Can Sala Winery: the birthplace of Cava de Paraje Calificado

When we talk about of excellence, tradition, and authenticity in the world of cava, one name shines with its own light: Can Sala. Located in the heart of Mediona, in Sant Quintí de Mediona (Barcelona), this historic winery has become one of the leading references for Cava de Paraje Calificado—a distinction reserved exclusively for the most extraordinary and exclusive sparkling wines.

 

A journey to the origins: the essence of Can Sala

Founded in the 19th century, Can Sala is not just a winery; it is a living testimony to a family and a land that have blended history, knowledge, and respect for nature. The high-altitude vineyards of Mediona, protected by the area’s unique microclimate, are the foundation of this project, where every grape cluster reflects the soul of its origin.

Choosing Can Sala means going back to the roots, understanding the path taken, and reaffirming a commitment to a way of winemaking deeply rooted in the identity of the land. Here, the goal is not mass production, but the purest expression of quality—working exclusively with low-yield classified vineyards, always harvested by hand.

 

Cava de Paraje Calificado: a mark of distinction

In 2016, the Cava Designation of Origin introduced the “Cava de Paraje Calificado” category as its highest level of recognition. Only a few cavas achieve this status, reserved for sparkling wines from specific plots with unique soil, microclimate, and vine age characteristics.

In the case of Can Sala, this recognition is the result of decades of meticulous, patient work. The altitude of the Mediona vineyards, the diversity of the soils, and the limited grape yields provide exceptional raw material. The winemaking process strictly follows the traditional method, with aging periods that often exceed 10 years.

Each bottle of Can Sala is a handcrafted vinous gem, where time, care, and family expertise come together to create sparkling wines with unmistakable personality and elegance.

 

Can Sala 2008: the crown jewel

One of the winery’s greatest prides is the iconic Can Sala 2008. This cava represents the highest expression of the project, produced only in years of exceptional quality and in very limited quantities: just 4,000 bottles, of which around 700 remain available today.

It is a Brut Nature made exclusively from hand-selected grapes from classified vineyards, harvested by hand and fermented in the historic Sant Quintí de Mediona facilities. After more than a decade of bottle aging, Can Sala 2008 reveals a unique complexity:

  • Elegant aromas of ripe fruit, toasted notes, nuts, and a distinctive mineral background.
  • On the palate, it offers a creamy texture, perfectly integrated, with lively acidity that lingers for several seconds.
  • The bubbles are extremely fine—a result of extended lees aging—providing a lasting sense of freshness.

This cava has been recognized by numerous experts and sommeliers as one of the world’s finest sparkling wines, capable of rivaling top champagnes while remaining true to its Mediterranean identity.

 

New achievements: Vinyes de Can Sala 2015 and Rosé 2014

Can Sala’s commitment to excellence has recently been reaffirmed through significant international accolades. In 2025, Vinyes de Can Sala 2015 was awarded the Grand Gold at Bacchus and named Sparkling Wine of the Year by the Spanish Wine Tasters Union.

Meanwhile, Vinyes de Can Sala Rosé 2014 Magnum stood out at the prestigious 2025 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, earning the gold medal. These awards solidify Can Sala’s status as a leader in world-class sparkling wine production.

 

A family legacy with history and soul

Beyond awards and technical excellence, Can Sala also represents a deeply emotional legacy. It was in this very winery where José Ferrer Sala, patriarch of the family, crafted his final cavas during his professional life. Every bottle produced today preserves that legacy of dedication and knowledge passed down through generations.

The incorporation of Can Sala into the Ferrer Wines group—together with the historic La Freixeneda estate (dating back to 1616)—marks a return to the Ferrer family’s original winemaking roots, completing a circle that looks to the future while honoring the past.

As the group’s president, Pedro Ferrer Noguer, puts it:
“Can Sala is a testament to our family history and represents the purest essence of Mediona, in the Penedès, where tradition and excellence come together to create truly unique cavas.”

 

What makes Can Sala cavas unique?

Unlike more commercial cavas, the sparkling wines of Can Sala are guided by principles that ensure their exceptional character:

  • Limited origin: Only grapes from Can Sala’s own vineyards in Mediona are used—one of the highest-altitude areas in the Penedès, where the climate promotes slow, balanced ripening.
  • Manual harvest and strict selection: Every bunch is handpicked and subjected to rigorous quality control before entering the winery.
  • Artisanal production: The entire process follows the traditional champenoise method, with long bottle aging and manual disgorging.
  • Small production: Editions are limited, allowing for meticulous control of every detail and guaranteeing excellence in every bottle.
  • Sustainability philosophy: Vineyard management is carried out with maximum respect for the environment, minimizing interventions and promoting natural balance.

 

Can Sala: a premier wine tourism destination

In addition to being a benchmark winery for cava quality, Can Sala also offers a unique wine tourism experience for wine lovers. Set among the vineyards of Mediona, it allows visitors to explore the winemaking process firsthand, walk through the high-altitude vineyards, and, of course, taste their exclusive cavas at the very place where they are born.

A visit to Can Sala is a deep dive into a family’s history, the secrets behind great Cava de Paraje Calificado, and the winemaking culture of the most authentic Penedès.

 

Buy Can Sala online: excellence delivered to your home

Thanks to the Ferrer Wines online store, you can now purchase the exclusive Can Sala cavas without leaving home—receiving true oenological treasures directly from the winery. From the iconic Can Sala 2008 to the latest Vinyes de Can Sala vintages, the online shop lets you explore the entire collection comfortably, securely, and with personalized assistance if needed.

Can Sala, more than just a winery

In an increasingly globalized cava market, Can Sala remains true to its roots, championing a model of excellence based on origin, respect for the land, meticulous craftsmanship, and family commitment. Its Cava de Paraje Calificado is the ultimate proof that it is possible to craft world-class sparkling wines that blend tradition, exclusivity, and unmistakable character.

If you’re looking to discover the pure essence of the Penedès in every bubble, Can Sala is without doubt the place where that journey begins.