Under the Catalan sun we stood, as the February sun cast shadows upon the rows upon rows of wine bottles. We had come to explore behind the cellar door at Padró & Co. Vermouth. But first, let me share a few of those shadow photos before I take you behind the cellar door on our #winelover Costa Daurada Padró & Co. outing.
Visitors to Costa Daurada should know that is well worth taking the time to discover what is behind the cellar door at Padró & Co. It was a great introduction to Vermouth for me. This #winelover would like to thank our host Sinisa Curavic, SweetEasy and the sponsors of this Costa Daurada #Winelover 6th Anniversary event. The organization was truly outstanding. I invite you to join me in my explorations of Costa Daurada and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
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| #Winelovers Casting Shadows, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Winelover Shadows, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
Behind the Cellar Door
It was mid-day when we arrived in Bráfim, Tarragona. The daylight was just perfect as we walked down the street towards the winery entrance. Without doubt it was a beautiful February day.
The stunning colors of the buildings on that day certainly caught my attention.
I stood there in anticipation, as the mystery behind the cellar door was about to be shared.
Taking a look behind a closed door has never ceased to amaze me. My past experiences have taught that there is much beauty behind a wall.
Once the cellar door opened it was time to take a look around.
The sights behind the wall are always exciting for me.
We gathered in the courtyard to be greeted by our hosts.
Before the winery tour began, we were offered a welcoming glass of Vermouth.
I managed to catch two of my #winelover friends tasting a white Vermouth.
After the tour we tasted both white and red Vermouth wines. I found myself preferring the dry white and bitter red Vermouth wines.
Touring a Vermouth Winery
Our tour began in the outdoor barrel area.
I could not stop looking around. While I have visited many wineries throughout the world, this was Spaswinefood's first visit to a Vermouth winery. There was, and still is, so much for me to learn about the making of Vermouth.
The details of how Vermouth is made was shared during our tour. Briefly, Vermouth is made by a unique infusion of aromatic herbs, then aged in barrels before bottling (for more info see Wine Folly). Some of the herbs from all over the world that are used by Padró & Co. were on display.
Amongst the aromatic herbs I spotted was ground cardamon from Guatemala.
Next, some aromatic herbs were on display for us to smell.
I also smelled the aromas from the orange peels hung to dry.
Further on, there were many infusions made with the aromatic herbs.
There was a still on display.
Besides viewing the displays of how the Vermouth is made, the history of the winery was also posted on the walls.
While the historical photos got my attention, I have since learned that the Padró family started winemaking in 1866 in Bráfim, Tarragona. During the second generation the family expanded its operations, moving to a larger premise at the present winery site. They also added buildings and a warehouse. The third and fourth generation continued to make changes in the overall operation at the winery over time. Today, the fifth generation, continues to follow their ancestors philosophy while utilizing modern winemaking processes and technology.
While touring the winery I did take a peek out the window.
After the tour we returned to the courtyard for a mid-day snack and to continue the vermouth tasting.
It was mid-day when we arrived in Bráfim, Tarragona. The daylight was just perfect as we walked down the street towards the winery entrance. Without doubt it was a beautiful February day.
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| #Winelovers, Bráfim, Tarragona © Spaswinefood |
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| Behind the Cellar Door, Bráfim © Spaswinefood |
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| Cellar Door, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers at the Door, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| First Look, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Further On, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Looking Back, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Table Waiting, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Arrival, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Welcome to Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Vermouth Tasting, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Vermouth, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| White & Red Vermouth © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Padró & Co. Wine Barrels © Spaswinefood |
Our tour began in the outdoor barrel area.
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| Overview of Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Discovering Vermouth at Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Aromatic Herbs, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Cardamon from Guatemala, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
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| Display of Aromatic Herbs © Spaswinefood |
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| Orange Peel Drying © Spaswinefood |
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| Infusions © Spaswinefood |
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| Still, Infusions and Photos © Spaswinefood |
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| #Winelovers on Tour, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood |
While touring the winery I did take a peek out the window.
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| Through the Window © Spaswinefood |
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| Padró & Co. Courtyard © Spaswinefood |
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