An afternoon of grape stomping and wine drinking at La Vinyeta

Winery tours come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you may end up with a guide focused on facts and figures, other times you may get to do a fun tasting paired with cheeses, but if you are really lucky you’ll end up at La Vinyeta where the owner, Josep, will give you a bucket and a pair of scissors, set you loose in the vineyard, and then ask you to kick off your shoes so you can join in the grape stomping. How’s that for an introduction to wine making?

A quick history of La Vinyeta

La Vinyeta was one of the many stops on my quick whirlwind tour of Costa Brava, but it’s the place I remember most fondly. For starters, this vineyard has a pretty cool story. After all, it’s not every day you get to meet Josep and Marta, a young couple who self admittedly “knew nothing about wine” yet decided to take a risk, follow a dream, and buy a vineyard. Talk about taking the plunge!

It all began when Josep’s father was approached by an older gentleman looking to sell his vineyard. This gentleman had no children of his own and the work was getting to be a little too much for him. Josep and Marta who were studying agricultural engineering at the time decided to take the leap and see if they could put some of their classroom knowledge into action. Their only condition was that if they bought the vineyard, the gentleman would have to teach them everything he knew about making wine, and so, La Vinyeta was born!

The art of grape stomping

We arrived in La Vinyeta towards the end of the grape harvest season, so there were still a few grapes on the vines and Josep was quick to put us to work. After a quick tour of the grounds – aside from wine, La Vinyeta also produces its own eggs, olives, and honey! – Josep handed us each a large bucket and a pair of scissors and left us to our own devices.

Now confession time, while half of our group was diligently filling up their buckets, I had a taste of the grapes which were sweet and ripe to perfection, and I may have spent a little more time snacking than I did grape picking! But I made up for it soon after, because once everyone had dumped a few bucketloads of grapes into a larger vat, it was time to move on to the main event: grape stomping.

I don’t think any of us were expecting this as part of the wine tour, nor had we dressed for it, but when in Spain… We all took off our shoes, hopped inside the wooden vats, and began stomping in between bouts of laughter. Oh, and because this is Catalunya, we had to don traditional Catalan outfits, so we were each handed a slouchy red hat and a belt to complete the look.

Once the grape skins had been crushed and the juices released, we emptied our vats into a press, and then filled up a few glasses with the fresh squeezed grape juice. Yes, that’s the same juice that everyone’s feet had been in, but that’s how we roll.

A casual wine tasting among friends

As you can imagine, after all that grape picking and grape stomping, we were starting to feel a little peckish, which is why I was thrilled when I learned that we still had a wine tasting ahead paired with local meats and cheeses. I really liked that this was a casual tasting with a mix of white and red wines available, but it wasn’t a guided tasting where we were methodically smelling and examining the colours; we were just drinking wine, enjoying the conversation, sampling the platters laid out before us and it was wonderful!

Visiting La Vinyeta

My afternoon in La Vinyeta was one of the highlights of my trip to Costa Brava and I’d recommend it in a second – especially if you’re there around harvest time. For anyone looking to visit, La Vinyeta is located in Mollet de Peralada, which is just 1 hour north of Girona, quite close to the border with France. They offer wine tours and tastings, picnics under the olive groves, as well as overnight stays. Just be sure to arrange your visit in advance by sending them an email through the contact form.

Do you do vineyard tours when you travel?
What’s been your favourite experience so far?

This post was brought to you as a result of the #EuroFoodTrip campaign, created and managed by iambassador in partnership with Costa Brava & Girona Pyrenees and Emilia Romagna Tourism. As always, I retain full editorial control of everything published. 

Plan Your Own Grape-Stomping Day at La Vinyeta (Empordà, Costa Brava)

Where Is La Vinyeta & How to Get There

La Vinyeta sits in the low, sun-splashed foothills of the Empordà wine region, not far from the French border and about an hour north of Girona.

Distances (approximate):

• Girona → La Vinyeta: 55–65 minutes by car (A-2/C-31)
• Figueres (Dalí Museum!) → La Vinyeta: 20–25 minutes by car
• Cadaqués / Cap de Creus → La Vinyeta: 55–70 minutes by car (curvy coastal roads but oh the views!)
• Barcelona → La Vinyeta: 1h45–2h15 by car (AP-7 tolls save time)

Getting There: What Actually Works

• By car: Easiest and most flexible. There’s on-site parking and you can hop between villages afterward.
• By train + taxi: Train to Figueres or Figueres-Vilafant (high-speed), then a 20–25 minute taxi. Helpful if you’re tasting (no designated driver needed).
• By private driver/guide: Great for small groups and anyone who wants a Dalí + winery day without logistics.

Transport Cheat Sheet

When to Visit: Harvest Fun vs. Year-Round Goodness

Harvest (“la verema” in Catalan) typically runs late August to early October. That’s prime time for grape picking and—if you’re lucky—stomping. Outside harvest, La Vinyeta still shines with tastings, picnics under the olive trees, and golden-light strolls.

Season by Season

What Experiences Does La Vinyeta Offer?

They’re wonderfully creative, so offers evolve—think classic tours, harvest days, picnics, olive grove brunches, even overnights. Expect small groups and a personal feel.

Side-by-Side: Typical Experiences

What to Wear & Bring (Harvest + Any Season)

Harvest / Stomping Essentials

• Clothes you don’t mind staining (grapes = glorious purple polka dots)
• Shorts or rolled-up trousers; quick-dry fabrics win
• Wipeable sandals or trainers for the vineyard; barefoot or sanitized boots for vats (they’ll brief you)
• Small towel + wet wipes
• Hair tie/hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses

Year-Round Add-Ons

• Light layer (Mediterranean breezes)
• Reusable water bottle
• Cash/card for wine purchases
• Trunk space / wine sleeves if you’re driving
• Curiosity. Always.

Grape Stomping 101 (How It Usually Goes)

1. Briefing: You’ll get the what/why/how and a hygiene talk. (Feet washed, vats sanitized, monitored process.)
2. Harvesting: Snip clusters into buckets—sweet calories included.
3. Stomping: Into the vats! Rhythm helps; so does laughter. (Traditional Catalan hats optional but recommended for joy.)
4. Pressing/Tasting: The vivid most (fresh grape juice) is poured and sampled.
5. Tasting Flight: Swirl, sniff, sip (or spit) through whites, rosés, reds—and an olive oil if you’re lucky.

Meet Empordà in Your Glass (Tasting Notes & Easy Pairings)

Empordà is where mountains meet sea breezes, giving wines freshness and character.

Red Grapes You’ll Meet

• Garnatxa (Grenache): Plush red fruit, gentle spices. Pair with: roasted peppers, charcuterie, grilled lamb.
• Carinyena (Cariñena/Samsó): Structure, dark berries, Mediterranean herbs. Pair with: sausages, aged cheeses, tomatoey stews.
• Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon: Spice and structure in blends.

White Grapes You’ll Meet

• Garnatxa Blanca: Stone fruit + saline twang. Pair with: shrimp, paella, soft goat cheeses.
• Macabeu & Xarel·lo: Citrus, apple, fennel. Pair with: olives, anchovies, fried fish.
• Moscatell: Floral, grapey loveliness for aperitif or dessert.

Olive Oil Cameo: La Vinyeta’s olive oil is liquid sunshine. Drizzle with sea salt and bread and count your blessings.

Picnic Under the Olive Trees: Make It a Moment

La Vinyeta can arrange picnic baskets (check when booking). If you’re DIY-ing, hit a village market en route:

• Cheeses: Garrotxa goat’s cheese, aged Manchego
• Cured meats: Fuet, llonganissa, jamón serrano
• Veggie loves: Marinated artichokes, escalivada (roasted peppers & eggplant)
• Carbs: Rustic bread or coca flatbread
• Sweet: Torta de cabello de ángel, fig cake
• Bottle: Rosé or chilled white for warm days; lighter red for cooler evenings

Bring a blanket, reusable cups/plates, and leave zero trace.

Make It a Weekend: Nearby Stops You’ll Love

• Figueres: Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum (surrealist brain tickle)
• Peralada: Castle, wine museum, summer festival nights
• Cadaqués & Cap de Creus: Whitewashed lanes, rocky coves, painterly light
• Besalú: Medieval bridge straight from a storybook
• Aiguamolls de l’Empordà: Wetlands, birdwatching, slow strolls
• Collioure (France): Pastel harbor, Fauvist art trail (passport packed? pop over!)

Family-Friendly & Accessibility Notes

• Kids: Welcome on most tours; give them a grape-snipping job and a cup of most. Running among vines = no; supervised exploring = yes.
• Accessibility: Tastings and some paths are flat; vineyards can be uneven. Let the team know your needs when booking—they’re accommodating and creative.

Travel Kindly (Sustainability at Heart)

La Vinyeta grows more than grapes—think eggs, olives, honey—and they champion low-waste, local cycles. You can help:

• Use spittoons (taste more, drive safer)
• Bring a reusable bottle; refill on site
• Keep to marked paths; vines are livelihoods
• Buy direct—short supply chains = happy planet
• Pack out picnic waste, always

Sample Itineraries You Can Consider

Half-Day from Girona

• 09:30 Drive north via charming back roads
• 10:45 La Vinyeta tour + tasting
• 12:30 Picnic under olives (pre-book)
• 14:00 Quick stop in Peralada or straight back to Girona gelato

Full-Day from Barcelona

• 08:00 Depart (coffee to go)
• 10:00 Dalí Museum (pre-book morning slot)
• 12:30 Lunch in Figueres (menu del día)
• 14:00 La Vinyeta tour/tasting
• 16:30 Cadaqués coastal wander
• 19:30 Back to Barcelona with a car full of clinking memories

Harvest-Day Template

• 09:30 Arrival, briefing, vineyard intro
• 10:00 Grape picking & stomping (if running)
• 11:30 Fresh must tasting + light snack
• 12:00 Cellar tour + wine flight
• 13:30 Lazy olive-grove lunch (because you’ve earned it)

Handy Words & Phrases (Catalan + Spanish)

• Bon dia / Buenos días – Good morning
• Gràcies / Gracias – Thank you
• Si us plau / Por favor – Please
• Vi / Vino – Wine
• Most – Fresh grape juice (unfermented)
• Verema – Harvest
• Tast / Cata – Tasting
• Oli d’oliva / Aceite de oliva – Olive oil
• Sense alcohol / Sin alcohol – Without alcohol
• On és…? / ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?

Cost Snapshot & Booking Tips

• Tours & tastings: Expect €€–€€€ depending on length, add-ons, and season
• Picnic baskets: Usually €€ (serves two; confirm contents)
• Bottles to bring home: Excellent value; pack wine sleeves or ask about shipping
• Booking: Essential in harvest season and weekends. Use the contact form; share group size, language, date, and if you’re hoping to stomp

Quick Checklists (Screenshot-and-Go)

Packing

• ☐ Clothes that can stain (harvest)
• ☐ Closed-toe shoes for fields + sandals for stomping
• ☐ Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• ☐ Reusable water bottle
• ☐ Tissues/wet wipes + mini towel
• ☐ Trunk space/wine sleeves
• ☐ ID + payment method

Vineyard Etiquette

• ☐ Clip, don’t yank—protect vines
• ☐ Ask before picking “just one more” row
• ☐ Keep voices down near other groups
• ☐ Use spittoons if driving
• ☐ Leave no trace (picnic heroes tidy)

FAQ: La Vinyeta, Grape Stomping & Empordà Wine

Is grape stomping available year-round?

Grape stomping is a harvest-only activity and even then it depends on ripeness, weather and winery schedules. If stomping is non-negotiable for you, aim for September and mention it when booking so the team can advise on the best date.

Is stomping hygienic…like, are we drinking foot juice?

Wineries follow strict hygiene protocols (clean feet, sanitized vats, supervised process). The fresh must you taste is a learning experience and not necessarily destined for bottled wine. If you’d rather not taste, simply enjoy the stomp and save your palate for the flight in the tasting room.

Can children join the tour or stomp?

Yes—La Vinyeta is family-friendly. Kids usually love harvesting and sampling most (fresh grape juice). Stomping for little feet is at staff discretion and always supervised; let them know your children’s ages when you book.

I don’t drink alcohol. Is it still worth visiting?

Absolutely. You’ll enjoy the farm-to-table feel, olive oil tastings, fresh most in harvest season, picnics, and a relaxed countryside day. Just tell your host you prefer non-alcoholic options so they can tailor the tasting.

What’s the best month to visit La Vinyeta?

For stomping: September (sometimes late August/early October). For picnics and golden light without heat: May–June or September–October. Winter brings cozy cellar vibes and fewer people.

How long should I allow for a visit?

Plan 2–3 hours for a tour + tasting, longer if you’re picnicking. If you’re stacking villages, beaches or the Dalí Museum in the same day, give yourself a full day and breathe between stops.

Can I buy and ship wine home?

You can purchase bottles on site (best prices, freshest stock). Shipping depends on destination country rules; the team can advise on EU shipments and packing options. If you’re flying, ask about travel-safe boxes.

Is La Vinyeta accessible without a car?

Yes—but it’s a two-step: train to Figueres/Figueres-Vilafant and then taxi. If you’re planning multiple rural stops, a private driver or self-drive is easiest.

What should I wear for stomping and harvesting?

Think comfortable, washable, and stain-friendly. Shorts/rolled trousers, quick-dry tops, a hat, and closed-toe shoes for the vineyard. For the stomp, you’ll go barefoot or use sanitized footwear provided/approved on site.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. This is a small, working winery and experiences are capped for quality. Harvest dates, picnics and sunsets sell out. Book as soon as your travel dates are firm and reconfirm a day or two before.

Are there vegetarian/vegan tasting options?

Yes—just mention it when booking. The region is great for veggie tapas: escalivada, olives, tomato bread, grilled veggies, local cheeses (vegetarian) and more. Vegan options can likely be arranged with notice.

Can I combine La Vinyeta with another winery the same day?

Definitely. Empordà is compact and delicious. Two tastings in a day is doable—just stagger them (late morning + late afternoon), add a leisurely lunch, and either use a driver or spit during tastings if you’re behind the wheel.