Nestled in the forested hills of D.O. Pla de Bages, Bodegas Abadal is not your average winery. Surrounded by oak, pine, wild herbs and honeybees, its vineyards thrive in a landscape where biodiversity and bold winemaking go hand in hand.

Pla de Bages remains one of Spain’s most captivating hidden gems. Here, vineyards are not simply rows of vines. They’re part of a wilder ecosystem, cradled by forest, laced with thyme and rosemary and alive with butterflies, bees and birdsong. At the forefront of this remarkable setting is Abadal, a family-run estate crafting wines deeply rooted in nature, heritage and innovation.

What makes Abadal truly unique isn’t just the landscape their vines grow in, but how they grow them. Their vineyards are managed with a deep respect for the surrounding environment. Donkeys help clear the undergrowth, bark is repurposed to protect and enrich the soil and forest biomass is converted into renewable energy. Abadal’s sustainability efforts also extend to their passionate support for the cork oak industry, promoting its essential role in biodiversity and carbon capture across the Mediterranean.

At the heart of their winemaking is a profound respect for history. Abadal is reviving rare, native grape varieties such as Picapoll (now their flagship), Sumoll, and Mandó—once nearly forgotten, now reimagined for a new generation of wine lovers. The result? Wines that are not only expressive and elegant, but deeply connected to the past.

It’s no surprise that Miquel Palau, Abadal’s head winemaker, was recently named Best Winemaker of the Year 2024 by Tim Atkin MW. Combining sustainable practices, regenerative viticulture and forest stewardship has helped position Abadal as a true leader in crafting wines that work with the climate, not against it, while delivering depth, freshness and soul in every bottle.

This June, we’re excited to bring these wines to life at our Catalan Tasting Experience. You’ll explore five of Abadal’s sustainably-minded wines, each one a reflection of the land, the climate and the vibrant ecosystem that shapes them.

We’ll be joined by Cédric Morvan, Export Manager for Abadal, who will guide us through the wines and share deeper insights into the estate’s unique approach. From forest-first sustainability and biodiversity to the evolution of wine tourism as a force for connection and preservation, Cédric’s perspective offers a rich behind-the-scenes look at this extraordinary winery.

To complete the evening, each wine will be paired with a seasonal tapas dish created by our Executive Chef Johnny Cliff and his kitchen team, designed to reflect the harmony between wild nature and fine cuisine.

This isn’t just a tasting. It’s a journey into the heart of Catalonia’s wild side, where vines grow beside pines and where sustainability is a way of life.