The family owned winery on the outskirts of Òdena (Igualada) has been thriving since the 13th Century. Now known as Mas Macia, its name has changed several times over the years while being passed from generation to generation of nephews and sons. However the value and appreciation of its heritage has not withered in the slightest which is evident by the continual use of the old cellars and the preservation of the original country house.
The property spans over 200 hectares with the use of 35 hectares of vineyard, the family enjoys the advantages of having these vines grown close and this means a quick delivery to the cellars.
It was in the late 1920´s that the history of Cava first began at this winery. Originally it was produced and sold only in the local region but its success grew from there and as it has since been passed through the family and subject to the innovation of the winemakers along the way. It is now the key to their success, producing over 600,000 bottles a year with 90% of these being exported.
The underground cellar built in 1547 still to this day functions as the place for these Cavas to undergo the fermentation period required to produce the high quality Reservas and Gran Reservas. The impressive hand built cellar with its interconnecting tunnels holding 60,000 bottles each is incredible to walk through. You can appreciate the work that must have been put into such a system, un-phased by the years, apart from some spider webs hanging from the corners and the damp puddles in the path.
A treat for visiting tourists is the interactive activity set up where they can not only see how a Cava was produced by the ancestors of this family but they can create their own, cork, label and all to take home as a souvenir. Another truly unique experience is the insight into typical Catalan life from another time. The house in its very design tells a story of the lifestyle lived. In the centre of the house is a large open space where animals would be herded through. The bedrooms are to the side of the first floor, where it could be kept the warmest and the third floor is used for grinding cereals. Beyond this, the house is filled with pieces of intrigue from the dowry cases of the girls of the family to the enormous dinner set with each piece individually hand crafted.
Beyond just another visit on the wine trail, Mas Macia presents the perfect setting for a holistic Catalan experience. Whether it’s a tasting of their Cava stood around a wine barrel in the front garden, or for those visiting in the summer, they can be treated to a show of traditional Catalan dances.
