Beverage industry guests from three continents convened on November 27th and 28th for tastings of the finest quality Cavas, top-level presentations, and visits to leading wineries.
BARCELONA – The first edition of the D.O. Cava’s international congress, Cava Meeting, concluded with resounding success at Barcelona’s Espai de Transformació Creativa Casa Rius. This unique gathering brought together influential, worldwide opinion leaders, offering an immersive experience with premium Cava tastings, top-level presentations, and exclusive visits to leading wineries.
The event showcased the sector’s dedication to excellence, focusing on the highest-level Cavas, especially those of Guarda Superior. Key themes included the gastronomic vocation of Cava, climate change concerns, and the economic and social sustainability of the sector. Javier Pagés, President of D.O. Cava, emphasized the need to “communicate effectively about Cava and be proud of all the ambitious accomplishments to date.”
Debates and tastings centered on the segmentation and zoning of D.O. Cava, including discussions on the emerging Integral Producers, a group now comprising 15 Cava wineries. The international congress, meticulously designed by a committee of specialists, featured notable figures such as Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans, Pedro Ballesteros, sommelier Ferran Centelles, and specialized journalist and Cava trainer Ramon Francàs. Attendees tasted over 250 Cavas and visited over 25 wineries.
Several sessions and roundtable discussions took place over the two days, with a fascinating discussion on Monday, 27th January titled “Sparkling Views – Cava in international media”. The roundtable, led by journalist Yolanda Ortiz de Arri, included Sarah Jane Evans MW, Amaya Cervera (El País Semanal and Spanish Wine Lover), Jamie Goode (Sunday Express columnist), Doug Frost (dual Master of Wine and Master Sommelier), and Rafael Antonín (gastronomic influencer and D.O. CAVA ambassador), and covered the need to continue increasing the perception of Cava internationally.
Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros introduced participants to Cavas of the Integral Winemakers, followed by masterclasses from renowned sommeliers Josep Roca and Ferran Centelles. Discussions on increasing value and international recognition in the Cava business ensued, emphasizing the importance of communication and sector unity.
The second day of the Cava Meeting delved into examining the different origins of Cava and reviewing the diverse characteristics of D.O. Cava’s zoning. Speakers explored the Cava territory with wineries such as Alta Alella, Bodegas Hispano Suizas, and Codorníu.
A touching tribute was paid to Joan Juvé Santacana, President of Juvé & Camps Cava, at the Juvé & Camps winery in Espiells (Sant Sadurní d’Anoia). The evening, including a dinner hosted by El Celler de Can Roca, honored Juvé’s commitment to quality Cava.
The two-day Cava Meeting marks the qualitative path set by D.O. Cava in its ambitious Strategic Plan for the coming years. The success of the inaugural Cava Meeting reflects the industry’s dedication to excellence and innovation.
D.O. CAVA, commitment to origin, land and sustainability
With more than 70% of international sales, CAVA is the Spanish D.O. with the highest exports. The CAVA industry has over 38,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 6,200 winegrowers, and its 349 associated wineries are present in more than 100 countries. CAVA, which pairs harmoniously with every type of gastronomy, is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land and sustainability.
