Priorat, great wines in a stunning landscape

The landscape of Priorat remains impressive with its steep slopes full of vineyards and winding roads along vineyards and villages like Porrera and Gratallops. Priorat is surrounded by the Montsant mountains, where you'll also find vineyards, as well as the Serra de Montsant natural park. Recently, I attended a workshop where smaller wineries were present, and I've already visited one of them. Pasanau, a remarkable family winery, located on the edge of the Montsant natural park, with great wines!

Paradise for wine lovers

The history of Priorat goes back centuries. Monks seeking a secluded place for prayer and work founded monasteries here. They were the ones who planted the first vineyards and laid the foundation for viticulture in this region. Be sure to visit the ruins of the Carthusian monastery Scala Dei, located next to the village of the same name, where you can visit the bodega. New is the virtual reality experience where a monk shows you the history 'with your own eyes'.

The Spanish Civil War left deep scars, and it wasn't until the 1980s that Priorat experienced a revival. A new generation of winemakers, inspired by the traditions of the past but with a modern vision, began making world-class wines here. They planted new vineyards, experimented with different grape varieties, and developed unique wine styles.

The wines of Priorat and Montsant

The secret of Priorat wines lies in the combination of several factors. The unique soil, the Mediterranean climate, traditional winemaking methods, and the passion of the winemakers combine to create wines with a character found nowhere else in the world.

Wine is also produced in Montsant with the DO Montsant classification. These are generally more affordable than those from Priorat, which have the DOCa classification. This highest Spanish quality designation has been awarded to both Priorat and Rioja.

The main grape varieties of this region are Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan. It is primarily a red wine region, but there is also a winery that cultivates Viognier, Pasanau.

There is a wide variety of wineries and tours. In addition to grapes, olives are also grown in the area, and several olive oil companies offer tastings.

More than just wine

Priorat, along with Montsant, has much more to offer than just wine:

• Siurana: This picturesque village, perched on a rock above a reservoir, offers breathtaking views of the landscape.
• Carthusian Monastery Scala Dei: This historic monastery surrounded by nature is worth a visit. At the nearby village, you can visit the Escaladei bodega.
• Hiking trails: Priorat and the Serra de Montsant natural park are a paradise for hikers. There are countless routes that take you through the vineyards and the surrounding landscape.

To Priorat?

Want to discover this region yourself? Check out our page about Priorat and contact us for a proposal. Also in combination with the Penedès (the cava region), Tarragona with the Costa Dorada, or the Ebro Delta and the southernmost wine region of Catalonia, Terra Alta.

For special accommodation, glamping options are also available for small groups!