Spring weather is as fickle as ever this year but a trip to visit a Bodega (winery) in the Empordà is always a good option since the worst that can happen is that you get stuck in a cellar with plenty of wines to taste while you watch the rain come down in the vineyards.

This has been a much longer and harder winter than normal here in Girona province, nowhere near as bad as in more northerly countries of course, but everything is relative as they say.
Here we have had several epic storms, some of which hit the headlines internationally, along the Costa Brava and inland flooding with very high winds causing extensive tree and roof damage.
Well the good news is that after a walk in the Empordà this week there are finally signs of spring, although it is several weeks behind Barcelona and the Penedes.
The first colour to appear in the countryside is the white almond blossom, closely followed by the pink plum blossom and then in the sheltered areas the spectacular yellow mimosa.
It is also nice to see bees buzzing around as they have been hit by various diseases that have decimated their numbers and the smell of the blossom in the warm sunny days is wonderful.
So, the economy might look like hell but at least we can appreciate the wonders of spring in this beautiful area.

Penedes is only just over an hour away from Girona but it feels more like France with impressive wineries (Bodegas) dotted around and vines everywhere. They are better organised than in our local Empordà wine area where wine routes and visits are strictly for those that are well informed and have a good guide (which I am so you will see winery visits here over time.)
Vilafranca is the capital of the Penedes and has an interesting old town and a wine museum as well as a tourist information office which  can provide all the maps and recommendations you will need.
We headed for the biggest Spanish brand for wine, Torres, which is only a few kilometres outside Vilafranca surrounded by vineyards and with a well organised tour which leaves every hour. The Bodega itself is massive but more interesting is walking around the grounds following one of many marked paths past an old mansion which emulate the great French chateaux and is still lived in by the family.
The main problem with the Penedes is that climate change may make its wine producing capacity decline, something that Torres has been anticipating by planting new vineyards in the Pyrenees foothills a few hours north.
For passing a few pleasant hours wandering around vines, stopping to eat in a good restaurant and trying some of the local wines, this area is perfect, SALUD!

Here are some pictures of a visit to Mas Gil where they produce 3 wines (white Clos d'Agon, Clos Valmaña and red Clos d'Agon)