Mindfulness among vineyards

“Winefulness” with Ester Bach in the Bages region

How would you like to practise mindfulness while wine tasting? This is what Ester Bach a specialist in emotional well-being through the body, suggests with “winefulness”, a new term she has coined to describe wine tastings with full presence and all senses open. However, this is not the only mindfulness proposal she offers in the world of wine. Together with sommelier Anna Castillo, she has created “Vinestar”, a word that blends wine and well-being with the aim of combining wine knowledge with the well-being techniques it inspires, whether through breathing, movement or self-massage. Finally, the therapist also offers the “Respira’t” activity to oxygenate body and mind among the vineyards, with the idea of using the wineries and vineyards as peaceful spaces where you can become aware of your breathing and listen to your body. If any of these suggestions appeal to you, Ester offers them mainly in the Pla de Bages DO, but they can be done in any other wine-growing region upon request.

Yoga among vineyards at Can Roda

How would you like to practise mindfulness while wine tasting? This is what Ester Bach, a specialist in emotional well-being through the body, suggests with “winefulness”, a new term she has coined to describe wine tastings with full presence and all senses open. However, this is not the only mindfulness proposal she offers in the world of wine. Together with sommelier Anna Castillo, she has created “Vinestar”, a word that blends wine and well-being with the aim of combining wine knowledge with the well-being techniques it inspires, whether through breathing, movement or self-massage. Finally, the therapist also offers the “Respira’t” activity to oxygenate body and mind among the vineyards, with the idea of using the wineries and vineyards as peaceful spaces where you can become aware of your breathing and listen to your body. If any of these suggestions appeal to you, Ester offers them mainly in the Pla de Bages DO, but they can be done in any other wine-growing region upon request.

Yoga among vineyards at Can Roda

Another way to practise mindfulness is through yoga, a set of concentration techniques of Indian origin, which allow you to achieve control of the body and spirit. Celler Can Roca, in Santa Maria de Martorelles, offers this experience against a magnificent backdrop: the vineyards that are part of the DO Alella area. Practise for a while in an incomparable setting surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the vineyard and the forest. When you finish, you will feel a unique sense of physical and mental well-being that will help you go about your daily life in a more relaxed manner. Take advantage of your stay at this winery to discover its wines and the delights of the DO Alella region. You will be able to learn about the properties of the vineyard soil: sauló (decomposed granite); the local variety, the pansa blanca, another variety of the DO Alella area; and the history of the Art Nouveau farmhouse where the winery is located. You can do this activity on demand with your family or friends, or you can also book it to do it with your workmates. Another successful form of team building.

Yoga with sea views at Alta Alella

Based on the premise that yoga means union, Alta Alella invites you to seek synergies between the four elements: earth, represented by the vineyards and sauló soil; air, represented by the wind from the Marina mountain range where the estate is located; fire, which refers to the heat of the sun; and water, which represents the Mediterranean sea breeze that reaches these DO Alella vineyards. This way, you will connect with your body, while enjoying a breathtaking landscape among vineyards, with views of the sea and in the middle of the Serralada de la Marina Nature Park. After the practice, you can enjoy a snack on the terrace of the winery’s Wine Tourism Centre. If you feel like it, you can take part in another of the activities on offer to discover the Alella DO, such as a Catalan cuisine pairing, stargazing or simply a visit to the winery with a tasting. If you still have energy to spare, other activities in the area and not far away include visiting the Roman winery of Vallmora, the old town of Alella or the fishing village of El Masnou.

Equilibrium at Oller del Mas

Treat yourself to a balanced morning at Oller del Mas. Near Manresa, this thousand-year-old estate has prepared a morning programme to help you connect with yourself among its vineyards. Start the day with outdoor yoga, while enjoying the views of the vineyards with the Montserrat mountain in the background. When you are done, recharge your batteries with a breakfast of seasonal produce and get ready to enjoy one of the rituals offered by the Ànima wellness retreat. Choose between a wine therapy massage, where you will be wrapped in grape skins and seed oil to take advantage of all their antioxidant and rejuvenating benefits; a therapeutic massage to achieve complete relaxation and relief from bodily tension; or a neurosedative massage with which, through slow and gentle movements, you will feel a great effect of energy balance, calm and peace. When you are done, take advantage of the facilities at Oller del Mas, whether it is to relax on the terrace, swim in the pool or take a bike ride through the vineyards and discover the great biodiversity they hide. Can you picture a better morning?