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Home , Albera Massif, Bullas (DO), Castell, Marselan, Pla de Bages, Province of Lleida

THE PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ALL AGES

HEALTHYAGING®

TONY ROBBINS LIFE STRATEGIST COSMOPOLITAN , ALL-INCLUSIVES MORE THAN EVER FRESH & GRILL FIRE HOT NEW COOKBOOKS

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 www.healthyaging.net COSMOPOLITAN CATALONIA, SPAIN By Carolyn Worthington*

*Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging® Magazine, had the opportunity to visit Catalonia, Spain to learn about the and food offerings there and to report for the active traveler. Her experiences, recommendations and insider tips for what not to miss in Catalonia, Spain ® ® appear as a four-part Healthy Aging website series and in Healthy Aging Magazine. , Spain scenic. Tourism of Lleida, David del Va

42 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 43 Map Spain Tourism Board Tourism Spain Map Four distinct provinces make up Catalonia, Spain: , Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. How Does A Wine and Food Tour Sound? Imagine riding your bike leisurely from to vineyard, stopping to taste a full-bodied cabernet, a fruity, or a sparkling . Picture ending your day with enjoying a dinner Vineyard in Penedes, one of the wine regions of Catalonia. made from local ingredients and prepared by a world-class chef. Penedes Enoturisme This could be you … in a place called Catalonia.

Where in the World Is Catalonia? If you’ve been to Barcelona, then you have been to Catalonia. But Barcelona is just one part of this romantic and gastronomic region, etched with wine trails to discover. Catalonia is the northern most region of Spain, touching and the tiny country . More accurately, Catalonia is one of the 17 “autonomous communities” that make up Spain. These “communities” are in a way like the states in the U.S. Each “autonomous community” has its own flag and capital. The autonomous community of Catalonia lies at the base of the French Mountains to the north. Contrasting in climate and topography, it is graced by over-360 miles of beaches on the Mediterranean Sea to the east, flanked by the community of to the west and Valencia to the south.

Four Provinces of Catalonia Four distinct provinces make up Catalonia: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Catalonia has a population of over 7.5 million people. Barcelona, the city, is the capital of the region. Now that you have reviewed your geography knowledge, you might want to check out this beautiful area beyond a visit to the city of Barcelona. C. Worthington C. One of many cafes in Barcelona, Spain.

44 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 45 Wine and Food Heaven for Foodies Catalonia, or Cataluña in Spanish, is renowned for its wine- making, which began as early as when the Phoenicians brought

A seafood sampling from their skills to the land. The cuisine can compete with any country Xalet Suis Restaurant, Lleida, that takes pride in their own gastronomy. Catalonia, Spain. There are 10 important wine regions of Catalonia waiting for your exploration and . 1. Alella is a small wine region known for its low acid Maresme and higher acid Valles wines. 2. Conca de Barberà is located in the region of Tarragona and produces mostly whites such as . Trepat, a , is THE also produced here. 10 IMPORTANT 3. , located in the provinces of Lleida and WINE REGIONS OF Tarragona, has a semi-arid climate with primarily limestone soil CATALONIA that provides for the unique tastes of the wines such as the 1. Alella whites—sauvignon blanc, , and gewürztraminer—and the reds—garnatxa negra, , and trepat. 2. Conca de Barberà 4. Empordà stretches from the town of Figueres to France and 3. Costers del Segre near the sea in the south. Most of the wine produced here are 4. Empordà reds, particularly rosé wines. Whites and dessert wines like and moscatell are here, as well.

C. Worthington C. 5. Montsant 6. 5. Montsant is located in Tarragona and produces powerful red wines along with whites like and white grenache. 7. Tarragona 6. Pla de Bages, in the , wins the award 8. Terra Alta for being the smallest wine region at about 2.3 square miles. It 9. Penedès is also one of the newest, coming on board as a region in 1995. 10. Priorat Pla de Bages took time off from for almost 100 years when the “plague” destroyed most wine there and all over Europe. It’s said the phylloxera insect was brought to Europe inadvertently by botanists who had gathered American vines. 7. Tar ragona is blessed with two types of topography, resulting in a variety of wine styles. The region is located in part on the Mediterranean, sweeping up to the base of the Serra del Montalt mountain range. Wine styles vary from sweet fortified wines to cabernet sauvignon and from to . 8. Terra Alta means “high land,” so the wine region is … in the mountains. Summers are hot here and the winters very cold. The region is small and remote, which may be why Pablo Picasso spent vacations here when he was young. The wine cellars of

Wine aging in bottles at

C. Worthington C. Vinyes del Aspres .

46 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 47 C. Worthington C. Snails are a local delicacy. Served here at Xalet Suis.

El Pinell de Brai and Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa were designed

by Cèsar Martinell, a student of famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Cycling through the vineyards.

9. Penedès is the largest wine region and one with quite a Penedes Enoturisme diverse terrain. It is considered the home of cava, the white that makes Catalonia famous in the wine world. 10. Priorat wines, also well-known, are made from grown on slanted hillsides, often picked by hand, and bearing tastes drawn from the volcanic tinges of the soil.

Foodie Heaven Catalonia is heaven for any foodie traveler. Discover the classic Catalan dishes like snails that are often served in butter like the French escargot or in the local dish conill amb cargols, rabbit with snails. Be sure to try the locally produced olive oil or crema catalana, which is like crème brûlée—a creamy, custard-like flan. Ferret out the chef-owned-and-operated restaurants, many of which now feature the new wave of creative chefs coming onto the scene.

Climate Control The weather is somewhat like parts of California with the hot temperatures in the summer along the coast with cooler temperatures in the higher elevations near the Pyrenees. Two main languages are spoken here, Spanish and Catalan.

Enoturisme Penedes Enoturisme Exploring the vineyards on horseback.

48 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 49 TOURING THE FOUR PROVINCES OF CATALONIA

To see, taste, and enjoy everything of this area takes a lifetime. But here, we will give you a suggested four-day tour to sample Catalonia and a chance to visit the four provinces of Catalonia: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona.

DAY 1: PENEDES WINE REGION Begin your journey to romantic Catalonia by flying into Barcelona, Spain. For leisurely

Codorníu Codorníu touring the wine country, we Codorníu Exterior. recommend renting a car.

First stop is the 12th century Codorníu Michener on the Spirit of Catalonia town of Vilafranca del Penedès Codorniu . “Cataluña is special. Because we are so mixed in our heritage, as it was called until 1982, to the Centre d’Interpretació [email protected] we are not narrow-minded little provincials. We have a bigness of known now as just Vilafranca. del Cava, about nine miles turismesantsadurni.cat spirit … a singing of the heart.” It is under an hour’s drive or northeast of Vilafranca. This is So reported famed Pulitzer Prize winning writer James A. train ride due west of Barcelona. the perfect place to begin your Active Ways to Michener in his book Iberia upon asking a native of Catalonia Vilafranca is considered the immersion in the world of the Discover Vilafranca what made his homeland special. wine capital and no wonder sparkling called You don’t have to worry Michener understood. He too felt the spirit of the area and since the area has cultivated cava. about your waistline while dis- all of Spain. So much so that he professed his love of Spain as a grapes for wine since the 7th The centre offers multi-media covering the here— traveler and as a place he called his second home in his more- century B.C. There are so many presentations of the origins of there are numerous walking than-800-word book published in 1968. wine and cava wineries to visit. cava plus the processing, cul- and cycling tours to take while Although written almost 50 years ago, the words still hold true. A map with links to the ture, lifestyle, and spirit of the enjoying the wines and scen- The “spirit and singing of the heart” are alive in Catalonia, one of wineries can be found at the bubbly beverage. ery. You can even take a Seg- Spain’s best-kept secrets and a place not to miss. following web address: CIC Fassina way … one of those mobile You can explore Catalonia just as James Michener did while turismevilafranca.com/en/ Interpretation Centre Cava scooters. knowing that Catalonia still has the same charm but has grown cellers-i-caves. c. Hospital, 23 You can rent touring bikes up to have a very cosmopolitan flare. To get a terrific overview 08770 Sant Sadurní that come complete with helmet, Here you can find the culture, the history, and the shopping of the history, the making, and Barcelona a map, or GPS and go for hours, plus the opportunity to explore the many wineries and taste the the spirit of cava, the sparkling T: (34.93) 891.3188 sampling wines and enjoying cuisine of this region. wine of Catalonia, head over F: (34.93) 891.4367 local fare at the wineries.

50 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 51 Codorniu Codorniu winery. If you are just lazy or can’t the bottle and made by the company’s most popular cava Underground Cellars Tour Train the world-renowned chocolate Simon Coll SA Chocolate Space physically ride easily for hours of . and the leading sparkling wine A beginner’s cava-tasting maker Simon Coll, maker of Center visitor information and on end, you can also rent an Visit Codorníu’s “nerve center” in Spain. In the U.S., the Anna course that will initiate you into fine chocolates since 1840. reservations electric bike. as they call it … designed by de Codorníu Brut Rosé is par- the three key steps of wine Learn about the origins of San Pedro, 37 The following link contains the world-renowned architect ticularly popular. It is currently tasting. The tasting includes chocolate, how it is processed 08770 Sant Sadurní a list of hikes and cycling trails Josep Puig i Cadafalch who in the top-10 list of sparkling six Codorníu cavas. and made into the delicious Barcelona (Spain) to enjoy, ranging from “not dif- was an acclaimed modernista, rosés in the $11–$15 range in Bicycle Tour and Codorníu Visit forms through an audio-visual T: (34-93) 891-1095 ficult” to “more challenging”: or art nouveau, architect who the U.S., according to recent With the Montserrat Moun- presentation, a glimpse into simoncoll.com Hikes and Cycling Trails. designed many buildings in Nielsen numbers. tain as a backdrop, take a tour the chocolate workshop, and, Opening hours: Barcelona. The winery building of the Codorníu vineyards by of course, chocolate tastings. Monday to Friday from Next Stop: Cava was honored as by the National Plenty to Do At Codorníu bicycle. They say they are Pick up chocolate at their 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tour in Codorníu Historical and Artistic Heritage There are several fun ways “passionate about cycling, chocolate store, which is just Saturday and Sunday from Codorníu, with its wine- Institute in 1976 and is a sight to explore Codorníu and learn nature, and sparkling wine” and as much of an experience as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. growing origins reaching back to see all in itself. about cava. Here are some invite visitors to an unforgetta- the tour with the more than to 1551, is considered the old- Today, Codorníu is the leading examples and many require an ble morning, pedaling through 400 varieties of chocolate Next Stop: Organic est family businesses in Spain. producer of Spanish cava and additional fee: vineyards by bicycle. Electric products and special holiday Wine and Cava Tasting The name is synonymous with is run by a 18th-generation Cava Tasting Beginners Course bikes are available for those exhibits. There is a small fee at Cavas Bolet cava, the white sparkling wine, member of the Codorníu family. Take an intensive wine-tast- who prefer to take it easy and for the tours. Bolet wines have been that the winemaker started In addition to the cava business, ing course in a winery. Learn still enjoy the scenery. Codorníu made by the same family for making in 1872. Today, Codorníu Codorníu now owns 10 winer- Av. Jaume Codorníu s/n— the art of wine tasting and Chocolate and Cava seven generations. A visit to is the largest producer of ies around the world. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia the Cavas Bolet winery will discover the secrets of cavas Another option is to visit sparkling wine fermented in Anna de Codorníu is the Codorníu. visitascodorniu.com entice your senses as you

52 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 53 taste their wines, ranging DAY 2: LLEIDA The cathedral still stands, ma- from white, , “black jestically overlooking the city ,” and merlot. You Cultural Tour of an in spite of a high turnover of shouldn’t miss their “100-per- Ancient Cathedral, Three often unruly tenants. cent natural fredolic,” their If only the cathedral could intense cherry-red cabernet Vineyards, and a Spa talk about those who honored Here you are in Lleida on sauvignon wine with its fruity it and those who trashed it. day two of your four-day tour taste and mineral twinges, The site was originally an of Catalonia, Spain. You are reflecting the land where the early Christian cathedral, re- about two hours by car and grapes were grown. built as a mosque in A.D. 832, one hour by train due west of You will also have the reborn as a Christian cathedral Barcelona. opportunity to sample their in 1149. A later decree by cler- The province of Lleida is a cavas from their brut classic ics called for it to be rebuilt in destination of contrasts from and rosado pinot noir to their the “Romanesque” or Medieval the lush vegetation, extraordi- gran reserva. European style. nary vistas, and vineyards to

Tourism of Lleida of Tourism Tapas are also available. All The first stone was laid in the magnificent gorges created tastings have a small fee. 1203, but it took some-300 by rivers, the Montsec mountain Cavas Bolet years to complete the struc- range and Vall de Boí in the Finca Mas Lluet s/n tures, including the church, Pyrenees, to its historic—yet Carretera St.Marçal Km 15 BV2117 cloister, bell tower, and canon- cosmopolitan—capital bearing 08732 Barcelona – Catalunya – ical house. the same name. España In its glory days, it was used You can spend your time as a church, of course. Later, it exploring vineyards, tasting More Information became a hospital and armory local foods, and enjoying To learn more about Catalonia, during the “Catalan Revolt” cultural experiences topped by here are helpful links: in 1640 and military barracks shopping, shopping, shopping Catalonia Tourism: in 1707 when it was carved and a spa stay. .com up into spaces for the troops Lleida is a great destination Spain Tourism Board: and pretty much desecrated for couples, parents traveling Spain.info or burned. It became a con- with adult children and even Barcelona Tourism centration camp during the those who want to go solo! Girona Tourism of 1936 and There are plenty of opportuni- Tarragona Tourism again a barracks through 1948. ties for active travel combined Penedes Region Even if you are not a his- with luxuriating in all that the LLeida Tourism tory buff, the tour offered at countryside has to offer. Costa Brava the cathedral will have you

Where to stay in Barcelona: riveted. The guides are pas- K&K Hotel Picasso 360-Degree View of sionate about their history and Passeig de Picasso, 26-30 Lleida and Tip Toeing take you through the centuries 08003 Barcelona, Spain Through Time and architectural details of the Conveniently located in the Your visit to the city of building and grounds. chic El Born disctrict of Bar- Lleida must begin with a tour Without the guided tour, celona on the “Passeig de through the 13th century Turó you might miss the statues on Picasso. Seu Vella Cathedral located in top of the columns and the

Clockwise from top left: Lleida Museum and cathedral; the center of the city where sculptural details of grapes, Cloister of the cathedral with its unique open gallery and you will see a spectacular leaves, and baskets, reflecting extraordinary views; Turó Seu Vella Cathedral; Cathedral 360-degree view of Lleida. C. Worthington C. tour guide; Cathedral pillar with carving. the importance of wine or

54 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 55 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 55 permanent shops and some Their artistry is immediately evident when you arrive and see the winery built into the mountain, the roof covered with plants, and the building painted an earthy tone. Power is generated in part from the solar panels on the roof. They wanted the winery to “be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and to become part Mas Blanch I Jove, Gregorio Iglesias Worthington C. of nature itself.” They suceeded. Red grenache, cabernet

Mas Blanch i Jove Cellar sauvignon, tempranillo, merlot, Mas Blanch i Jove entrance. white grenache, and macabeo the trivia note that two of the pop-up stores. grapes are grown and all are original bells are still rung just For foodies, Aplec del picked by hand. The wines as they were in the 15th centu- Caragol is a snail festival that are all bottled under the name ry. The bells even have names. takes place every May. Tons “Sao,” created from the word “Monica” plays at the quarter of snails are consumed, and “sonorous,” which they say hour. “Sylvestra” plays on the there might even be a snail in Catalan means “maturity, hour. No light weights, each bell race or two. perfection, and fertile earth.” weighs some 5 tons. For more information: Lleida The elegant label always bears The tour costs 12 euros or Tourism leaves, evoking the vineyard’s about $12.80. passion for the land. Turó Seu Vella Cathedral Vineyards The winery regularly holds Now that you have had your art exhibitions and music per- Shop Till You city experience, it is time to formances. They are open on Drop in Lleida head to the country to visit Saturdays and most Sundays, several vineyards and to have but it is always best to call first.

While you are in the city, Mas Blanch I Jove you might want to check out wine tastings. the shops. After all, Lleida is a Vineyard 2: Clos Pons shopper’s paradise. The main Vineyard 1: Mas Blanch Cellar shopping area is 1.5 miles long i Jové Cellar and the Clos Pons is a boutique with more than 450 shops. And Artist’s Vineyard winery that has been family- then there are the specialty Located in Les , a owned and operated since markets. You can catch “Rambla mountainous area, Mas Blanch 1945. They specialize in pre- de Ferran” for antiques on i Jove Cellar is a small winery mium wines and olive oil. All Sundays, farmer’s markets on on the western border of the of the wines are grown, pro- Thursdays and Saturdays, and Priorat region. The winery duced, and bottled on the special crafts markets at opened in 2006 by winemakers property. Christmas time. who grew up in the business As you drive up to Clos Mercat del Pla is a fashion but wanted to add an artistic Pons, you immediately sense outlet, located in a 1920s vin- touch to the wines, the build- the family’s respect for the Clockwise from middle left: Mas Blanch i Jove; land and feeling of tradition Mas Blanch i Jove; Wine tasting and local foods tage building. Open every day, ings, the packaging, and to the at Clos Pons; Martí Magriñá i Poblet, Clos Pons the outlet is a combination of community. from the rolling vineyards to winemaker; Flavored olive oils are a specialty of Clos Pons; Clos Pons is a 100-acre winery.

56 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 57 the buildings made of stone and through the vineyards every and the church devoted to the Cellar wines; Finca Prats Hotel Golf & Spa CLOS PONS VEAL outside view; Xalet Suis restaurant owners. wood. The 100-acre winery is year. And, they make olive oil “Virgin of the Remei.” In addi- SCALLOPINE WITH MUSHROOMS located on the top of a hill, over- … extra virgin and all sorts of tion to offering wine tastings, Makes 6 servings looking the vineyards set against flavored oils like orange- they host cultural events and art the backdrop of the Pyrenees. flavored, tangerine-flavored, exhibitions. There is a restau- Thanks to the hot, dry including Tabasco-flavored. rant there, and they plan on Mediterranean climate with low A small boutique hotel of opening a hotel in the future. rainfall in the summer combined eight rooms is planned for the Castell del Remei distributes with cold winters and cold property, opening in 2018. their wine to 42 different

nights, the vineyards produce Clos Pons specializes in both countries from the grapes grown Worthington C. healthy grapes that are perfect red and white wines. They offer on the property, including for winemaking. grenache, tempranillo, cabernet merlot, cabernet sauvignon, Martí Magriñá i Poblet is sauvignon, , marselan, tempranillo, grenache, syrah, the vineyard’s winemaker who mourvedre, and reds. chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, 1 pound veal scallopine grew up in a winemaking family For whites, they make white macabeo, and pinot noir. 1 tablespoon Pons Extra from the area. grenache, albariño, macabeo, Virgin Olive Oil “My youth passion was much , and Where to Stay Salt more mathematics and physics Pedro Ximénez. Finca Prats Hotel Golf & Spa ½ cup mushrooms, is an exclusive, relaxing oasis washed, sliced than or winemaking,” If you are fortunate to have 3 onions he said. “That’s why I first lunch at Clos Pons, you might that’s perfect for a stay after 2 tomatoes tried for a physics degree at be served local meats and touring the vineyards and win- 1 small bunch parsley the University of Barcelona. cheeses, veal scallopine with eries. The 40-room-and-suite 1 cup brandy Not being entirely successful mushrooms, orelletes—fried hotel offers golf, spa services, Flour with that, I went back to my pastry—topped with tangerine- and a beautiful indoor swim- 1 cup water roots and finally got an enology flavored olive oil and fruit ming pool. Relax here and Black pepper Pons Infused Extra degree from the University of salad, drizzled with orange- enjoy the spa! Virgin Olive Oil with Tarragona.” flavored olive oil. Mushroom or Rosemary After stints working in a Where to Have Dinner Xalet Suis Saute the mushrooms with about winery in the Bordeaux region Vineyard 3: Castell del , a small family-run a tablespoon of Pons Extra Virgin of France, Mirrasou vineyards Remei Cellar restaurant, is a special place to Olive Oil. Remove and set aside. sample Spanish fare with farm- in California, , and for Dating back to 1780, the Season veal with salt and pepper. Codorníu—the cava maker in Castell del Remei Cellar offers to-table ingredients. Headed Saute the veal quickly in the Catalonia—he became the wine- the opportunity to learn more up by chef Jordi Balasch with Finca Prats Hotel Golf & Spa same pan as for mushrooms maker for Clos Pons in 2008. about the history of winemaking his two sons, Gerard and Sonia, until brown. Remove the veal and “Any winemaker’s dream is in the area as well as to taste Xalet Suis offers classical and set aside. Add the brandy and to put a small piece of land in the wines they produce. local cuisine. reduce by half while scraping up the wine universe,” he said. Here you will find appetizers brown bits from pan. Return the The tour will take you to such as the classic Iberian ham, veal to the skillet, add water and “Many spots around are able to see the old wood barrels used simmer about 3 or 4 minutes or make good wines, but our area for aging wine as well as the grilled squid and the tiny snails until the veal is tender. Return is especially singular to appear newer stainless steel tanks. Half that are a local favorite. Entrée mushrooms to the pan. Add the prominently in that universe.” of the winery is used for barrel selections include the freshest mushrooms. Season to taste with It’s clear that people have aging and the sight of almost of seafood, steaks, duck and salt and pepper. fun at Clos Pons. They have a 2,000 French and American lamb. True to its name, you can Transfer to a serving plate. Trickle wine club, allowing members barrels is spectacular. also order fondue… cheese, beef, over Pons Infused Extra Virgin to have lockers for their wines The property has some seafood and even chocolate! Olive Oil. when they come to visit. They notable buildings to tour, Top to bottom: Castell del Remei Cellar; Recipe shared by Clos Pons Winery Castell del Remei Cellar restaurant; Castell even stage a running race including the castle, the winery, del Remei Cellar church; Castell del Remei

58 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 59 C. Worthington C.

The winery began three hour and a half at the location. wine cellar in 2006, and now Wines include Finca Oli- and have a tasting of the most DAY 3: ALT centuries ago. At the end of the There is a fee of around $10 produce quality wines sold in vardots, a blend of syrah, extraordinary local ingredients EMPORDA 1990s, new techniques of for the tour and tasting. Spain and many other countries grenache, and carignan, a red at what began as an agri- On the third day of your winemaking were added along throughout Europe. Spanish and French grape; cultural cooperative in 1916. trip to Catalonia, spend it with renovations to the buildings. There, you can take a tour Gresa, a barrel-aged red; and The cooperative at one time in Alt Empordà, a county in Wine Tasting at From the first bottle of new of the vineyards where the Vd’O Col.lecció with its unique housed up to 4 million pounds Girona. Visit two wineries, Vinyes d’Olivardots wine made in 2002, they produce grapes are hand-picked at labels of gray for wines grown of grapes. Today, the renovat- have lunch at a wine growers’ The role of winemaker has over 40,000 bottles per year. time followed by a wine in the slate soil, beige in sandy ed space is a fabulous stop for cooperative, and stay in a con- long been exclusively reserved Some of the wines you will tasting. You can see their use soil, and numbering instead of tasting and buying local prod- verted farmhouse that is now for men. In fact, a study com- find there include: Oriol Blanc, of the “lyre trellis” system, names to signify the . ucts from wine and sausage to a hotel and spa. pleted only a couple of years a young white wine; Blanc dels developed back in the 80s in Vinyes d’Olivardots olive oils of all types. ago showed that only 10 Vinyes dels Aspres Aspres, an aged white wine; percent of the winemakers in France’s Bordeaux region. This Paratge Olivardots Agrobodega El Parral Oriol Rosat, a young rosé; Oriol method helps guard against Girona, Capmany, Spain 17750 Carrer Santcliment 27 The family-owned winery California were women. Negre, a young red; Negre dels mildew by using the wind, Capmany, Girona, Spain 17750 Vinyes dels Aspres is located Vinyes d’Olivardots is the Aspres, an aged ; and typical in this area, and the Left to right: David Molas winemaker, in the town of in exception to that rule with Traditional Lunch Vi de Panses, a sweet wine. sun as defenders. Vinyes del Aspres, seated; Vinyes del Aspres Alt Empordà. There, you can Carme Casacuberta, alongside and Wine Tasting in wine tasting room; Carlota Pena, Carme’s The wine tasting is held in You will learn about how Casacuberta daughter, leading a wine tour take a tour of the vineyards her grown daughter, leading Cooperativa El Parral an antique-laden dining room. they make their wines, from of Vinyes d’Olivardots; Sampling of wine and learn about the winemak- the charge. Casacuberta and Agrobodega El Parral is a produced by Olivardots winery alongside soil There is a small shop there, picking by hand and even crush- samples; Wine cellar at Olivardots; Your hosts ing process with head wine- her husband bought the estate unique opportunity to taste too. Plan to spend around an ing the grapes with their feet. at Agrobodega El Parral; View from Cooper- maker, David Molas. Olivardots in 2002, built the and buy local wines and foods ative El Parral; Agrobodega El Parral shop.

60 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 61 Where to Stay Hotel Spa Vilamont was originally an old farm house that dates back to 1800. It is located in the center of Gar- riguella in Alt Empordà. The farm house was restored six years ago but still has the same flavor of what it must have been so long ago. The small hotel has eleven rooms with private bathrooms, a spa with a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and sauna, massage

Spa Vilamont Spa Peralada de Castell and beauty services, dining, and all types of excursions and activities to explore your surroundings. Hotel Spa Vilamont Plaça de l’Església 5 Garriguella, Spain 17780

Peralada Castle. Where to Have Dinner A trip to Spain would not founder, is one of the leading be complete without having a wine and cava producers of Spain. DAY 4: ON Before you dine in the five- TO GIRONA five-star dinner in a castle. A perfect way to end your star restaurant, take a tour of Castell de Peralada, dating four-day tour of Catalonia, and the Peralada Castle Museum back to the Middle Ages and before you leave Alt Emporda, and the convent library, which located in the village of Per- is to visit to Masia Serra win- holds Mateu’s collection of some alada, fits the bill. Since the ery… gorgeous views, wonder- 80,000 books and manuscripts. time of the monks who lived ful people, excellent wine… and made wine there, the The museum houses his Me- Spa Vilamont Spa C. Worthington C. dieval and Renaissance sculp- castle has kept the tures, tapestries, paintings, Masia Serra spirit alive and today offers a Masia Serra is a family- glassware, ceramics, and more. unique spot for dining and for owned winery in Cantallops, Castell Peralada Restau- those who love casinos. Alt Empordà, a small village in rant will impress you with its When Miguel Mateu bought the foothills of Albera Massif, haute cuisine prepared by chef the Castell de Peralada in 1923, the mountain range between Xavier Sagristà who achieved his main goal was to bring back Spain and France. The views fame through his time at the its winemaking tradition. He of the vineyards and the old world-renowned elBulli restau- more than achieved his goal. olive and oak trees are ex- rant. The food is stylishly pre- Peralada today, headed up by traordinary, like an artist’s sented, using local ingredients Javier Suqué, grandson of the palette against the backdrop of from the Empordà region. Clockwise from top left: Hotel Spa Vilamont; the mountains. Peralada Castle Museum; Vilamont Hotel Castell de Peralada This is a place to come not Dining; Vilamont Hotel sauna; Vilamont Plaza del Carmen 1 Hotel pool; One of the artistic presentations only for wine tasting, but for by the chef at Castell de Peralada restaurant. Spa Vilamont Spa Vilamont Spa Peralada, Girona, Spain 17491

62 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 63 C. Worthington C. View of Masia Serra vineyards with Pyrenees as backdrop. picnicking among the vines, travelers who want to stay in and about his family. In fact, relaxing after a long bike ride one place and visit local win- he has a tattoo for each of his while sipping a glass of their eries or just relax in the tran- children. wine, and feeling the passion quil setting. “This is our project of life,” of the winemakers, Jaume As part of the tour, you will Jaume said. “We want to make Serra and Silvia Vila. see the wine cellar, including things slowly and enjoy.” Their story begins in 1961 when one oak barrel that hasn’t A visit including lunch is Jaume’s grandfather planted been empty since 1848. A around $50 per person. They vineyards on the property. Not stone patio with an outdoor ask that you call first. much was done with the vine- built-in grill is the perfect set- Masia Serra Winery yard until 1996 when Jaume and ting for lunches and parties. Dels Solés, 20 Silvia decided to make a go of The winery opens its doors for Cantallops, Spain 17708 wine production, starting with celebrations, weddings, and his grandfather’s vineyards. corporate meetings. Visit to Girona They produced 1,300 bottles. Their wines reflect their Now that you have tasted Today, they produce 45,000 passion for life and are aptly wine and sampled local food to 50,000 bottles a year: two named. “Io” is comprised of throughout the region, relaxed whites, three reds, and one letters from the Ancient Greek in the countryside, or leisurely sweet wine along with a small phrase Euoi, a Maenad shout rode bikes through vineyards, production of olive oil. of happiness. “Aroa” is dedi- you might spend your last day Jaume and Silvia exude pas- cated to their daughter. Clockwise from top left: Jaume Serra and sion for life, the winery, and “Like our daughter, who Silvia Vila, owners Masia Serra; Wine tasting for their guests. In keeping is a lovely girl, the wine has at Masia Serra with local meats and cheeses; Oak barrel that has not been empty since with their welcoming attitude, character,” Jaume said. “It is 1848; Masia Serra small cottage for vaca- their life plan includes adding elegant and has character.” tioning visitors is a perfect spot for cyclists who want to explore the area and have a several guest rooms with pools, There is no doubt that Jaume home base in the country; Masia Serra making it a perfect spot for is passionate about wine making outdoor grilled steak lunch. C. Worthington C.

64 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 65 in Girona, one of the major old buildings. cities of Catalonia. • Go shopping at the Rambla Located in the autonomous de la Libertad, the outdoor community of the same name, market area dating back to the Girona is quite cosmopolitan 13th century and stretching along and the perfect spot for shop- the Onyar River. Low ceilings ping, sampling local foods in and arches make this market charming but hip restaurants, area symbolic of Girona. and for cultural experiences. Like a Mondrian painting, The Lioness’ Bottom— the colorful buildings on each side of the Onyar River shim- Girona, Spain “No pot ser veí de Girona mer in the water and provide qui no faci un petó al cul de a romantic backdrop for stroll- la lleona,” meaning, “You can’t ing along the banks and over be a resident of Girona until the bridges. you’ve kissed the backside of Girona has a population the lioness.” of over 97,000, is home to the Head over to Plaça de Sant University of Girona, and a Fèliu to see people getting popular tourist destination. A really silly as they climb up number of notable professional several steep steps to, yes, kiss American cyclists have made Worthington C. the buttocks of a stone lion. Girona their winter training Lore has it that nearby was home thanks to the good cli- the Lioness Hostel, which had mate, food, and atmosphere. a lioness climbing a column

on a wall. The hostel encour- Here’s a sampling of aged people to come by and things to do in Girona: tap the rear end of the statue. • Stroll along the river that The hostel closed, and the separates the historic center statue was moved to its current from the commercial side. location. Apparently, this • Visit the Cathedral in the statue is a copy, with the original Romanesque style, built one resting in Girona’s Museum between the 11th and 18th of Art. So, before you leave Girona, centuries. do kiss the posterior of the lion • See the 12th century Roman to ensure you will definitely baths. be coming back! • Discover where the Game of Thrones was filmed. Take a To learn more about Girona: Game of Thrones self-guided Official website of Girona walking tour. Tourism Clockwise from top left: Girona, Spain; • Go back through 600 years Visit where Game of Thrones was filmed; Girona’s famous stone lioness ready for of time in the Jewish Quarter, a kiss; Sample the breads and pastries of a maze of narrow streets and Girona at one of the many shops there.

66 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET SPRING/SUMMER 2017 SPRING/SUMMER 2017 WWW.HEALTHYAGING.NET 67 THE 26 WINE ROUTES OF SPAIN Enoturisme PENEDÈS

The Alicante Wine Route The Lleida – Costers The Alavesa Wine Route rutadelvinodealicante.com del Segre Wine Route rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com/en/ rutadelvidelleida.com The Arlanza Wine Route The Rioja Alta Wine Route rutadelvinoarlanza.com The Jumilla Wine Route rutasdelvinorioja.com/en/ rutadelvinojumilla.com/ The El Bierzo The Serranía de Ronda Enotourism Wine Route The Marco de Jerez Wine Wineries and Wines Route bierzoenoturismo.com and Brandy Route ruta-vinos-ronda.com/ rutadeljerezybrandy.es/es/ The Wine Route The Rueda Wine Route rvbullas.es/rutadelvino/ The Montilla – Moriles Wine Route rutadelvinoderueda.com/en/ rutadelvinomontillamoriles.com/en/ The Calatayud Wine Route The Wine Route rutadelvinocalatayud.com/ The Navarra Wine Route rutadelvinosomontano.com rutadelvinodenavarra.com/en/ The Campo de The de Cariñena Wine Route The Penedès Wine Route Aiaraldea Wine Route rutadelvinocampodecarinena.com enoturismepenedes.cat/en aiaraldea.org/en/discover-the- valley/txakoli-route The Wine Route The Rías Baixas Wine Route rutadelvinocigales.com/en/ rutadelvinoriasbaixas.com/en The Vino de Utiel – Requena Wine Route The Empordà Wine Route The Wine Route en.rutavino.com/ ca.costabrava.org/que-fer/ riberate.com enogastronomia/ruta-del-vi The Yecla Wine Route The Ribera del rutadelvinoyecla.com The Garnacha – Campo Guadiana Wine Route de Borja Wine Route rutadelvinoriberadelduero.es/en/ rutadelvinocigales.com/en/

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