From the Priorat to Penedès: Catalonia’s winemaking heritage
The first group travelled through Tarragona, Priorat and the Penedès, exploring the deep-rooted traditions and forward-thinking innovation that define the region. The journey began with a visit to Familia Torres, where students discovered a philosophy built on heritage, sustainability and innovation. At Clos Mogador, they met the pioneering spirit of René Barbier, a key figure in the revival of Priorat wines in the 1980s. The itinerary also included Clos Figueras for a wine-pairing lunch in an emblematic setting, and La Conreria d’Scala Dei, a winery blending modernity and organic production in the heart of the region’s impressive landscapes. The visit concluded with Ferrer Bobet, a gravity-flow winery known for its terraced vineyards and commitment to expressing the unique character of Priorat. The final day took students to Freixenet and Recaredo in the Penedès and Cava appellations, where they explored the world of traditional sparkling wines and the artistry behind brut nature vintages made exclusively from historical grape varieties such as Xarel·lo.
A deep dive into the Rioja, its terroir and excellence
A second group headed north to the Rioja, Spain’s iconic wine region, for an equally enriching field experience. From Artadi, a biodynamic estate cultivating old Tempranillo vines, to R.López de Heredia where time-honoured methods preserve the purity of terroir, the itinerary revealed the many faces of Rioja winemaking. Students also explored Remírez de Ganuza, where innovation meets precision in grape selection and vinification, and Finca La Emperatriz, a benchmark for organic viticulture and the Viñedo Singular classification. The trip culminated with visits to Marqués de Riscal, renowned for its architectural masterpiece and heritage, and Eguren Ugarte, where family tradition and modern hospitality merge amid the caves of Rioja Alavesa.
Beyond tastings and vineyard tours, the trip encouraged KEDGE Wine School students to think critically about innovation, sustainability and craftsmanship in two of Spain’s most emblematic wine regions.
