Routes de l'huile d'olive With the arrival of the first cold days, it's time to harvest the olives and taste the first-pressed oil. This ritual marks the beginning of the oleotourism season in Catalonia. In the villages that cultivate olives – the Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) of Les Garrigues, Siurana, Terra Alta, Baix Ebre-Montsià, and Oli de l’Empordà – the activity begins with the hustle and bustle of the oil mills, the excitement of the first tasting, and the celebration of the new oil. It's a great time to visit an olive grove or attend the local fairs. If you want to see the oldest olive trees in Catalonia, visit the Museum of Millenary Olive Trees in Arión, Ulldecona. Wine Routes The end of summer, especially if it's been hot, marks the beginning of the grape harvest. The vines are heavy with grapes, and the winemaking process begins, still done traditionally by many wineries. To learn more about the world of wine, explore one of the wine routes in Catalonia, each linked to the Designations of Origin: the Wine Route of Lleida, DO Terra Alta, DOQ Priorat, DO Pla de Bages, Trepat Route, DO Penedés, DO Empordà, or DO Alella. Each route showcases unique wines thanks to the area's geography and climate. Enjoy some of the experiences offered by these eno-gastronomic routes. Rice Routes Also linked to the harvest season, the gastronomic rice routes take you back to the days when rice was harvested by hand. The rice harvest festivals are mainly held in the Terres de l’Ebre, where this cereal grows in the waters of the Ebro River. Towns like Deltebre, Amposta, or L’Ampolla host these celebrations, coinciding with the rice gastronomic days organized by many municipalities along the Ebro. The traditional rice planting is one of the activities you can enjoy in Pals, which also organizes its rice harvest festival. Cheese Routes The production of artisanal cheeses is closely linked to livestock farming, with the raising of cows, sheep, and goats. The Catalan Pyrenees play a starring role here. Visit La Seu d’Urgell during the Sant Ermengol Fair to taste mountain artisanal cheeses; the aroma will surely guide you to the fair when you arrive in town. You can taste the Alt Urgell and Cerdanya cheese, a Protected Designation of Origin. Also, visit Bagergue in the Val d’Aran to explore an artisanal cheese factory and see how they are made.. Sausage Routes If anyone knows how to make a good sausage, it's the people of Vic. This artisanal pork product holds a Protected Geographical Indication. Visit the capital of Osona to taste these delicious sausages. You can even participate in one of the workshops organized in the area. Another region known for its excellent sausages is Pallars. Their star products are xolís and girella, but they also produce other high-quality items. Bread Routes Bread lovers can also enjoy a dedicated route. In Lluçanès, there is an itinerary that explains the journey of wheat – a native variety – from the field to the table. Learn how the grain is harvested, how flour is made, and how sourdough is prepared. Don’t miss a visit to Alpens to buy bread from its bakery. Every Catalan municipality has its own renowned bakery. If it's good, you'll see long lines forming, especially on weekends, as happens in the Vall d’en Bas. Fruit Route The orchards of Lleida are renowned everywhere. In spring, the fields of Aitona and nearby towns are filled with pink and white colors when the peach and other fruit trees bloom. The Fruiturisme initiative invites you to visit the area and see how they care for the land, the great pantry of Catalan cuisine. Another worthwhile escape is to Girona to taste the delicious apples, also a Protected Geographical Indication. You see, Catalonia offers many gastronomic routes with excellent products and wine tourism options. Where would you like to start?