Parés Baltà Vineyard & Winery

Overview
Video

Overview

Family Winery & Cellars : 100% Organic Wines & Cavas for 5 generations
26 mins from Sitges

Par és Baltà Vineyard & Winery in the Penedès region since 1790
Cusiné family owned winery since the 70’s, into 3rd generation
Grapes from 5 estates, vineyards, around winery and mountains of Penedès
From locations 170 to 750 metres
Results in special personality to each wine
Organically certified since 2004
Own flock of sheep to fertilise the vineyards
Own Bees to help pollinate the vines
Diverse mixture of soils, micro climates and Mediterranean eco system

www.paresbalta.com – 938 90 13 99
paresbalta@paresbalta.com
https://www.facebook.com/ParesbaltaWinery/

or take a ‘Penedès History & Wine Tour’ via Willowmoon, Sitges

Summary

Sant Pere de Ribes
- 10th century Medieval Castle : Castell de Ribes (Ribes Castle : Castell de Bell Lloc)
  Overlooks Sant Pere de Ribes
- Old Church : Església de St. Pere (St. Peter’s Church)
- 14th century old temple Portal de les Ànimes
  15th century Casa del Terme (seat of the Town Council)
- Bridge of La Palanca with the protected centenary pine tree
- Walk through St. Pere de Ribes Old Town
- Old town square with ornate fountain (coffee in one of squares cafes)
Olèrdola
- Archaeological Site of Castell d’Olèrdola (exhibition in Catalan)
  Guided visits service, subject to timings (we stay 1 hr)
- Watch-tower, water cistern & quarry
- Roman remains
  Romanesque Church & Necropolis of Sant Miquel (a Bronze Age rock shelter)
- Magnificent panoramic views over the Penedes & local flora
- Fantastic view of Montserrat (on a clear day)
Vilafranca
- Drive through capital town of Alt Penedès region with modernist architecture
Pacs del Penedès
- Par és Baltà Vineyard & Winery in the Penedès region since 1790
- Cusiné family owned winery since the 70’s, into 3rd generation
- Grapes from 5 estates, vineyards, around winery and mountains of Penedès
- From locations 170 to 750 metres
- Results in special personality to each wine
- Organically certified since 2004
- Own flock of sheep to fertilise the vineyards
- Own Bees to help pollinate the vines
- Diverse mixture of soils, micro climates and Mediterranean eco system

Full Itinerary (Word Doc – Itinerary)

Depart Port d’Aiguadolc Arrive Sant Pere de Ribes

We will take the local roads from Sitges to Sant Pere de Ribes, driving through the pretty town to the castle and the old church.

Castell de Ribes (Ribes Castle)

Originally known as Castell de Bell Lloc, this medieval castle was built in the 10^th century, and is considered to be the cultural symbol of Sant Pere de Ribes. It stands on a hill beside the River Ribes, overlooking the town, and documents date back to the year 990. It defended the passage between the mountain and sea in many times of Muslim and Christian conflict.

From the early 11^th century the castle belonged to a branch of the family Geribert, who changed the name to Castell de Ribes. In 1390 it was bought back by the Diocese of Barcelona, and then in 1620 it was finally ceded to the community of Ribes where it has remained ever since.

To this day, the castle retains a great, circular tower dating back to 1090. Also still remaining are two floors covered with vaults, the façade of a Romanesque church in the square of the castle, and the elevated horseshoe-arch doorway. For over 30 years the tower and townhouse on the site have been leased by the dancer and choreographer José L. Udaeta who is resident there, so unfortunately the visit is limited to the external areas.

Església de St. Pere (St. Peter’s Church)

Next to the castle is the old church of Sant Pere whose origin dates back to a 10th century small pre-Romanesque church. The so-called Portal de les Ànimes, from the 14^th century, remains of the old temple. The site includes the 15^th century Casa del Terme which was the old seat of the Town Council and today serves as the tourism office, and the bridge of La Palanca with the protected centenary pine.

Wander through St. Pere de Ribes Old Town

We will take a stroll through the pretty old part of the town where you will be able to see examples of some of the architecture common to the town. We will walk through the old town square with its ornate fountain, and if you wish we can stop for a coffee in one of the charming cafes in the square

Depart Sant Pere de Ribes Arrive Olèrdola

Archaeological Site of Castell d’Olèrdola:

One of the most important archaeological sites in Catalonia, this forms part of the Museu d´Arqueologia de Catalunya, and its facilities include an interpretation centre, which houses an exhibition (unfortunately in Catalan, but still pretty interesting), and a guided visits service. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period and the Iberian Tribe, Cessetani, occupied the region between the 6^th & 1^st centuries BC. This is also the area where the Romans first engaged the Carthaginians, and amongst the Roman remains still in existence are a watch-tower, a water cistern and a quarry.

The Iberian & Roman remains are juxtaposed with the ruins of the Mediaeval Castell d’Olèrdola. In the early Middle Ages, the castle controlled the area of the Penedès Depression, and had a key role in the defence and repopulation of southern Catalonia. It reached the height of its significance when it dominated the region under the control of the rebellious Mir Geribert, self-proclaimed “Prince of Olèrdola”, up until his death in 1060. Its importance declined from the twelfth century and its administrative role was taken by Vilafranca del Penedès.

The site also boasts the Romanesque Church & Necropolis of Sant Miquel a Bronze Age rock shelter, an abundance of local flora, and magnificent panoramic views over the Penedes and neighbouring areas, including, on a clear day, a fantastic view of Montserrat.

You will have around an hour to spend here as you wish, visiting the exhibition, exploring the historic ruins, enjoying the lovely walks and breath-taking views, and relaxing amongst some beautiful regional flowers, plants & trees.

Depart Olèrdola arrive Vilafranca del Penedès

Vilafranca is the capital town in the region of Alt Penedès offers some interesting modernist architecture. We will take a short drive through the town on the way to our final destination, Pacs del Penedès

Depart Vilafranca del Penedès arrive Pacs del Penedès