Sea and mountain, volcanic lands and wetlands, fields and valleys make up the privileged natural environment of the northern regions of Girona. A territory that constitutes the main ingredient of a series of experiences that invite visitors to live it in a closer and more sensory way, from Empordà to Garrotxa.
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Getting to know firsthand the daily life of agricultural estates and farms from different places in Girona allows for an even greater appreciation of the artisanal local products of each area and season. At the same time, participating in activities organized by a series of small producers for small groups is an excellent way to understand gastronomy as a lifestyle and as an essential part of their culture.
Sea and mountain, volcanic lands and wetlands, fields and valleys make up the privileged natural environment of the northern regions of Girona
On foot or horseback through biodynamic vineyards of Alt Empordà
In Siurana d’Empordà, a charming village surrounded by forests, vineyards, wheat fields, and olive groves, is Clos de Basella, where signature wines that exude character and authenticity are made. This winery offers three types of visits, although all include a sensory tasting guided by a sommelier of five of their organic and biodynamic wines, three of which are premium.
The first experience consists of a walk through the vineyards and cover crops to learn about their philosophy and how the rhythms and cycles of nature are respected, followed by a visit inside the winery where the wine-making process is explained and the tasting takes place (from 26 euros). Another option is to do the first part of the visit on horseback and in a more extensive way, through forests, rural paths, and fields of olive trees and vines, and then continue with the winery visit and tasting (from 80 euros).
The third proposal is a guided tour through the vineyards and the biodynamic garden, followed by the wine tasting and culminating with a Mediterranean outdoor lunch, to offer an authentic wine and food immersion in the territory (from 75 euros).
Beekeepers for a day
Without leaving Alt Empordà, in the Natural Area of l’Albera, Abellaires Empordanesos has an exceptional proposal: visit one of their apiaries to see up close the work of the bees and their importance in the ecosystem, as well as the honey harvesting, the careful maintenance of the hives, and the production in the workshop, including a tasting (groups between 4 and 15 people, from 35 euros).
This beekeeping operation also offers the option of a guided tasting of different artisanal honeys for groups between 3 and 15 people, from 15 euros.
Oil, from field to table
To understand the production process of native olive oil, nothing better than a walk among centenary olive trees and the educational visit to its mill proposed by Oli Fontclara, in the charming town of the same name in the interior of Baix Empordà.
This oil company cultivates olives of the Arbequina, Picual, and Argudell varieties on 60 hectares of land, and after a meticulous manual selection process, they produce three varieties of organic extra virgin olive oil that have won numerous international awards and are tasted at the end of each visit, along with a varied appetizer.
To understand the production process of native olive oil, nothing better than a walk among centenary olive trees and the educational visit to its mill proposed by Oli Fontclara
They offer two types of experiences: Five Senses (from 35 euros) and Finca Zanotelli (from 45 euros), the latter more extensive and also including a guided visit to their botanical garden.
Discover Catalan cider tourism
Mooma, creator of the first cider in Catalonia, has an ideal proposal for fans of this drink: to learn the entire production process, from apple harvesting to fermentation, filtering, carbonation, and bottling at their facilities in Mas Saulot (Palau-Sator, Baix Empordà).
The visit, lasting just over an hour, ends with a tasting and costs 17.5 euros for those over 16 years old. If a meal based on traditional dishes, some related to apple, and pairing with cider is added, the total price of the experience is 52.5 euros.
Mooma, creator of the first cider in Catalonia, has an ideal proposal for fans of this drink: to learn the entire production process
For groups of between six and thirty cycling enthusiasts, regardless of their level, Gran Fondo Community has designed a guided bike route pedaling through spectacular landscapes to reach Mooma, with food included. The activity lasts about four hours and costs from 125 euros. In all cases, prior reservation is essential.
Cold cuts that taste like La Garrotxa
The activity Gust de Garrotxa, organized by the family agricultural and livestock farm Mas Corominas, in Begudà (Sant Joan les Fonts), is designed so that all kinds of audiences can see and even pet Duroc piglets in their natural habitat, between the field and the forest.
This experience (lasting two and a half hours, from 12 euros) is completed with a farmer’s vermouth and a tasting of various cold cuts traditionally made on the same farm.
All the products mentioned in the article are part of Girona Excellent, an agri-food quality seal that ensures the product has been made one hundred percent in the regions of Girona and that the company or artisan responsible for its production is established in the Girona area.
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More information:
www.costabrava.org/es/
www.gironaexcellent.cat
