Penedès

Penedès is a comarca (county) in Catalonia, Spain, located in the province of Barcelona. It lies between the Llobregat river valley to the north and the Mediterranean coast to the east, and includes parts of the Garraf Massif. The regional capital is Vilafranca del Penedès. The area is traditionally subdivided into Alt Penedès (inland, higher terrain), Baix Penedès (coastal plain), and Garraf (coastal foothills). Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is closely associated with cava production, while Vilafranca del Penedès serves as a cultural and commercial hub.

The Penedès is renowned as one of Europe’s oldest wine regions. It is especially known for cava, the sparkling wine produced by the traditional method, with many producers located around Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Viticulture in the region dates back to ancient times, and the modern cava industry emerged in the 19th century. Today the area produces a range of still wines and sparkling wines under the Denominacions d’Origen Penedès and Cava. Grape varieties commonly grown include Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada for cava, as well as red and white varietals such as Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Geography in Penedès varies from inland hills to near-coastal plains, with a Mediterranean climate that becomes more continental in the interior Alt Penedès. The landscape’s vineyards are a defining feature and a focal point of tourism, with wine routes, cellar visits and tastings contributing to the region’s economy and cultural identity.