THE TERRITORY OF CAVA
CAVA MEETING 2025
International prescribers
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International speakers
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Cavas de Guarda Superior
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Wineries of the Cava DO
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Visits to the territory
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Welcome dinner
November 9, 2025
Cava Meeting
November 10, 2025
Gala dinner
November 10, 2025
Visits to wineries
November 11, 2025
Programme
SUNDAY 9 Nov
20.00h
Welcome dinner. The Integral Manufacturer Quality Seal
Beso Restaurant. ME Terramar Sitges Hotel
Monday 10 Nov
9 – 9.15h
Reception and guest arrival
9.15 – 9.25h
Welcome address
Javier Pagés, president of the DO CAVA Regulatory Board.
9.25 – 10.45h
Talks | The excellence of the Traditional Method | Innovations and future challenges
International experts from universities and various sparkling wine regions across the globe will present the latest developments and challenges in crafting sparkling wines using the traditional method.
- Charles Zuker, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Neuroscience at Columbia University. Chile.
- Gabriel Lepousez, Researcher at the Pasteur Institute. France.
- Cristina Mercuri, Founder of Mercuri Wine Club. Italy.
- Pere Pons Mercadé, professor at Rovira i Virgili University and oenologist at Cava Miquel Pons. Spain.
10.45 – 12.10h
Tasting | Great Cavas born in the vineyard: expressions of terroir
An exploration of the diversity and character of DO CAVA’s terroirs, showcased through exceptional single-vineyard wines.
- Sarah Jane Evans MW, contributing editor of Decanter magazine. United Kingdom.
- Roberto Durán MS, head sommelier at 67 Pall Mall Singapore. Singapore
11.00h
Showroom | Opening
A showroom featuring more than 190 Cavas de Guarda Superior from over 60 wineries in the DO Cava.
Open until the conclusion of Cava Meeting.
12.15 – 12.45h
Panel discussion | The business of Cava
Moderator: María Naranjo, Food Industry Director, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Spain.
- Xavier Ybargüengoitia, former managing director of Estates & Wines, The Moët-Hennessy Wine Division. Spain.
- Jordi Paronella, Wine Director, José Andrés Group. United States.
- Laura Williamson MS, Owner of Unlock Your Palate Inc and Partner at RingIT Inc. United States.
- Harriet Kininmonth, Buyer for Spain at The Wine Society. United Kingdom.
12.45 – 13.45h
Tasting | Cava & Sherry. The magic of flor and limestone
A joint tasting of DO CAVA and the Denominations of Origin from the Sherry region, highlighting the many qualities they share, complemented by a pairing with Ibérico ham.
- Ferran Centelles, Drinks Manager at elBulliFoundation. Spain.
- Robert Tetas, sommelier at Sobretablas restaurant. Spain.
- Albert Tomás, CEO of Enrique Tomás ham shops. Spain.
13.30 – 15.00h
Lunch | Mediterranean cuisine bites
15.00 – 16.20h
Panel discussion | Is DO CAVA just a business, or also a responsibility? Future outlooks and stewardship of the region
Various stakeholders share their views on their commitment to sustainability and the need to preserve the land and the vineyards, as well as to work together to protect them.
Moderator: Pedro Ballesteros MW, first Spanish Master of Wine. Spain
Mesa 1
- Jordi Amell, CEO Castell d’Or.
- Sergio Fuster, CEO de Raventós Codorníu.
- Luciano García-Carrión Corujo, Vice-President and 5th generation of García Carrión.
- Josep Palau, CTO of Freixenet Group.
- Pere Ventura, founder of Pere Ventura Family Wine Estates.
- Marta Vidal, CEO of Vallformosa.
Mesa 2
- Marta Casas, oenologist at Parés Baltà.
- Pere Guilera, president of Cava Guilera.
- Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets, founder and winemaker of Art Laietà d’Alta Alella.
- Mireia Tetas, Export and Marketing manager at Pinord.
- Jaume Vial, Sales director of Mestres.
16.25 – 18.00h
Tasting | Icons of time: Cavas aged for more than 100 months
A landmark tasting of the highest-quality Cavas, aged for over 100 months.
- Essi Avellan MW, sparkling wine expert. Finland.
- Ramon Francàs, journalist and sommelier. Spain
18.00 – 18.20h
Closing | End of conferences and tastings
- Javier Pagés, President of the Regulatory Council of the DO CAVA. Spain.
- Ana Rodríguez Castaño, Secretary General for Agricultural Resources and Food Security. MAPA.
- Òscar Ordeig i Molist, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food. Goverment of Catalonia.
21h
Gala Dinner | Cava paired with world cuisines
Tuesday 11 Nov
Visits to wineries to experience the Cava region first-hand.
Details of the programme of visits to DO Cava wineries will be announced
shortly
EXPERT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Pedro BALLESTEROS MW
Pedro Ballesteros MW
First Spanish Master of Wine
An agricultural engineer with a master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, he obtained the WSET Diploma in Benelux. In Austria he obtained the Weinakademiker certificate (with distinction for the best results) and in London he became a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, being the first Spaniard to achieve this.
An agricultural engineer with a master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, he obtained the WSET Diploma in Benelux. In Austria he obtained the Weinakademiker certificate (with distinction for the best results) and in London he became a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, being the first Spaniard to achieve this.
Ferran CENTELLES
Ferran Centelles
Drinks Manager at elBulliFoundation
DipWSET, he was part of the sommelier team at elBulli between 2000 and 2011. Following the restaurant’s transformation into the Bullifoundation, he continues his involvement through the “Sapiens del Vino” project. He is also responsible for Jancis Robinson’s Spanish wines and is also a regular teacher on most prestigious sommelier courses.
DipWSET, he was part of the sommelier team at elBulli between 2000 and 2011. Following the restaurant’s transformation into the Bullifoundation, he continues his involvement through the “Sapiens del Vino” project. He is also responsible for Jancis Robinson’s Spanish wines and is also a regular teacher on most prestigious sommelier courses.
Sarah Jane Evans MW
Sarah Jane Evans MW
Co-chair, Decanter World Wine Awards
A contributing editor to Decanter, she is a writer, wine consultant and author of The Wines of Central & Southern Spain. She has been Co-Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest wine competition, for 17 years. She is president of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino and holds the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
A contributing editor to Decanter, she is a writer, wine consultant and author of The Wines of Central & Southern Spain. She has been Co-Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest wine competition, for 17 years. She is president of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino and holds the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
Ramon Francàs
Ramon Francàs
Journalist and sommelier
Ramon has been writing for newspaper La Vanguardia for more than three decades, specialising in wine. He has earned numerous awards and distinctions in both wine and journalism. A Cofrade de Mérito of the Confraria del Cava, he is also a certified Cava educator and recipient of the Cava Excellence Award from the DO Cava Regulatory Board.
Ramon has been writing for newspaper La Vanguardia for more than three decades, specialising in wine. He has earned numerous awards and distinctions in both wine and journalism. A Cofrade de Mérito of the Confraria del Cava, he is also a certified Cava educator and recipient of the Cava Excellence Award from the DO Cava Regulatory Board.
María Naranjo
María Naranjo
Food Industry Director, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment
She is a lawyer and economist and has a postgraduate degree in monetary economics from Stanford. Since 1997, she has been a Commercial Technician and State Economist. She has spent most of her professional career supporting companies in their internationalization efforts at ICEX, holding various positions. Since 2017, she has been the director of the agrifood industry.
She is a lawyer and economist and has a postgraduate degree in monetary economics from Stanford. Since 1997, she has been a Commercial Technician and State Economist. She has spent most of her professional career supporting companies in their internationalization efforts at ICEX, holding various positions. Since 2017, she has been the director of the agrifood industry.
SPEAKERS
Essi Avellan MW
Essi Avellan MW
Author, editor and sparkling wine expert
Essi Avellan is Finland’s first Master of Wine and an expert on sparkling wine. She has been honoured with the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole in France. Author and editor of key reference works in the world of wine, she organises the annual Grand Champagne Helsinki event and is a highly respected judge at major international wine competitions.
Essi Avellan is Finland’s first Master of Wine and an expert on sparkling wine. She has been honoured with the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole in France. Author and editor of key reference works in the world of wine, she organises the annual Grand Champagne Helsinki event and is a highly respected judge at major international wine competitions.
Marta Casas
Marta Casas
Oenologist at Parès Baltà
Awarded ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2024 by Tim Atkin MW, she has been working at Parés Baltà as a winemaker since 2001 and is deeply committed to the biodynamic philosophy. With extensive training in various areas of wine, before studying Oenology she studied Pharmacy, where she met Josep Cusiné, her future husband, who instilled in her a passion for wine.
Awarded ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2024 by Tim Atkin MW, she has been working at Parés Baltà as a winemaker since 2001 and is deeply committed to the biodynamic philosophy. With extensive training in various areas of wine, before studying Oenology she studied Pharmacy, where she met Josep Cusiné, her future husband, who instilled in her a passion for wine.
Roberto Duran MS
Roberto Duran MS
Head sommelier at 67 Pall Mall Singapur and first Spanish master sommelier
After studying economics, he discovered that his true calling was sommeliery. The first Spanish Master Sommelier, he has also won the title of Best Sommelier in Spain. Roberto has worked in haute cuisine restaurants such as Miramar, Mirror, Joël Robuchon Singapore and 67 Pall Mall Singapore, where he is currently Head Sommelier.
After studying economics, he discovered that his true calling was sommeliery. The first Spanish Master Sommelier, he has also won the title of Best Sommelier in Spain. Roberto has worked in haute cuisine restaurants such as Miramar, Mirror, Joël Robuchon Singapore and 67 Pall Mall Singapore, where he is currently Head Sommelier.
Sergio Fuster
Sergio Fuster
CEO of Raventós Codorníu
CEO of Raventós Codorníu since 2020, he leads the group’s management and is globally responsible for this company, which includes 15 wineries and renowned international brands. An expert in the development and strategic expansion of large international corporations, he has also led businesses in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Paris, and Switzerland.
CEO of Raventós Codorníu since 2020, he leads the group’s management and is globally responsible for this company, which includes 15 wineries and renowned international brands. An expert in the development and strategic expansion of large international corporations, he has also led businesses in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Paris, and Switzerland.
Luciano García-Carrión
Luciano García-Carrión
Vice-president and commercial director of the García-Carrión Group
The fifth generation in the family business, he holds a law degree from the University of Navarra and joined the family business in 1997. Responsible for the international expansion of this leading company in the wine and juice sector in Spain, he has rounded out his profile with knowledge of management, international marketing, and leadership.
The fifth generation in the family business, he holds a law degree from the University of Navarra and joined the family business in 1997. Responsible for the international expansion of this leading company in the wine and juice sector in Spain, he has rounded out his profile with knowledge of management, international marketing, and leadership.
Pere Guilera
Pere Guilera
President of Cava Guilera
Trained as an agricultural engineer, he has been running this small family winery since 1985. Founded in 1927, it specialises in Cavas de Guarda Superior. Pere has held positions of responsibility in various institutions, always with two premises in mind: to enhance the value of the landscape and to promote the prestige of Cava through long ageing processes.
Trained as an agricultural engineer, he has been running this small family winery since 1985. Founded in 1927, it specialises in Cavas de Guarda Superior. Pere has held positions of responsibility in various institutions, always with two premises in mind: to enhance the value of the landscape and to promote the prestige of Cava through long ageing processes.
Harriet Kininmonth
Harriet Kininmonth
Buyer for Spain at The Wine Society
With over 15 years in the UK wine trade and a an extensive experience sourcing from both classic and emerging regions, she has held senior roles at Enotria and C&C Group, judged DWWA and IWC, and champions authentic Spanish wines and their growth in the UK market.
With over 15 years in the UK wine trade and a an extensive experience sourcing from both classic and emerging regions, she has held senior roles at Enotria and C&C Group, judged DWWA and IWC, and champions authentic Spanish wines and their growth in the UK market.
Gabriel Lepousez
Gabriel Lepousez
Neuroscientist and international expert in sensory perception and brain plasticity
PhD in Neuroscience, he works as a research scientist at the Perception and Action Laboratory at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Passionate about wine, he is a member of the tasting committee of La Revue du Vin de France and the Académie du Vin de France, applying his knowledge of neuroscience to understand how the taste of wine is formed in our brains.
PhD in Neuroscience, he works as a research scientist at the Perception and Action Laboratory at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Passionate about wine, he is a member of the tasting committee of La Revue du Vin de France and the Académie du Vin de France, applying his knowledge of neuroscience to understand how the taste of wine is formed in our brains.
Cristina Mercuri
Cristina Mercuri
Wine educator and founder of Mercuri Wine Club
A renowned Italian wine educator, Cristina Mercuri serves as an international judge, presenter and wine editor for Forbes. A former lawyer, she holds the WSET Diploma and is currently in the third stage of the Master of Wine programme. She is one of the most popular Italian wine personalities on Instagram.
A renowned Italian wine educator, Cristina Mercuri serves as an international judge, presenter and wine editor for Forbes. A former lawyer, she holds the WSET Diploma and is currently in the third stage of the Master of Wine programme. She is one of the most popular Italian wine personalities on Instagram.
Yolanda Ortiz de Arri
Yolanda Ortiz de Arri
Wine journalist, educator and translator
With over 25 years’ experience as a journalist, she writes for Spanish Wine Lover (website dedicated to promoting Spanish wine) since 2014 and is responsible for editing the website’s English-language content. As an educator and translator, Yolanda also works with organisations such as ICEX, EDA, the Basque Culinary Center and the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route.
With over 25 years’ experience as a journalist, she writes for Spanish Wine Lover (website dedicated to promoting Spanish wine) since 2014 and is responsible for editing the website’s English-language content. As an educator and translator, Yolanda also works with organisations such as ICEX, EDA, the Basque Culinary Center and the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route.
Josep Palau
Josep Palau
CTO at Grupo Freixenet
Vice President of AECAVA, the Association of Cava Producers, and board member of the Cava Regulatory Council, Josep Palau holds a degree in Pharmacy and is currently the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) at Grupo Freixenet, as well as a member of its Executive Committee. Throughout his career at the company, he has served as Operations Director and Head of Environmental Affairs.
Vice President of AECAVA, the Association of Cava Producers, and board member of the Cava Regulatory Council, Josep Palau holds a degree in Pharmacy and is currently the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) at Grupo Freixenet, as well as a member of its Executive Committee. Throughout his career at the company, he has served as Operations Director and Head of Environmental Affairs.
Jordi Paronella
Jordi Paronella
José Andrés Group wine director
He discovered after studying Hospitality and Restaurant Management that his true calling was the wine, leading him to complete his training at the d’Espielles School of Oenology. He has worked as a sommelier in Abac, Moo and Cal Xim. In 2013 he became Lead Sommelier for José Andrés’s Spanish concepts, and since 2020 he has served as the group’s wine director.
He discovered after studying Hospitality and Restaurant Management that his true calling was the wine, leading him to complete his training at the d’Espielles School of Oenology. He has worked as a sommelier in Abac, Moo and Cal Xim. In 2013 he became Lead Sommelier for José Andrés’s Spanish concepts, and since 2020 he has served as the group’s wine director.
Pere Pons
Pere Pons
Winemaker at Cava Pons
Son of a family of farmers, he has always been involved in the world of wine, linked to the family winery, where he is the winemaker. After studying Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona, he completed two master’s degrees in Oenology at the Rovira i Virgili University and the University of Bordeaux. His doctoral thesis focused on the aging of Cavas.
Son of a family of farmers, he has always been involved in the world of wine, linked to the family winery, where he is the winemaker. After studying Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona, he completed two master’s degrees in Oenology at the Rovira i Virgili University and the University of Bordeaux. His doctoral thesis focused on the aging of Cavas.
Josep María Pujol-Busquets
Josep María Pujol-Busquets
Founder and winemaker of Art Laietà (Alta Alella)
Founder and winemaker of Art Laietà (Alta Alella), Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets made wines in several countries before establishing his family project in the Serra de Mar (Alella). Today, together with his daughter Mireia, he leads a benchmark winery that unites craftsmanship, sustainability, and Guarda Superior and Paraje Calificado Cavas.
Founder and winemaker of Art Laietà (Alta Alella), Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets made wines in several countries before establishing his family project in the Serra de Mar (Alella). Today, together with his daughter Mireia, he leads a benchmark winery that unites craftsmanship, sustainability, and Guarda Superior and Paraje Calificado Cavas.
Mireia Tetas
Mireia Tetas
Third generation of the Pinord winery
Executive member of a winery with 150 years of winemaking tradition in the Penedès region committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture. She holds a degree in International Trade and a diploma in Business Studies and is a certified Sommelier, and also studied Oenology and Marketing at the University of Davis in California.
Executive member of a winery with 150 years of winemaking tradition in the Penedès region committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture. She holds a degree in International Trade and a diploma in Business Studies and is a certified Sommelier, and also studied Oenology and Marketing at the University of Davis in California.
Robert Tetas
Robert Tetas
Sommelier at Sobretablas
Robert trained as a sommelier at the University of Girona before working at El Celler de Can Roca under Pitu Roca’s guidance. Runner-up in the Catalonia Sommelier Championship in 2017 and finalist in the 2018 Best Sommelier of Spain competition, he was named Best Sommelier of Andalusia in 2021 by newspaper ABC. In 2018, together with Camila Ferraro, he founded Sobretablas restaurant in Seville.
Robert trained as a sommelier at the University of Girona before working at El Celler de Can Roca under Pitu Roca’s guidance. Runner-up in the Catalonia Sommelier Championship in 2017 and finalist in the 2018 Best Sommelier of Spain competition, he was named Best Sommelier of Andalusia in 2021 by newspaper ABC. In 2018, together with Camila Ferraro, he founded Sobretablas restaurant in Seville.
Albert Tomás
Albert Tomás
CEO of Enrique Tomás
Albert Tomás grew up learning about every aspect of the family business, building a global vision and solid experience in the sector. In recent years, his role has become increasingly important, and he now heads the company as CEO. Passionate about the world of wine, he has promoted projects such as Maridaje, a red wine created to pair with ham.
Albert Tomás grew up learning about every aspect of the family business, building a global vision and solid experience in the sector. In recent years, his role has become increasingly important, and he now heads the company as CEO. Passionate about the world of wine, he has promoted projects such as Maridaje, a red wine created to pair with ham.
Pere Ventura
Pere Ventura
Pere Ventura Family Wine Estates founder
Fourth generation of a family devoted to the world of wine. True to the values of honesty, commitment, and responsibility, in 1991 he fulfilled his dream of founding his own winery, PERE VENTURA. With an international vocation from the very beginning, he has brought the name of Penedès and its wines to more than 55 countries, following the principles of excellence and quality.
Fourth generation of a family devoted to the world of wine. True to the values of honesty, commitment, and responsibility, in 1991 he fulfilled his dream of founding his own winery, PERE VENTURA. With an international vocation from the very beginning, he has brought the name of Penedès and its wines to more than 55 countries, following the principles of excellence and quality.
Jaume Vial
Jaume Vial
Sales director of Mestres
He has more than 20 years of experience in the wine sector, in commercial management in wineries of international reference such as Moët & Chandon and Bodegas Masaveu. In 2017 he joined the Mestres team, where he manages the entire commercial strategy of this reference winery of the DO Cava.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the wine sector, in commercial management in wineries of international reference such as Moët & Chandon and Bodegas Masaveu. In 2017 he joined the Mestres team, where he manages the entire commercial strategy of this reference winery of the DO Cava.
Marta Vidal
Marta Vidal
CEO of Vallformosa
With a degree in Business Administration and Management, she has developed her professional career in banking. Since 2017, she has held the position of CEO at Vallformosa, a winery with more than 150 years of history located in Vilobí del Penedès, Barcelona, with the challenge of transforming and professionalising its business model.
With a degree in Business Administration and Management, she has developed her professional career in banking. Since 2017, she has held the position of CEO at Vallformosa, a winery with more than 150 years of history located in Vilobí del Penedès, Barcelona, with the challenge of transforming and professionalising its business model.
Laura Williamson MS
Laura Williamson MS
Master sommelier and certified wine educator
She is one of 36 women Master Sommeliers in the world. During her career, she has directed Italian and German wine imports across the US and worked as Beverage Director at some of New York’s most award-winning establishments. She has also an adjunct faculty member of the Culinary Institute of Education (ICE) in New York.
She is one of 36 women Master Sommeliers in the world. During her career, she has directed Italian and German wine imports across the US and worked as Beverage Director at some of New York’s most award-winning establishments. She has also an adjunct faculty member of the Culinary Institute of Education (ICE) in New York.
Xavier Ybargüengoitia
Xavier Ybargüengoitia
Former chief executive officer of the “Estates & Wines, the Moët-Hennessy Wine Division”
With a degree in Economics and a diploma in Financial Management and Management Control, among other qualifications, Xavier was president and CEO of “Estates & Wines, The Moët-Hennessy Wine Division” for more than a decade, until his retirement. He currently teaches at Rovira i Virgili University and the Wine Business School.
With a degree in Economics and a diploma in Financial Management and Management Control, among other qualifications, Xavier was president and CEO of “Estates & Wines, The Moët-Hennessy Wine Division” for more than a decade, until his retirement. He currently teaches at Rovira i Virgili University and the Wine Business School.
Charles Zuker
Charles Zuker
Molecular geneticist and neurobiologist
A distinguished Chilean molecular geneticist and neurobiologist, he is a professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics and Neuroscience at Columbia University. A Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, his research has transformed our understanding of the sense of taste in mammals.
A distinguished Chilean molecular geneticist and neurobiologist, he is a professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics and Neuroscience at Columbia University. A Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, his research has transformed our understanding of the sense of taste in mammals.
Tastings
Cava Meeting 2025 will include three guided tastings of Cavas de Guarda Superior.
10.45 - 12.10h
Great Cavas born in the vineyard. expressions of terroir
12.45 – 13.45h
Cava & Sherry. The magic of BIOLOGIC and limestone
16.25 - 18.00h
Icons of time. Cavas aged for more than 100 months
WINERIES and TERRITORY
The DO CAVA boasts remarkable diversity, bringing together both large and small wineries, all committed to producing Cavas of the highest quality, each with its own character and distinctive traits
With over 150 years of history, it is the only Spanish Designation of Origin dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines. Today it encompasses more than 6,000 winegrowers and over 300 wineries, all driven by the same mission: to craft quality Cavas with soul, rooted in tradition yet looking confidently to the future.
Cava Meeting 2023
On 27–28 November 2023, the first edition of Cava Meeting was held in Barcelona, with more than 110 professionals from across the sector in attendance.
This inaugural international congress proved a resounding success, offering the insights and perspectives of 27 speakers from around the world, tastings of over 300 Cavas de Guarda Superior through masterclasses and a showroom, as well as 30 winery visits to experience the Cava region first-hand.
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