We stop by a small garden, which looks mostly like a jumble of weeds. Rubén Parera bends down and plucks out a stalk of celery, a handful of parsley, a few blades of swiss chard, and some comely escarole. Each time he yanks out a handful, he holds it up like a prize winner at the state fair and grins.  At Finca Parera, an organic and biodynamic winery in the Alt Penedès, they do much more than just make wine. With three generations of farmers in the family, it’s not surprising to see more than just vines being cultivated.  Rubén works the land with his father and two other partners ..read more

Massimo Marchiori looks more like a fisherman than a farmer. He’s sporting a black down vest, tattered jeans, and worn work boots. His bald head is concealed under a black beanie, and a rugged salt and pepper beard frames his ready smile. Bits of tobacco cling to the chest of his sweatshirt as he rolls a cigarette and tells me about his tractor.  In the valley below us, Bonastre is a storybook. A patchwork of vineyards quilt the countryside of lower Penedès, an hour south of Barcelona. The vine’s buds are about to spring forth, their latency practically vibrating in the late winter air ..read more

In Barcelona there’s never a shortage of fun wine events, especially in the fall. Everyone is back from vacation and trying to live life to the fullest before the Spanish sun plays hide and seek for a month or two. Here are a few great events coming up that you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Barcelona. 45th Harvest Festival of Alella If you’re a Spanish wine fan and haven’t heard of Alella, there’s no time like the present to discover this tiny D.O. (Denomination of Origin) nestled along the coast, just a few kilometers north of Barcelona. Wine geeks might like to know that it’s known for ..read more

This fall we’re hosting the second edition of the Spanish Wine Scholar™ (SWS) program at Salut on October 28-30. Created by Washington D.C. based Wine Scholar Guild, the Spanish Wine Scholar is one of three comprehensive wine certification courses they offer, in addition to the French and the Italian courses. Salut is pleased to be one of the first schools in Spain to be able to offer this prestigious program in English. These regional courses provide an in-depth look at more than 50 of the country's need-to-know wines while explores its key wine regions and cultural attributes. SWS remains a ..read more

Spring is here, and we’re already salivating over the thought of summery Spanish dishes like gazpacho and seafood paella. Given the big bold flavors of Spanish cuisine, there’s a lot to work with (and a lot to work against you) when it comes to finding the perfect wine match. That easy-drinking go-to floral white you keep on hand won’t do for every meal, so this month we’re going to offer you a few simple tricks for making the perfect pairing with easy terrace-friendly foods you can take to a party or enjoy at home.  Contrast Pairing: Jamon and Melon with Cava    As summer arri ..read more

With Easter and Semana Santa looming, we're dreaming of a break and a break from all this rain. We've put together a short guide featuring three perfect spring wine escapes with wineries to visit and insider tips. If you haven't made a plan yet, now you have one. Empordà Empordà is the perfect spring getaway for wine lovers. The Costa Brava seduces with its miles of shoreline, hiking trails and hidden beach coves, but its verdant interior, dotted with bright red poppies and medieval villages, is equally stunning in springtime. Drive the region’s cork trail, discover the many small bodegas p ..read more

By Simone Velluti Our subscription boxes this month feature wines made the new generation, the children of eminent wine producers here in Spain. With the new generation often comes new styles, new techniques and a desire to break free from the traditions of their parents, while also celebrating those same traditions in a new way. Cesar Marquez, 33 years old and already considered to be a brilliant producer in Bierzo. Wine has always been breathed at home, in the Castro Ventosa family winery, which is owned by his mother Maria Isabel and by his famous uncle Raul. Raul Perez is considered one of ..read more

“Hola!” I hear from somewhere in the tree above my head.  I look up to see the head of Salvador Batlle hanging out of the window above me.  “Bajo ahora,” he says with a boyish grin. I’ll be right down.  A minute later the door pops open and Salva’s there, welcoming me in.  “Come in, come in,” he tells me, and ushers me through the faded blue door and into a warehouse-like space, crowded with tall fermentation tanks, amphoras, plastic tubing, old signs, and other vintner’s tools. Salvador Batlle, owner of Còsmic Vinyaters in the Alt Emporda, has invited me in to learn about ..read more

When the holiday season is looming, the last thing on your mind is often the wine. More often, we’re consumed with all our favorite dishes we’ll be lovingly creating. Yet, the wine doesn’t have to be afterthought. With a little understanding of wine styles, you can begin to easily and quickly pair different wines with all your dishes, from aperitivo to dessert. For those of you creating a Spanish spread (or if you’re just keen to explore Spanish wines), we’ve got a great selection for you. Garnacha Blanca, Aragón and CatalunyaGarnacha Blanca (or white Grenache), with its bright citrus, herbace ..read more

  Wine lovers should check out the annual Arrels de Vi in June, a festival that celebrates the wines of D.O. Empordà with 100 references from 20 different wineries. It is usually held in two different locations each year, one in the beautiful town of Sant Martí d'Empúries--quite worth the drive if you can make it--and the other in Barcelona, for those not able to make the trip up the coast. The Barcelona version includes a number of activities to taste, enjoy, learn, and experience the Empordà wine world, including activities for kids.  Arrels de Vi Empordà Normally May; Suspended ..read more