Oller del Mas

Description

Oller del Mas stands as one of Catalonia's most remarkable wine estates, combining centuries-old winemaking tradition with modern luxury. This stunning 1000-acre property centers around a 10th-century castle that's been lovingly preserved by the same family for generations. I've visited countless wineries across Spain, but there's something special about how this place manages to blend historical charm with contemporary offerings. The estate produces exceptional organic wines from local grape varieties, with their Merlot and Picapoll particularly standing out. But what really sets Oller del Mas apart is how it's evolved beyond just wine - it's become a complete destination. The 18-hole golf course winds through ancient olive groves and vineyards, offering some of the most scenic rounds I've ever played.

Key Features

• 10th-century castle serving as the estate's centerpiece • State-of-the-art wine cellar with guided tasting experiences • 18-hole golf course integrated into the vineyard landscape • Fine dining restaurant featuring seasonal Catalan cuisine • Organic vineyard producing distinctive regional wines • Historic wine caves dating back several centuries • Panoramic terrace overlooking Montserrat mountain • Professional golf academy and practice facilities • Multiple event spaces for weddings and corporate gatherings • Interactive wine workshops and blending sessions

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, September through October is absolutely magical at Oller del Mas. That's harvest season, and you can actually watch the grape picking in action - sometimes they even let visitors join in! The weather's perfect too, with warm days and cool evenings that are ideal for outdoor wine tastings. Spring (April-May) brings stunning wildflowers throughout the vineyard and comfortable temperatures for golfing. Summer months can get pretty toasty, but that's when the evening wine tastings on the terrace are especially memorable. Winter visits have their own charm - the castle looks amazing against the crisp blue skies, and you'll find smaller crowds during wine tours.

How to Get There

Getting to Oller del Mas is pretty straightforward, especially if you're coming from Barcelona. You can catch a train from Barcelona's Plaça España station to Manresa (about an hour ride), then grab a quick taxi to the estate. But honestly, I'd recommend driving - it's about an hour by car from Barcelona, and having your own wheels gives you more flexibility to explore the surrounding area. If you're already staying in Manresa, local taxis are familiar with the estate and can get you there in about 10 minutes. Just make sure to book your visit in advance - they're pretty popular, especially during peak season, and some activities like wine tastings need to be reserved ahead of time.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I learned some of these the hard way, so let me save you some trouble! First off, definitely book your wine tasting or golf time in advance - especially if you're planning a weekend visit. The premium tasting with the castle tour is totally worth the extra euros - you get access to areas that aren't included in the basic tour. Bring a light jacket, even in summer. The wine cellars stay cool year-round, and evening temperatures can drop surprisingly quick. If you're planning to golf, morning tee times offer the best lighting for those Instagram-worthy shots with Montserrat mountain in the background. The restaurant can get pretty busy during peak lunch hours (2-4 PM, Spanish style). I'd suggest either booking an early lunch at 1 PM or coming later around 4 PM for a more relaxed experience. Oh, and don't forget to try their olive oil - they produce small batches that aren't available anywhere else. If you're into photography, the golden hour just before sunset creates amazing lighting around the castle and vineyards. And here's a local secret: ask about their limited-production cava - they don't always mention it on regular tours, but it's fantastic. Remember to wear comfortable shoes - the terrain can be uneven in parts of the vineyard, and you'll do quite a bit of walking during tours. And while they do accept cards, having some cash handy for small purchases in the wine shop isn't a bad idea. Lastly, if you're really interested in the winemaking process, time your visit for mid-week when things are quieter - the staff usually has more time to answer questions and share their passion for wine-making. Trust me, their enthusiasm is contagious!