Girona isn’t just a charming medieval city; it’s a fantastic base for exploring Catalonia’s renowned wine country. The region offers a surprising variety of ways to enjoy its vinous delights—whether from a bird’s-eye view in a hot air balloon or on foot through historic streets and vineyards. One standout experience is the Hot Air Balloon with Champagne, which combines the thrill of flying with a luxurious breakfast and bubbly toast, perfect for celebrating a special occasion. We love this because it turns a scenic flight into a memorable adventure with included photos and a flight certificate.
Another favorite is the Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip, which mixes seaside exploring with wine tasting in a small-group setting. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed day that covers both culture and connoisseurship, with visits to local cellars and Salvador Dalí’s house. Lastly, the Girona: Local Wineries Tour offers a deeper dive into Catalonian wine production with visits to two distinct wineries and a traditional breakfast, perfect for those eager to understand regional winemaking.
These tours reflect the diversity of Girona’s wine experiences—from soaring above vineyards to tasting in historic cellars—and cater to different interests and schedules. Now, let’s explore each one in detail to help you decide which suits your trip best.
1. Hot Air Balloon with Champagne, Optional Photos, Video & Breakfast
At number one on our list, this hot air balloon experience offers a breathtaking view of Catalonia’s countryside, departing from Vic. It’s about an hour of floating above fields and mountains, including spectacular sights of the Pyrenees and Montseny. What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of a Champagne toast, a restaurant breakfast, and a USB flash drive with photos of your flight—perfect for sharing your adventure later. The round-trip transport from Girona’s city center makes it comfortable, and the small group size ensures a personal touch.
This tour is ideal if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience that mixes adventure with luxury. The reviews reflect its popularity, with many celebrating the “beautiful and smooth” flight, and appreciation for the guide’s clear explanations in English. It’s particularly suited for celebrating special occasions or for those curious about aerial views of Catalonia. The main consideration is the price—around $434 per person—but it’s an all-inclusive, memorable way to see the region from above.
Bottom Line: If soaring over vineyards and mountains sounds irresistible, this hot air balloon ride combines stunning scenery, a celebratory toast, and keepsake photos in a way few other tours can match.
2. Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip
At number two, this full-day trip offers a relaxed exploration of the seaside town of Cadaqués and its local wines. Departing from Girona, you’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle while your guide shares insights into the area’s rich history and culture. The highlight is visiting a local cellar where you walk through vineyards and learn about regional grape-growing—an immersive experience that lasts about 90 minutes. Following this, you’ll explore Cadaqués’ Old Town, seeing its iconic church and sampling local sweets, then enjoy free time for lunch and wandering.
Optionally, you can visit Salvador Dalí’s house-museum, a short drive away, to see where the artist lived and painted. The tour offers a good balance of tasting, sightseeing, and cultural insight. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a taste of both the coast and local wine without the full commitment of a multi-day tour. The reviews mention the “focused attention” of a small group, with one noting the walkthrough vineyards and history made the experience more meaningful.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an engaging and scenic day that balances wine, history, and coastal charm—ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive yet manageable day trip from Girona.
3. Girona: Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting
Number three is the Girona: Local Wineries Tour, which delves into Catalonia’s winemaking with visits to two distinguished wineries nearby. Starting early at a centrally located spot in Girona, the tour includes a local breakfast of cheese and sausages before heading out. You visit Empordalia’s Celler de Vilajuïga, where you taste multiple regional wines and learn about traditional and modern production methods. Then, a second stop at Terra Remota allows for more tastings and a guided tour, making the experience both educational and flavorful.
This tour’s value lies in the focus on regional wine techniques—from classic methods to innovative approaches—and the opportunity to taste around 15 different wines. Its reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and the quality of the first stop, where six wines are sampled alongside breakfast. However, some mention the second winery being more about art collection than wine, and one reviewer experienced a billing issue. It’s best suited for those who want a deep dive into Catalonia’s wine scene without leaving Girona.
Bottom Line: For wine enthusiasts eager to learn about local production techniques and sample a good variety of wines, this tour offers a rich, satisfying experience.
4. Empordà: Visit Celler La Vinyeta with Wine Tasting
While details about ratings and duration are limited, this tour focuses on visiting La Vinyeta, a family-run winery in the Empordà region. You’ll stroll among vineyards and centuries-old olive trees, absorbing the essence of old-world winemaking. The tour emphasizes the story of Josep and Marta, young winemakers passionate about their craft, and the chance to see how wine and olive oil are produced on site. It offers a chance to connect with the land and understand authentic Catalan winemaking traditions.
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting an intimate, relaxed visit that emphasizes local heritage and craftsmanship over large-scale production. Its main appeal is the authenticity and passion of the young vineyard owners, which shines through in the tour. However, because it’s a shorter tour (about 100 minutes), it’s more suited for those with limited time or a particular interest in small-scale wineries.
Bottom Line: If you want an authentic, personal winery visit that highlights Catalonia’s agricultural roots, La Vinyeta offers a memorable taste of local life.
5. Pals: Visit the Mas Geli Winery with a Wine Tasting
Rounding out our list, the Mas Geli Winery visit is a short, scenic experience perfect for wine lovers who enjoy guided vineyard tours and tastings with panoramic views. You’ll learn about the sustainable practices used at Mas Geli and explore native varieties that thrive in the landscape. The highlight is tasting four wines paired with local artisan cheeses on their terrace offering sweeping views of Baix Empordà.
This experience is best for those with limited time who want a quick but authentic taste of Catalonia’s wine scene. Its relaxed pace and picturesque setting make it ideal for couples or small groups seeking a laid-back, scenic experience. Reviews often note the informative tour and beautiful setting, making it a charming, intimate winery visit.
Bottom Line: For a short, scenic wine tasting combined with a focus on sustainability and local cheeses, this tour offers a lovely conclusion to a Girona wine day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Girona Wine Tour
When selecting a wine experience in Girona, consider your priorities: do you want a high-adrenaline adventure with panoramic views? The Hot Air Balloon with Champagne is perfect. If you prefer a combination of coastal charm and wine tasting, the Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip offers a scenic, cultural day. For deeper insights into local winemaking techniques, the Girona: Local Wineries Tour provides a substantial tasting experience. If you’re after an authentic, small-scale winery visit, La Vinyeta in the Empordà or Mas Geli in Pals deliver intimate insights and beautiful settings.
Budget, time, and your interest in adventure or education will guide your choice. Book early—these tours are popular, especially in good weather—and check availability in advance.
Final Thoughts
From soaring above vineyards in a hot air balloon to intimate visits to family-run wineries, Girona offers a variety of ways to enjoy its wine country. The hot air balloon tour is perfect for celebration or adventure, while the full-day seaside and wine trip blends culture, history, and relaxation. For those seeking a more in-depth look at regional winemaking, the local wineries tour or visits to La Vinyeta and Mas Geli provide authentic, memorable experiences.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, these tours will give you a taste of Catalonia’s rich wine tradition. Remember to book early, especially in peak season, and enjoy every sip of your Girona wine adventure.
