Spanish Food and Wine Small Group Day Trip from Barcelona

After pickup from a centrally located spot in Barcelona, relax in an air-conditioned minivan, and drive deep into the heart of the Catalonian countryside. Admire the dramatic peak of Montserrat mountain as you approach a beautifully restored medieval farmhouse in a quaint village famed for its cheese-making prowess.  Disembark to sample locally made cheese and wine while gazing at the picturesque scenery, and then continue to the former Benedictine monastery of Santa Cecília to delve into the rich culinary heritage of the region. Capture photographs of the grand Romanesque architecture, and savor appetizing treats like peaches, honey, almonds, and home-cured meats as your guide elaborates on local gastronomic traditions.  Absorb more picturesque panoramas as you travel to the south face of Montserrat to discover an entirely different climate and landscape. Stroll through groves of olive trees, and arrive at a 16th-century farmhouse to enrich your knowledge of olive oil pressing during a tour of the olive mill and its medieval water tanks.  Feast on a traditional Catalan lunch made using locally grown produce (upgrade to a Sunday tour to enjoy local Catalan dishes), and then head into the heart of the Penedés, a verdant winemaking region renowned for its top-quality cava. Take an informative tour of a local winery’s subterranean cellars and barreling room, and then conclude with a tasting session featuring four different varieties of cava and wine.  Sit comfortable in your spacious vehicle during the return journey to Barcelona, where the tour concludes.