this guide to the 5 best wineries in Costa Brava.
Catalan Wines and Wineries With Emporda Region Map
Catalan wines are an important part of Spain and Catalonia’s rich gastronomy heritage. Winemaking in Catalonia has a long history and dates back to before the Roman times.
The Emporda is one of the established Spanish wine regions with Denominación de Origen known as DO Empordà.
Within Costa Brava, you’ll find wineries with DO Emporda certification and others without.
The Emporda wine region we visited is an established Spanish Denominación de Origen known as DO Emporda.
Home to many wineries with DO Empordà certification, the Costa Brava region is one of the best places for wine tasting.
Catalan wines from the area are defined by the Mediterranean climate and the strong northerly Tramuntana winds.
Wine tourism is growing in the area and there is even a DO Empordà Wine Route with some of the best Costa Brava wineries.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: You can rent a car for winery visits in the Costa Brava region, or alternatively, take a tour from Girona. This half-day wine tour from Girona takes you to the Empordà region for exceptional visits at two small artisanal wineries. This Catalan wine tour also includes a breakfast or early lunch of regional specialties within the vineyards.
Best Wineries in Costa Brava
1. Eccocivi Winery – An Eco-Friendly Costa Brava Winery
Eccocivi Cellar is located in Sant Martí Vell and is the closest winery Costa Brava to Girona.
Situated in Les Gavarres natural reserve, the 60-hectare estate has its own micro-climate. So far, only 13 hectares have been cultivated in order to preserve the natural wildlife and heritage.
The winery produces impressive Costa Brava wines, working with nature and supporting the local community.
Eccocivi is Spain’s first certified ZeroCo2 winery. This certification means that the CO2 emissions generated in the winemaking process are offset by the surrounding natural environment.
Even though the winery is not certified organic, the wine is produced sustainably with a commitment to preserving the heritage for future generations.
Eccocivi Wine Tasting in Traditional Catalan Farmhouse
This Costa Brava winery works with French and local grapes with each label representing something unique about the project.
You can try Red, White, and Rosé wines Emporda wines. One of our favorites was their award-winning Ca l’Elsa 2014, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.
Accompanying the Costa Brava wines was a delectable plate of local delicacies. The platter had a variety of local cheeses, Spanish ham, bread, and nuts which paired well with the wines.
Winery Tours At Eccocivi Winery
Wine tours at Eccocivi are available year-round and must be booked in advance.
The tour includes visiting the vineyard and learning about wine-making at this Costa Brava winery.
You can choose from three different wine-tasting experiences.
The Montrodó Collection offers a guided visit to the cellar and ends with a tasting of Montrodó wines.
The Eccocivi Environment tour takes you to discover the vineyard and the sustainable ways in which the wines are produced. The wine tour ends with a tasting of 6 wines on the terrace of the farmhouse.
The Eccocivi Family experience includes everything in the Eccocivi Environment tour, combined with a platter of regional foods.
Address: Paratge Mont-rodó, 3 17462 Sant Martí Vell
Hours: Open daily and winery tours must be booked in advance
Pricing: €18 for Montrodó Collection (approx. $19.70), €22 for Eccocivi Environment tour (approx. $24), and €35 for Eccocivi Family tour (approx. $38.30).
RELATED: 10 Authentic Costa Brava Restaurants To Enjoy Amazing Catalan Food
Where to Stay in Girona Near Eccocivi Winery
Girona is only a 30-minute drive from Eccocivi Winery. You can rent a car and easily drive to the winery which is what we did. Or, alternatively, you can take a taxi instead.
For a mix of boutique hotels and apartments to stay in Girona, see our recommendations below.
RELATED: The Ultimate Girona Food Tour To Indulge in The City’s Finest Gastronomy
Hotel Nord 1901 – Girona Boutique Hotel
This family-run Hotel Nord 1901 hotel is only five minutes from Girona’s Cathedral. Featuring a garden terrace and pool, it is also conveniently located close to several restaurants and cafes.
Enjoy a combination of history with modern luxury in Girona’s center.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com
Salieti Palace – Girona Luxury Apartment
This is the apartment we stayed during part of our time in Girona. Located in the old town is Salieti Palace, is a 14th-century house renovated by the architect Rafael Masó in 1911.
The architecture of the building is exceptional with an inner courtyard, a staircase, arches, and neo-gothic style windows.
If you love the medieval architecture of the Game of Thrones, this is your ideal place.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar luxury apartments, check: Booking.com
2. La Vinyeta Winery
Named the best of Catalonia wineries in 2018, La Vinyeta is a passion project of owners Josep and Marta.
Located in Mollet de Peralada in the Empordà region of Spain, La Vinyeta is another of the wineries Costa Brava championing traditional farming.
Livestock like chickens and sheep feed on leftovers and graze in vineyards, and all of the Costa Brava wine is produced with organic, environmentally-friendly practices.
In fact, this winery Costa Brava is committed to the Integrated Production System of long-term sustainable winemaking and production.
Grapes grown include Moscat and Garnatxa which are used to produce red, white, rosé, sweet, and fortified wines.
Spanish food products like olive oil, cheese, and eggs are sold alongside all the wines.
RELATED: Taste Goat Cheese From Spain: The Story behind Mas Alba Girona Cheesemaking
La Vinyeta Winery Tour
La Vinyeta offers a wide range of Catalan wine-tasting experiences.
You’ll start with a guided tour and wine tasting, similar to those offered by many Costa Brava wineries.
You’ll wander the centuries-old vineyards and olive trees, discovering the passion and drive that went into turning La Vinyeta into a successful Costa Brava winery.
Complement your wine tour and tasting with a breakfast or picnic dinner among the vines. You’ll enjoy food like local cheese, traditional pâté, and olive oil made onsite.
Wine Tasting at La Vinyeta
Several wine-tasting experiences are available at La Vinyeta, and they vary by season.
In general, the wine tasting includes about five representative wines from La Vinyeta’s portfolio.
The Heus range combines white, rosé, and black grapes, and are the youngest wines of this Costa Brava winery.
They’re all certified DO Empordà, and bring a youthful spirit to make cheerful, bright flavors.
“Then”’ Red wine is particularly fruity, with woody notes. The label has a quirky story, featuring newspaper excerpts detailing important events that took place during the wine’s creation and maturation.
You’ll also be able to taste La Vinyeta’s micro wines or “wines from Pedra,” which are a personal project of co-founder Marta Pedra.
Address: Ctra. Mollet a, 17752 Masarac, Girona, Spain
Hours: Tours are available every day from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Advanced booking is recommended.
Pricing: €22.50 (approx. $24) for adults, free for children
Pro Tip: Add a picnic lunch to go with your wine tastings at the time of booking
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: While in Costa Brava, consider a visit to the home of the famous Spanish painter, Salvador Dalí. This full-day tour from Girona takes you to the spectacular Dalí Museum as well as the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Enjoy discovering Costa Brava highlights on this day trip.
Where to Stay in Figueres Near La Vinyeta
The Museum Apartments
Offering premium views of the Dali Museum, this modern and spacious hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Figueres train station.
There are nine Museum apartments in a renovated 1850 mansion each equipped with modern All around are local restaurants and you also have the option of cooking in your own kitchen.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar hotels, check: Booking.com
Hotel Empordà
The family-run Hotel Empordà is a charming and traditional hotel located within walking distance of the Dali Museum.
With more than 50 years of experience, this is one of the most recognized institutions particularly for the friendly and helpful staff.
The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, El Motel, should not be missed for traditional Catalan food and wines.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar hotels, check: Booking.com
3. Martín Faixó Winery
Nestled high in the hills overlooking Cadaqués are the vineyards of Martín Faixó, one of Catalan’s must visit wineries.
It’s the only Costa Brava winery located in the middle of Cap de Creus, a natural park.
As our guide Mark shared the Martín Faixó family story, we relished the surrounding peace and natural beauty.
The Martin Faixo family has over 60 years of history with winemaking. As Mark described them, “Instead of having blood inside of them, they have wine running through their veins.”
Sustainability is at the heart of the winemaking process. The vines and wines produced are shaped by natural conditions and ecological principles.
The high altitude, strong northern Tramuntana winds, and salt from the sea all impart strong characteristics to the Martín Faixó Catalan wines.
Wine Tasting at Celler Martin Faixó
Martín Faixó winery works with five grape varieties spread out over 16.5 hectares. Wine growing is done ecologically and in a sustainable fashion.
The international grape varietals used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Muscat. And, the grapes are Grenache and Picapoll Spanish grapes.
We found the Grenache and Muscat sweet wine fermentation process to be quite remarkable. These Catalan wines ferment slowly in huge glass demijohns using the sol i serena method.
We tasted distinctive Red, White, and Rosé wines from their MF Perafita line of wines.
Our favorite wines were from the premium Cadac line. In addition to wines, Martín Faixó also makes artisanal beers, olive oil, and Cava.
Martín Faixó Winery Tours
The magic of the environment with breathtaking views of mountains and sea is a paradise to enjoy amazing wines.
Winery tours of Martín Faixó are available every day of the week. During the Summer months, tours are offered more frequently and in multiple languages.
The tours last one hour and must be booked in advance.
Martín Faixó also owns Enoteca MF, a restaurant in Cadaques serving homemade local food with wine pairings from the cellar. You can also enjoy MF craft beer onsite, too.
Address: Carretera de Cadaqués s/n, 17488 Cadaqués
Hours: Tours are available daily, starting at 11:00 am or 4:00 pm. Availability varies by season.
Pricing: €17 per person (approx. $18.61)
Where to Stay in Alt Empordà Near Martín Faixó
Sa Perafita
On the Martín Faixó property is Sa Perafita, a Catalan farmhouse, with seven boutique guest rooms.
This is the perfect place to enjoy a stunning view of the natural park while sipping wine. They also offer a delicious and hearty Catalan breakfast in the morning.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com
Pis Cala Tere
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is located within walking distance of the beach.
The Pis Cala Tere apartment sleeps four comfortably and comes with a washing machine and kitchen for your convenience.
Cadaqués center is close by where you can find more food options as you enjoy this central location.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar apartments, check: Booking.com
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4. Mas Geli Winery
Mas Geli produces wines in the Baix (Lower) Empordà region, where there are a handful of Emporda wineries.
These Catalan wines are known to be lighter than their counterparts in the Alt (High) Empordà region.
Mas Geli was the first winery in the Emporda region to be a certified organic winery from the start.
Built on a former golf course, the vineyards spread over 17 hectares, with a goal of getting to 20-22 hectares.
Beautifully set in the middle of the rice fields near the medieval town of Pals, the vineyard offers a relaxing view.
In the background, you can admire the Montgrí mountain which is said to resemble a bishop sleeping.
Mas Geli Emporda Wine Tasting in Nature
Starting as a family project, the first wine vintage was released to the market in 2017.
Mas Geli wines are made using local and traditional grape varieties. Their varieties include red and white Grenache and Carignan grapes.
As well as Subarit Parent, an aromatic white grape from the nearby Pals town.
Some of their wines are also made from the Macabeo grapes, which are typically used in Spain’s famous sparking wine, Cava.
We enjoyed tastings of Mas Geli wines starting with white wines, progressing onto rosé, and finishing on the reds.
We found the wines surprisingly lightly salty in taste due to the vineyard’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Mas Geli Winery Tour in Nature
Mas Geli is located close to the Mediterranean coast, about 45mins drive from Girona and 1.5 hours from Barcelona.
Guided tours of Mas Geli vineyards and tastings take place every day but must be booked in advance.
The wine tastings take place on the terrace or between the vines. In Summer, you can enjoy a traditional dinner paired with Mas Geli wines.
Address: Pals, Girona, 17256, Baix Empordà
Hours: Tours are available every day with advanced booking
Pricing: €15 (approx. $16)
Where to Stay in Baix Empordà near Mas Geli Winery
Es Portal Hotel
Located at the exit of Pals, Es Portal Hotel is a boutique hotel set in a refurbished 16th-century farmhouse.
The restaurant offers a wonderful gastronomic experience anchored in the regional rice specialties.
Conveniently located less than 2 kilometers (about 1.1 miles) from the Mas Geli winery, you can leave your car behind and walk instead.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar hotels, check: Booking.com
Arkhé Hotel Boutique Pals
Located in the medieval town of Pals, Arkhé is a family-run boutique hotel.
There are six suits available with charming cream and blue interiors and a terrace with stunning views.
Offered daily is an exemplary healthy breakfast made with local produce and ingredients.
Within walking distance of the old town, this hotel is an ideal location from which to explore nearby Catalonia wineries.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com
5. Bodegas Clos d’Agon – Mas Gil
Located near the Les Gavarres mountains of Spain Clos d’Agon vineyard also overlooks the sea.
The river breeze and clay-slate soils combine to produce distinctive Catalan wines.
Covering 40 hectares, the vineyard dates back to the 15th century and has been in its current form for thirty years.
Like many of the best wineries in Costa Brava, Bodegas Clos d’Agon believes in treating its vineyards and grapes with care and passion.
Ecologically-friendly methods are used on the vineyards, with all work done by to ensure minimal damage to the vines.
Red grape varietals like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown including white varietals like Roussane.
All the grapes are carefully selected to work with the climate and geography of the area.
Clos d’Agon Winery Tour
On a Costa Brava Clos d’Agon wine tour, you’ll discover the history and heritage of the vineyard, and learn how the new generation of wines came to be.
Enthusiastic winemakers like Michael, as guides Nora and Andrea will introduce you to the vines, and take you around the wine cellars.
Several wine experiences are available, from simple wine tastings, and picnics in the vines to meals at the winery with a private chef.
In all experiences, you’ll learn about the craft and dedication that goes into making as well as the century-old farmhouse.
Wine Tastings at Clos d’Agon
Excellence and identity are at the heart and center of Clos d’Agon Catalan wines.
You can taste a range of elegant wines produced to reflect the climate and terroir conditions in which grapes are grown.
The Clos d’Agon brand is the cellar’s leading wine, coming in a Red variety made with grapes including Syrah and Petit Verdot.
The Amic wine label is the vineyard’s entry mark. These Costa Brava wines are very easy to drink, with fresh, zesty flavors.
Address: Afores sn, 17251 Calonge, Girona, Spain
Hours: Tours are available every day with advanced booking
Pricing: A Clos d’Agon main wine-tasting experience is €40 (approx. $43.50) and includes a vineyard and winery visit, tasting of the main wines along with a Catalan bread and cheese platter.
Where to Stay in Palamos
Hotel Trias
Located near the beach with stunning views of Palamós Bay, is the welcoming Hotel Trias.
The decor is bright and spacious, and there is also a swimming pool onsite.
The Trias Hotel Restaurant is considered one of the best beach hotel restaurants in Spain.
Enjoy time in the hotel’s outdoor pool or on the nearby beach after your Costa Brava wine tour
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar hotels, check: Booking.com
Casa Vincke Hotel
Located in Palamos near the beach, the stylish Casa Vincke Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with just nine cozy rooms.
Enjoy the outdoor pool, garden, and comfortable reading room. There is a breakfast offered each morning with a selection of regional produce.
See prices, read reviews, or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com
FAQs – Costa Brava Winery
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What is Catalan Wine?
Catalan wines are an important part of Spain and Catalonia’s rich gastronomy heritage. And winemaking in Catalonia has a long history that dates back to before Roman times. Catalan wines from the area are defined by the Mediterranean climate and the strong northerly Tramuntana winds.
What are Emporda wines?
The Empordá wine region is one of the many wine regions in Catalonia. The Emporda is an established Spanish Denominación de Origen known as DO Emporda. Within Costa Brava Spain, you’ll find many wineries with DO Emporda certification.
Have you had Catalan wines or Emporda Wines before? If not, please let us know in the comments below, which of these wineries Costa Brava you’d like to visit.
Savor the Adventure!
Disclosure: Special thanks to Costa Brava Tourism Board for having us on these tours. All views and opinions expressed are our own. Full bellies and happy taste buds too.
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
I would love to see Spain we haven’t even left the US. You provided so much detail on places to stay and the tours sounds amazing! My favorite would be the medieval architecture.
If you have a chance to visit Spain, Shannah, we highly recommend it. Great diversity within the country and amazing food and wine. Glad you enjoyed the article, and in the meantime, you can start with getting to know Spanish wines at home. Thanks for stopping by.
Such a great and detailed post. So many different wine options.. Love it!!
This looks like a fun activity I would love to visit. There are so many wines to choose from too. My favourite – any sweet red wine! ?
These wineries look beautiful, I have to visit! Thanks for sharing!
awesome recommendations! I would love to visit any of these wineries!
I could definitely learn more about Catalan wines, and this post is so helpful! Beautiful wineries. Hope to visit someday! In the meantime, I’ll see if I can find these wines to try locally or order some. They sound fabulous.
Indeed, Marlynn, we love how easy Catalan wines are to drink. Seek them out in your area and you’ll be impressed. Hope your travels take you to Costa Brava soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Looks like such a fun adventure discovering all these cool wineries!
I have yet to experience going on a wine tour. It looks like a really lovely activity to do when visiting a country known for fine wines. Thank you for sharing your experience with these 3 wineries. They sure look like the make the best wines!
So glad you enjoyed the article, Eileen. When you have a chance, go on a wine tour and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll discover. Wishing you a wonderful 2020. Cheers.
Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your family an amazing 2020. I hope the first day of the year is going well for you.
I am not much of a wine person compared to the Hubs, but I love visiting wineries. Those wineries look gorgeous.
This looks like such a fun experience and looks like the perfect getaway. I would love to visit with my friends. I know they would love it.
It looks like you had a wonderful trip! Your photos have me craving some wine and cheese.
Thanks, Beth. So glad you enjoyed the article. Do you like Spanish wine?
So many wines to choose from! I love that you were able to experience this. I have never been to a winery but so want to tour one someday!
Glad you enjoyed the article, Beth. Hope you get a chance to visit a winery in 2020, you’d love it! Best wishes for the new year.
I don’t like wine, but I’d still check out wineries for the view. And the cheese 😉