Girona’s wines and olive oils; the fruits of an age-old tradition

Since the Greeks introduced the cultivation of grapes and olives here in the 6th century BCE until today, the province of Girona has firmly established a tradition of winemaking and olive oil production, resulting in the stunning landscapes that define us. Here you will find a culture inextricably linked to these ancient crops, places to visit, and high-quality gastronomic products to taste. The local wine and extra virgin olive oil bear the hallmark of this landscape of contrasts, with the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees as a backdrop and the strong north wind, the Tramontana, which sweeps the land clean. These products have character and express the true essence of our region.

Diverse varieties, diverse flavours

The Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees hold the Protected Designation of Origin for Empordà wines (DO Empordà), an area which produces a very rich and varied range of wines. The most important varieties are Grenache and Carignan in all their different colours: white, red and black, used in all types of wine. Starting with fresh, intense and pleasant white wines; continuing with rosés of all shades and flavours, pairing perfectly with most of the dishes in the local cuisine. In the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees, you can also taste some high-quality young and crianza red wines that are flavoursome, elegant and full-bodied. And then there are very refreshing sparkling wines that are ideal to serve with any dish, bringing versatility to the table.

Finally, the icing on the DO Empordà cake are its sweet wines, Muscatels without oxidative ageing, sweet Monastrells and the well-known Garnatxa de l’Empordà, a naturally gold-coloured wine that pairs perfectly with desserts and makes leisurely lunches even more memorable.

Find your unique wine experience

Would you like to enjoy wine in a different way? The more than 30 wineries in the DO Empordà region and companies in the sector offer many original, unique and fun activities that will draw you into the world of Empordà wines.

If you are feeling adventurous and are not afraid of heights, Llivins Mountain Wines offers a wine tasting in Cerdanya at an altitude of more than 1,225 metres that could be the perfect activity for you. If you prefer the sea, don’t miss the chance to discover the Cala Jóncols project and taste one of its wines aged on the seabed. Or, if you are interested in the region’s history, we recommend the wine tasting in postwar bunkers organised by Cooperativa Garriguella. If you are into music, the ViViVi experience offered by La Gastronòmica is for you. This blend of wine and music played live on string instruments will touch your soul. If you are passionate about sport and seeking something different, Occitània organises an electric bicycle tour to explore the beautiful medieval town of Pals and the surrounding area which ends with a tasting of local wines and products at Celler Mas Geli winery. If what you are really looking for is a relaxing getaway, we suggest the Wine Spa at Hotel Perelada 5*, where you can enjoy treatments inspired by the region’s winemaking tradition and based on wine therapy to harness the health benefits of grapes.

These are just some of the many experiences you can try if you are visiting our destination. Embark on a gastronomic voyage that reflects your own personality!

The region’s liquid gold

Fruit of one of Catalonia’s most ancient olive groves, this locally grown extra virgin olive oil holds Protected Designation of Origin for Empordà Olive Oils certification. It is made from three local varieties that are exclusive to this area: Argudell, Corivell and Llei de Cadaqués, plus a traditional variety, Arbequina. Empordà oils are clear and clean in appearance with a bright yellowish green hue, and are pleasant, flavoursome and aromatic on the palate. On the tongue these oils have notes of artichoke, and freshly cut grass. In addition, and due to the careful processes applied in the region’s mills, they have a slightly bitter and spicy taste thanks to their high polyphenol content. This product undoubtedly forms part of our cultural identity, of our heritage and our cuisine, and is one of the fundamental pillars of our gastronomy, our liquid gold: extra virgin olive oil.

Discover olive oil beyond your kitchen

Perhaps you have never considered that olive oil has the potential to become a tourist experience. It’s there beside your cooker and is part of your daily life, but it has always been overlooked and unknown, a very undervalued product despite its delicious flavour. Rediscover this treasure with one of the experiences you will find in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees. Enjoy wine and olive oil tastings such as the one offered by MasetPlana, where you will discover the secrets of seven generations of extra virgin olive oil producers, as well as savouring a breakfast made from locally sourced products. But, if you’re looking for a more oil-focused experience, the best option are extra virgin olive oil tastings such as the one organised by Sommelier Laura Masramon, where you will sample some of the finest local oils and learn more about how to use them in your own kitchen. Sound interesting?