Sons del Món, the Costa Brava festival of music and wine

The Costa Brava music festival Sons del Món (Sounds of the World) takes place every July in the northern part of Catalonia. Its core concept is so irresistible that you won't hesitate to show up without even bothering to check out the lineup! The idea of combining music and wine tastings was born in Roses in 2008, and since then the festival has grown immensely, becoming a popular annual fixture in the Costa Brava cultural calendar, with its own share of international "stars".

The festival program is split into two parts. The first includes major concerts usually held in Ciutadella de Roses, an ancient Greek colony that's over two and a half thousand years old, and in the historic centre of Castelló d'Empúries, a charming town nearby. Two hours prior to each concert, the venue plays host to a wine tasting, to which you are well-advised to get advance tickets — no more than thirty are usually available in total. During the performance itself, guests are invited to enjoy wines selected exclusively for the festival by its official sommelier.

The second part of the program is often described as "intimate" — it features concerts on wineries' terraces and tasting rooms. Acoustic performances, folk and acapella singing are the usual staples. Even if those music genres are not your cup of tea, a stunning natural setting and a light sea breeze paired with fantastic wines of DO Empordà make a visit to a smaller Sons del Món concert more than worth it.

The festival schedule, as well as the links to purchase tickets, can be found on the official website of Sons del Món.