A New Wave of Wine Tourism in Catalonia by Pavel Kirylionak
Wine Travel Awards Top Guide category nominee and winner of the vote, Pavel Kirylionak, is actively developing wine tourism in Catalonia, offering curated wine tours across Barcelona and the surrounding region. His experiences include both small family-owned wineries and leading Spanish estates. His routes combine a professional approach with deep immersion into wine culture, sharing the stories of people, terroirs, and traditions that shape the region’s wine identity.
In addition to wine tours, Pavel is the founder of the Wine_Cat club, where he hosts tastings, thematic gatherings, and wine trips, building an active community of wine enthusiasts and expanding access to Catalonia’s wine culture.
Guest reviews on international platforms, including Barcelona Secrets, highlight the high quality of his guided experiences: “We discovered so many hidden corners, stories, and spots we never would’ve found on our own” and “He provided us with a fantastic and truly customized day… First Class – from start to finish.” This format emphasizes a highly personalized approach, flexible itineraries, and deep immersion into local culture.
This philosophy is also reflected in one of Kirylionak’s most distinctive projects – Camino & Vino, an original concept that combines sections of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route with immersion into Spain’s wine culture. The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is one of the world’s best-known walking routes, attracting pilgrims and travelers who journey across northern Spain toward Santiago de Compostela.
Kirylionak reimagines this historic route through a wine tourism lens, connecting daily walks with visits to wineries, tastings, local gastronomy, and encounters with regional traditions. Describing the philosophy behind the project, he writes: “It’s when you have hiking boots on your feet, a backpack on your shoulders, and a Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Gran Reserva 2016 from the village you are walking through right now on the table. The right balance between physical effort and the reward that follows.”
The tour offers an opportunity to experience Spain through both movement and taste. Participants walk through medieval towns and vineyard landscapes, enjoy regional cuisine, discover local traditions, and sample wines that reflect the character of the territories they cross. In this way, Camino & Vino transforms a historic walking route into a journey through Spain’s wine regions, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.
Those interested in discovering Catalonia through wine in a personalized and meaningful way can contact him at barcelonasecret@gmail.com.
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