Experiences among the inland vineyards

Take a break from routine and begin a new, active and energy-filled stage of your life, combining sport, culture, nature, oenology and gastronomy. The DO Empordà mixes tradition and innovation, with many wineries now experimenting with new techniques without losing the essence of their wine legacy. An area known for its wines with unique character, which reflect the influence of its special geography and the Mediterranean climate. Here, you will note the effect of the Tramuntana, a strong north wind that helps keep the vines healthy. Robust and aromatic red wines, fresh and light white wines, floral rosés or even natural sweet wines all awaken the emotions of the most discerning palates. As well as the tasting experience, what if you can also embrace nature and even play with her, in the most respectful way? Here are a few ideas to help you become a true inland “vine lover”.

On foot, by “burricleta”, electric bicycle or segway, if you would like to go from winery to winery enjoying the landscape and respecting nature, come to Gualta, where you’ll find the Baix Empordà Burricleta Centre. Whether alone or with family, with friends or work colleagues, the paths between the vineyards will become a giant board game!

But if, instead of cycling, you prefer to have your hair blowing in the breeze and feel the motion of the horse underneath you, with Empordàlia you can climb on the back of a horse and enjoy a trail between vineyards and olive trees, in an incomparable natural and rural environment.

If anyone knows what it is to be a wine lover, it’s Masia Serra, a winery located in the small town of Cantallops, right in the heart of L’Empordà. It is the result of a family tradition that arrived on the scene in 1996. Passion, effort, and appreciation for the land have made the winery grow, making it a key destination in the area. Walking through the vineyards, you will learn about the roots of Jaume and Sílvia, their history, their philosophy of life, and their dreams for the future. And you can also enjoy a night sleeping among the vineyards.

You can also wake up and have a picnic in the vineyards at La Vinyeta winery, in Mollet de Peralada (Alt Empordà), recently recognised for their work in supporting the environment. They offer the most perfect apartments, where you can rest after discovering their vineyards and olive trees, as well as their history, and try their wines paired with cheeses made in their own cheese factory.

A romantic wine experience, which you can also discover at Grup Oliveda, situated in Capmany. Don’t miss the walk through the vineyards of Furot estate located in Vilamaniscle, or the megalithic breakfast in the Dolmen vineyard, a picnic of local products in the middle of nature, with spectacular views of L’Empordà and an approximate route of 3.5 km.

And if you are also lovers of biodiversity, you must go and explore the Vi-o-diversity of the Mas Lunas winery, with more than 700 years of family winemaking tradition. Located in Garriguella, at the foot of the natural area of the Albera, they make their wines following organic production in 80 hectares of their own vineyards, prioritising traditional Empordà varieties, Grenache and Carignan. Discover its organic vineyards on a walking route through the Sierra de la Albera Natural Park and learn about the biodiversity recovery and environmental awareness project of this estate.

Everyone who dreams of experiencing 100% well-being has to try the winefulness activity proposed by Edgar Tarrés, through various exercises in the vineyards, to awaken the senses and sensitivity through nature. It is an experience designed to improve health and well-being through conscious wine tasting, which uses mindfulness, sounds of Tibetan bowls and nature itself, and you can enjoy it as a couple or with a group of friends.

And to end the route and relaxation, there is nothing better than Mas Martí, a farmhouse full of hidden spots and surrounded by vineyards, wineries, olive trees and cork oaks, where nature and ecology go hand in hand. You will also get to enjoy the gastronomy there, which will offer you an experience that you will fall in love with.

As the sommelier Laura Masramon says, “if communication is the key to happiness, wine is the keyhole.” Here, Masramon will help you unlock this happiness with personalised workshops, olive oil tastings and wine and artisan cheese pairings, along with other activities, that will bring you very close to achieving the happiness that allows you to breathe and move forward with your life.