While Barcelona is the political capital of Catalonia, its cava capital is Sant Sadurni d’Anoia. This small town in the hills behind Barcelona is as devoted to cava as fans of sparkling wine are devoted to cava. Thus, the trail through the area around this town encountered plenty of wineries and vineyards, in a very rural area not far from Barcelona.
I began this trail from the train station in Barcelona. The train ride to Sant Sadurni was super easy from Barcelona. Not only that, but a special deal includes round-trip ticket with a tour of the Freixenet sparkling wine facility, which happens to be right next door to the station. So, after the informative tour, and the free tasting, I headed out on the trail.
What I Learned
Spain’s sparkling wine, known as cava, is truly exciting. The range of grape varietals that can be included in the final cuvee is so diverse, and so unique in some cases, that the end product can be rather surprising to anyone who routinely enjoys other sparkling wines made in the Champenoise (Champagne) or traditional method.
Trail Name: Can Mas de la Riera; AKA: Ruta 1
Trail Type: Short distance circuit; partly paved, partly hard packed earthen surface, and some rough trail, somewhat maintained, and marked a bit sporadically along the route itself, so bring a map.
Length: Total: 6.1 kilometers/ 3.8 miles
Convenient to: Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Marking: Red grape leaf, or directional signs to itinerary points in a couple of places
