Wine tourism in Empordà: sustainable family tourism

We have once again gotten into a nature experience without prior notice, and we could not leave more happy with what we experienced and learned in a family vineyard in the historic region of Alt Emporda, in the municipality of Mollet de Peralada. It's about the Vinyeta, an incredible place that hides vineyards, with a sensitivity to tradition and nature that make them special.

Joseph and Martha, both agricultural engineers, share a common passion, wine and nature. The couple has known how to mix their roots with traditional and cutting-edge techniques. The truth is that Vinyeta is an example to follow of tourist experiences on the Costa Brava.

It all begins with the first vines planted in a plot where it had never been cultivated before. From this moment on, the more experienced locals said that they had made a mistake, but quite the opposite. As it turned out, it was a complete success.

We offer you a most enriching experience where the main protagonist is the wine, starting with the vineyards. The perfect opportunity to learn about all the particularities of the purest and most sustainable Ecological cultivation.

From the high mountains with a glass of Empordà wine

Yes, from the ski slope in the Pyrenees you can enjoy the views of the Costa Brava, which is part of the Empordà, from Cape Creus to the Bay of Rosas. In this beautiful environment, the Ampurdán Marshes Natural Park, the dune beach of San Pedro Pescador, and the entire Empordà vineyards.

To enjoy these precious moments, Vinyeta has signed an agreement so that you can taste its exquisite wine from the ski slopes, with the Pyrenees in the background, and while you observe the vineyards of the region from there. A panorama that will leave you speechless!

Disparate allies: the north wind and the bats

On a day when the wind blows hard (something that can be annoying), for farmers it becomes a blessing. This wind reduces the humidity of the vines, avoiding the damage that fungi can cause. He tells us Joseph, that in Empordà its presence becomes an ally for the local agriculture. So much so that even Salvador Dali, a countryman, captured it in his work and it appears on display in his museum.

There is a nocturnal lepidoptera that can be more than a headache, but they have found a very efficient remedy. They fight it with the method of sexual confusion, with pheromones that come out of a little cable and that make the males not stop looking for the females all night. One of the most efficient remedies.

They have also allied themselves with the bats, a natural predator of moths and, of course, of the grape butterfly, which does so much damage at night. Everything is to obtain the best wine!

Alliance between vineyards, olive trees, sheep, bees and chickens

Although the star product is wine, with more than 240,000 vines, other options have been added, such as a organic olive grove of about 100 olive trees, with some specimens more than 500 years old, which produce a tomato-flavored oil. The same thing happens with the vineyards, there are many old vines that make the few grapes they produce have very intense characteristics and result in a very special wine.

The same mixture has occurred in the winery, where Joseph and Martha They have mixed French, Hungarian, Romanian and American oak barrels. And other special woods, such as acacia. To which some amphorae have been added, where they will extract the wine with the purest flavor, without the essences provided by the wood.

Being a Ecological cultivationBetween vine and vine, grass grows that must be controlled, and what better than with the most effective lawnmower, a small flock of sheep. In the pipeline, they have the production of artisanal cheese in an annex to the winery (in a very few months).

And where there is grass, there are flowers. Our allies, the bees, appear there, which has led them to decide to install some hives on the farm. But that's not the end of it, the hens are responsible for eating the remains of the grapes. They started with 30 and are going up to 1,500, who live like kings under a pine forest. Their organic eggs they're delicious.

The experience of waking up in an Empordà vineyard

To know first-hand everything I am telling you, you can stay and spend a night in this beautiful vineyard. You will wake up to the song of birds and you can start the day with an authentic country breakfast. Ideal to feel at home!

If you prefer, there are also other charming accommodations just 20 minutes from Vinyeta, in Palau Saverdera (Alt Empordà), how Niu de Sol, an accommodation that collaborates with them, or The Cau of Palau from the same owner. Other accommodations in the same municipality are Turisme rural Cal Enric and the rural accommodation Mas La Torre.

In addition, you can enjoy hiking itineraries at the foot of the Palau Saverdera mountain, such as the one that leads to Sant Onofre, the Cova de Veta Negra, the Roja, or the megalithic itineraries of the Fontasia, the Sureda, Mas Isach or Febrosa-Sinols. You will find the best hiking trails to do in the area.

Tasting of the best wines

The day cannot end any other way than with a fantastic tasting of all the products that the land offers. Don't you think? I am going to detail some of the incredible wines that you can taste in this beautiful corner of the Empordà.

Llavors red wine

He Llavors red wine It contains excellent fruitiness of the grape and the nobility of the wood. A totally young, dynamic concept with a force that revisits the most Empordà essence. Made from old Cariñena vines, it has been aged for five months in new French, Hungarian and Romanian oak barrels. The most innovative and modern version of a Tramuntana Wine.

La Musa red wine

The Muse It is a red wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged for twelve months. It has an intense cherry color and a medium-high layer. It highlights a rich aroma of cocoa and chocolate that leaves everyone who smells it intoxicated. Ripe red fruit, balsamic, toasted aromas and some spicy notes of black pepper are perceived. When you try it you will notice an acidity that provides freshness and subtlety. An elegant and long wine that leaves no one indifferent.

Blanc de Folls

If there is a wine that is pale yellow in color but at the same time bright and luminous, it is the Blanc de Folls. Floral notes predominate where orange blossom fused with white fruit stands out. Once you taste it, you will notice a surprising acidity that will leave you with a freshness combined with white fruit and citrus peel. The perfect companion to enjoy any delicious appetizer!

Fucks Black

The wine Fucks Black It is very different from Blanco in terms of flavor and aroma. Cherry color with violet hues, bright, young and lively; and an intense aroma of raspberries and other forest fruits with a spicy touch of licorice and pepper. Easy to drink and share. It is ideal to accompany it with light dishes.

Knowing first-hand all the secrets that the vineyards and olive trees keep is the dream of every wine lover. wine tourism and oleotourism. And what better way to do it than by entering a family vineyard in the Empordà?

The perfect plan to see with your own eyes the production of the best products. You will have the opportunity to taste exquisite products that will leave you speechless!