Created to express the wine-growing richness of Catalonia, this designation of origin is a natural gateway to the world of Catalan wine. Its strength lies in diversity: of territories, varieties, styles and wineries that work with their own perspective, between tradition and innovation. What is the DO Catalunya? The Catalunya Designation of Origin was created in 1999 with a clear idea: to protect quality wines made in areas with a wine-growing tradition that were not included in other Catalan designations of origin. Today, it extends over more than 41,000 hectares, reaches more than 420 municipalities and has 179 registered wineries, a figure that shows the weight and vitality of this designation on the Catalan wine map. It is a broad, cross-cutting and highly representative DO. Its territory stretches from the Mediterranean to inland areas with a more continental influence, resulting in a wide variety of landscapes, soils, climates and ways of making wine. In every glass there is a part of Catalonia: the sun, the land, the work in the vineyard and the creative character of the wineries. A diverse designation of origin, from sea to mountains The strength of the DO Catalunya is its diversity. Vines have been part of the Catalan landscape and culture for more than 2,300 years, and this long history remains very much alive in territories spread throughout the country. The Mediterranean climate plays an essential role, with mild winters, dry summers and many hours of sunlight. Inland, however, more continental nuances appear, bringing contrasts and personality to the wines. This combination makes it possible to produce fresh, expressive and balanced wines, as well as proposals with greater structure and complexity. Varieties and wines: whites, rosés, reds and traditional wines The DO Catalunya authorises a wide range of grape varieties, both native and international. This flexibility gives winegrowers and wineries room to work creatively, adapt to each estate and produce wines in very different styles. There are white, rosé and red wines, but also lightly sparkling wines and fortified wines. The whites can be fresh, aromatic and fruity. The rosés invite spontaneous, Mediterranean moments. The reds, depending on how they are made, can range from young and appealing profiles to aged wines, deeper and more gastronomic. This variety makes the DO Catalunya easy to understand and, at the same time, full of nuances. It is a good gateway for anyone who wants to start discovering Catalan wine without giving up the element of surprise. Wine tradition with a contemporary outlook The DO Catalunya draws on an ancient tradition, but looks ahead. Its spirit combines knowledge of the territory, respect for the landscape and a desire to innovate. It is no coincidence that the Regulatory Council highlights ideas such as consolidating, creating and innovating to explain its way of understanding wine. This contemporary outlook can be seen in the wineries, on the labels, in tasting experiences and in the relationship with new audiences. These are wines designed to accompany everyday moments, meals with friends, weekend getaways or celebrations that invite you to let yourself go. Wine tourism: wineries, landscape and heritage to discover it Discovering the DO Catalunya also means going out into the territory. Catalonia’s wine routes offer winery visits, tastings, wine tourism experiences, accommodation and restaurants linked to wine culture. Wine can be experienced among vineyards, in old cooperative wineries, in family farmhouses or in contemporary architectural spaces integrated into the landscape. It can also be combined with heritage, local gastronomy, charming villages and conversations with people who explain the territory through their daily work. Experiences to enjoy the DO Catalunya with all the senses A DO Catalunya wine tasting can be a first discovery or the starting point for a getaway. It might begin with a glass of fresh white wine in front of a vineyard landscape, continue with a guided visit to a winery and end with a meal based on local produce. It is also a way to connect with the rhythm of the territory. The harvest, wine fairs and winery activities invite you to experience wine with calm, curiosity and joy. Without rushing. With the desire to listen, taste and let yourself be surprised. Why the DO Catalunya is a good gateway to Catalan wine The DO Catalunya is ideal for understanding the country’s wine diversity. It brings together tradition, innovation, varieties, landscapes and styles under a recognisable seal. That is why it is an approachable designation for beginners and an interesting one for those who already love wine. In a glass of DO Catalunya there is much more than wine. There is Mediterranean character, heritage, creativity and a close way of experiencing the territory. An invitation to discover Catalonia with all the senses.