Cava and Barcelona hotels
W Hotel, Barcelona
(Pictured above) Plenty to choose from in Barcelona at every price level. But the W, amid the smart restaurants and showy nightlife of the old port, is a luxury treat. www.w-barcelona.com
Hotel Casa Torner i Güell, Vilafranca del Penedès
Luxury bed & breakfast in the heart of cava country. www.casatorneriguell.com
Hotel Platjador, Sitges
Very central three-star hotel, just across the road from the beach; small pool. A great tourist destination, Sitges is very busy in the summer – be prepared for crowds. www.en.hotelsitges.com
Loft Rural Les Orenetes
Rural ‘agriturismo’ retreat in a converted bodega. Sleeps 11. Walking, cycling, wine tasting, plus a farm with produce to enjoy. www.casaruralorenetes.cat
Mas Palou
Agriturismo offering two beautifully restored cottages, close to Sant’Sadurní d’Anoia. www.maspalou.com
Cava and Barcelona restaurants
Casa Hidalgo, Sitges
Just by the waterside, in the old town. Ideal place to enjoy seafood and good local cooking. www.casahidalgo.es
El Peixet, Cubelles
Super-fresh fish and seafood, caught by the owner’s uncle. Unpretentious, served by the beach. Passeig Marítim 18, 08880 Cubelles
Monvinic, Barcelona
The ideal place to start or finish your trip. Extensive wine selection; owner Sergi Ferrer-Salat is a partner in the Priorat winery Ferrer-Bobet. Head sommelier Antonio Giuliodori and his team will guide you through its list of cavas. www.monvinic.com
L’Anima, Vilanova i la Geltru
A recent opening, with honest, modern cooking and a varied wine list. www.lanima.cat
La Cava d’en Sergi, Sant’ Sadurní d’Anoia
Creative cooking, with a selection of interesting tasting menus. www.lacavadensergi.com
La Salseta, Sitges
Catalan cooking in the old town, with many local organic ingredients, and always a selection of vegetarian dishes. www.lasalseta.com
Restaurante Cal Ton, Vilafranca del Penedès
Local ingredients, from the sea and the land, with an elegant edge. www.restaurantcalton.com
Sant Paul d’Ordal
This is a small town that’s committed to eating well. Expect to find good local, traditional recipes here. Try: Cal Pere del Maset; Cal Xim; Cal Saldoni; Cantallops
Cava and Barcelona Shops
Perbacco, Sitges
An excellent, small vinoteca located in the middle of Sitges, boasting a great wine list. C/Sant Gaudenci 5, Sitges. Tel: +34 938 11 22 09
Markets
An early morning visit to a town market is my mainstay on any trip to Spain. It’s a feast for the eyes, and there’s usually something tempting to buy. Vilafranca del Penedès is particularly good, with daily fresh produce markets, especially on Saturday. Come early and eat breakfast in the marketplace.
