On May 18th we celebrate International Museum Day — a key date to honor art, culture, and history. At Jean Leon, we want to join the celebration by suggesting a different way to enjoy art: through the senses. Because wine, like a work of art, is meant to be admired, interpreted, and experienced.
Jean Leon has always maintained a close relationship with the art world — not only through the labels of our most iconic wine, Vinya La Scala, but also through the philosophy we share: a passion for creating, moving people, and leaving a lasting legacy. That’s why we want to recommend six wine museums you should visit at least once in your life. Unique spaces where art, history, and wine come together for an unforgettable experience.
1. VINSEUM – Museum of Catalan Wine Cultures (Vilafranca del Penedès)
Close to our winery, in the heart of the Penedès, this museum explores the deep bond between wine and Catalan identity. From archaeological remains to tools from rural life, VINSEUM offers a journey through the history of wine in Catalonia.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts tastings, workshops, family activities, and temporary exhibitions. A must-visit if you want to understand wine’s cultural importance in our region.
2. Villa-Lucía Museum (Laguardia, Basque Country)
“Villa-Lucía with the 5 senses” is the world’s first fully inclusive wine theme center. Located in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, this museum, winner of the Best Of Wine Tourism award in 2020, blends tradition, technology, and sensory experience.
Its main attraction is En tierra de sueños, a 4D short film that immerses you in the wine culture in an emotional and accessible way. You’ll also learn about the history of wine in the region, see traditional tools, and discover how winemaking was practiced in the past.
3. Navarra Wine Museum (Olite, Navarra)
Set in the historic Royal Palace of Olite, this museum offers a comprehensive journey through Navarra’s winemaking history, from Roman times to the present day.
Spread across several floors, the museum uses audiovisual resources to explain the evolution of the vine and winemaking. The visit ends in a historic underground cellar, where you can learn the basics of wine tasting — a perfect blend of education and heritage.
4. Peralada Castle Wine Museum (Alt Empordà, Girona)
In this museum you’ll find over 750 objects illustrating wine history since the 14th century. It’s located in the former cellars of a Carmelite monastery where wine was already being made during the Middle Ages.
You can also visit the majestic Peralada Castle and its gardens — a perfect plan for lovers of wine, history, and architecture.
5. Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture (Briones, La Rioja)
Considered one of the most complete wine museums in the world, the Vivanco Museum combines art, history, and oenology in a cutting-edge space of over 9,000 m².
It features more than 1,000 objects related to viticulture, interactive exhibits, and a gallery dedicated to art and wine, with works by Picasso, Sorolla, Chillida, and others. You can also tour the winery and enjoy outdoor tastings among the vineyards.
6. Veruela Monastery Wine Museum (Tarazona, Zaragoza)
Housed in a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, this museum explores the history and cultural roots of wine in the Campo de Borja region.
Through information panels, ethnographic items, and audiovisuals, you’ll discover how viticulture developed in the area. The visit is rounded out by the stunning natural and architectural setting — perfect for a charming wine tourism getaway.
Which one will you choose?
Celebrate International Museum Day by discovering wine history in a different way. Because visiting a wine museum is also a way to travel, feel, and raise a glass to culture.
