Codorniu is a global reference and the oldest winery in Spain, with a history that goes back to 1551. The major turning point came at the end of the 19th century, when Josep Raventos produced the first Spanish sparkling wine using the Traditional Method, the same used in Champagne. This was the birth of Cava.
Beyond its importance in wine history, the complex is a landmark of Catalan Modernism. Designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary and rival of Gaudi, the building was declared a National Historic Artistic Monument. The site is known as the Cathedral of Cava, combining striking architecture with a centuries old sparkling wine tradition.
In this article, we show exactly how to visit Codorníu. You will see how the train ride through the tunnels works, which ticket is worth buying, and how to get there from Barcelona without spending a fortune.
How the tour works
We chose the Iconic Tour, which offers a very complete visit. The classic tour usually lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and follows this order:
Arrival and architecture
You do not go straight into the production area. First, you walk through the gardens and see the modernist building known as the Cathedral of Cava. It is striking how much attention was given to the construction of an industrial building, essentially a factory.
The museum and history
The guide explains how the Raventos family created Cava. You see old presses and understand the difference between producing Cava and regular wine, using the Traditional Method.
Descent into the cellars underground
Because the underground galleries are enormous, with more than 30 km of tunnels, part of the tour is done on a small electric train. You sit down and the train takes you through long corridors lined with bottles. This is the part most visitors enjoy the most.
The tasting
At the end, you return to the surface and enter a tasting room. Depending on the ticket you choose, you taste two or three types of Cava, usually a Rose and a classic one, sometimes accompanied by a small snack.
Which tour should you choose?
When booking, you will find several ticket options at different prices. To save you time, here is a straightforward summary of what each one includes:
- Discovery Tour: The basic option done well. Includes the historical visit, the train ride, and two Cavas.
- The Iconic Tour: The complete experience. A slightly longer visit, three premium Cavas, and chocolates.
- Ars Collecta: For wine enthusiasts. Access to restricted areas, tasting of the most exclusive Cavas, and a savory snack.
- Discovery or Iconic + Menu: The same tours above, but with a full lunch included at the winery restaurant.
- Private Discovery Tour: The basic route with a private guide just for your group.
Our recommendation: We did the Iconic Tour and found it to be the best value for money. The difference compared to the basic option is only 7 euros and is worth it for the third glass, which is an excellent Cava.
Another tip: if you already plan to have lunch in the area, consider the options that include lunch. When you compare prices, the total cost is very similar to eating at a good restaurant nearby.
The highlight of the visit: the train ride
After the initial part of the tour, the visit goes more than twenty meters below ground. The environment changes immediately and the temperature drops. The route continues on a small electric train that rattles and makes noise as it moves through the galleries carved beneath the complex.
The experience is intense. The train passes through long corridors and dimly lit rooms, some of them almost completely dark. Between curves, you find yourself surrounded by thousands of dusty bottles aging in place. This is the most enjoyable part of the visit and the only way to truly grasp the scale of this underground maze.
How to get to Codorniu from Barcelona
Getting to the Codorniu Caves, located in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, is straightforward, and you can choose between independence and comfort.
By car
This is the most direct and flexible option. The drive takes about 45 minutes, roughly 40 km, using the AP-7 motorway. Parking is available on site for visitors.
By train
This is the most affordable option. Take a Renfe train on the R4 Rodalies line from stations such as Placa Catalunya or Sants.
Destination: Sant Sadurni d'Anoia station, with a travel time of about 45 minutes.
From the station, the winery is a 25 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride.
Organized tours
Several operators offer tours that may include only the winery or be combined with other destinations. Codorníu itself offers an 11 hour tour that combines a visit to the Caves, the Montserrat Monastery, and the coastal town of Sitges.
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