The DO Alella is one of Catalonia’s most unique designations of origin. It survives like a small miracle among the urban and suburban fabric of the Barcelona metropolitan area, with a landscape of vineyards that slopes gently down towards the sea. It is precisely this small scale that makes it one of the most valuable and special DOs in the territory. Discover a historic designation of origin Its history is long and prestigious. Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans were already cultivating vines in this territory, and Alella wines were praised by authors such as Pliny the Elder and Martial. Centuries later, in 1953, the Alella Designation of Origin was officially recognised. For a long time, these wines were especially appreciated by Barcelona’s bourgeoisie and held a prominent place on the capital’s tables. Its proximity to Barcelona has always shaped the identity and projection of this wine-growing area. Varieties of the DO Alella: pansa blanca, white garnacha and red garnacha The great emblem of the DO Alella is pansa blanca, a variety closely linked to the territory and responsible for some of its most characteristic wines. It is a white grape with good natural acidity, floral and mineral aromas, and an expression shaped by the Mediterranean landscape that surrounds it. The vines grow on pale, sandy soil of granitic origin, known as sauló. This highly permeable soil favours the ripening of the fruit and brings finesse and elegance to the wines. The Mediterranean climate, the sea breeze and the protection of the Serralada Litoral complete an environment that gives the DO its own personality. The white wines of Alella are the best known: light, fragrant, bright, harmonious and with great finesse on the palate. But this designation also produces smooth and fruity red wines, often made with red garnacha, as well as long-aged sparkling wines and delicate, subtle sweet wines. Wineries, heritage and harvest in the DO Alella The seven wineries that make up the DO Alella share a passion for a privileged natural setting, where vineyards grow between the sea and the mountain range. Rooted in the territory, they combine tradition and knowledge passed down from generation to generation with new technologies to produce quality wines, always with respect for nature and the landscape. Through the wineries, visitors can enjoy the heritage and experiences linked to wine culture. In some cases, production has traditionally taken place in farmhouses located on the mountain slopes, in a setting that combines landscape, history and agricultural activity. Heritage and wine tourism: the modernista mark of wine One of the most prominent names is Alella Vinícola, a cooperative founded in 1906. Its winery, designed by modernista architect Jeroni Martorell i Terrats, is one of the designation’s most emblematic heritage pieces and helps to understand the relationship between wine, architecture and local identity. Discovering the DO Alella through activities, visits and festivals Exploring the DO Alella is an excellent way to discover a nearby territory full of nuances. Throughout the year, its wineries organise guided tours, tastings and wine tourism experiences that offer a close look at the landscape, the vineyards and the character of its wines. One of the highlights is the Alella Harvest Festival, where visitors can find proposals such as the Wine and Gastronomy Fair, Tapes + Vi and winery visits. The harvest in the DO Alella is an ideal opportunity to delve into a small, historic and deeply Mediterranean designation.