The history of the Codorníu family goes back to the middle of the 16th century.

A document dated 1551 mentions Jaume Codorníu and confirms that at that time he owned presses, barrels and casks.

The Codorníu family began their winemaking in the Penèdes region around Barcelona and were making still wines for local consumption.  

Anna was heiress to the Codorniu business in the 17th century. It was unusual at that time to have a female head of an important winemaking family.

Anna married Miquel Raventós, from a similarly important winemaking family. Anna was the last of the family dynasty to bear the Codorníu name as Anna and Miquel's heirs were named Raventós. Their descendants continue to lead the company today.

Josep Raventós, after visiting the Champagne region in France, produced the first bottles of 'Traditional Method' sparkling wine in Spain.

Using the method he had learnt in Champagne, Josep blended the classic Penedès grape varieties Macabeo, Xarel.Lo & Parellada and thought he may have discovered something quite special for Spain.

Josep’s son, Manuel Raventós, took over the family business and became convinced that the family’s sparkling wines had a promising future.

Seeking the advice of leading French wine producers of the time, he quickly realised that Codorníu should devote itself exclusively to the production of sparkling wine by the ‘Traditional Method’. The first of many visionary decisions.....