Avinyonet Del Penedès: Wine, History and Landscape

Archaeobotanical research at the Font de la Canya settlement identifies it as the birthplace of winegrowing in the Penedès. At the Font de la Canya archaeological site’s interpretation centre, the DO Vinífera exhibition explains the origins of winegrowing in the Penedès. Its interpretation uses audiovisual, educational and interactive elements. In this way, the actual site is connected with a presentation that addresses both the origins of winegrowing and its material traces in vines and wine.

As a permanent exhibition, DO Vinífera focuses on the history of this trading centre in ancient Cesetània. Its subject matter also includes the archaeological study of grapevines and wine. Guided tours of DO Vinífera are conducted by the archaeological research team responsible for the excavations. Combined tours are also available, covering the Font de la Canya excavation site and the DO Vinífera interpretation centre. By linking the excavation site and the centre, the tour brings together the archaeological location and its museum presentation.

Culture

Visitors can follow a tour through the monastery and church of Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs. It explains the historical context and development of the building. The tour also covers the daily life and organisation of the medieval Benedictine monks who lived there. It connects the history of the building with the history of the community that lived there during the Middle Ages.

The Roman Tower of Les Gunyoles is recognised as a Bien de Interés Nacional of Catalan cultural heritage. It is also listed in the Spanish register of Bienes de Interés Cultural. It is generally regarded as a Roman turriform funerary monument.

The old town of Les Gunyoles forms a typically medieval urban ensemble of two-storey houses. These houses consist mainly of irregular stone masonry, are partly plastered and follow the shape of the terrain.

The Museu del Batre houses a wooden threshing machine. It was manufactured in Germany and purchased in Barcelona. In 1932, it arrived in Vilafranca in a railway wagon. Its history therefore spans its manufacture, purchase and transport.

Landscape and Trails

The medieval dovecote of l’Arboçar stands amid vineyards. From there, it offers a magnificent view over the Penedès.

Above Les Gunyoles in Avinyonet del Penedès, Miravinya El Circell offers a 360-degree view. It overlooks a landscape shaped by vineyards, with olive trees and the well-known peach orchards of Ordal.

The mountain-bike and hiking trails in the municipality of Avinyonet del Penedès are signposted. The trails can be linked or combined. The signposted trail network therefore allows for both individual trails and interconnected sequences of trails.

Wine and Gastronomy

An oenogastronomic experience is offered at a historic estate in the heart of the Garraf Massif. It combines history, nature, winegrowing and oenology.

Other destinations in the same selection are Bagá, Mas Ram, L'Alt Penedès, Gironella, Sant Salvador De Guardiola, Castellolí, Olivella and Sant Juliá De Vilatorta.

For the main travel overview: Barcelona.