Catalan wines are sometimes unjustly overlooked. Over the last 10 years the region has increased wine exportation and Catalan wines are now present in many countries, including Germany, Holland, Britain, Scandinavia and Japan (the French are yet to be convinced). A tip when buying: check that all wines have the Empordà - Costa Brava DO (denominación de orígen). Penedès, Empordà and Priorat wines are reliable reference points. Competition is rife between the city’s tour companies, so you can get a good deal on excursions that combine fine wine with other activities such as cycling, walking and hiking through the countryside. Tours cost a lot more than if you go independently, so you may want to try www.do-catalunya.com for direct contact details of wine cellars in the region. Also worth a visit is the Catalan Wine and Cava Show, held each September at Maremagnum (93 225 81 00) where some 400 wineries, bodegas and merchants from all over Catalonia parade their goods.