Things to See and Do in the Priorat & Montsant Wine Region

One of only two wine regions in Spain which enjoy the DOQ status (the other is La Rioja) the Priorat region is also one of the country’s smallest – its entire production being less than some individual wineries in the more commercial areas. Nonetheless, after a crisis in the 1990’s where production here was nearly abandoned, Priorat wines are now among the most highly prized in Spain.

To see the slate-filled soil here is to wonder how anything at all can grow, but the vines thrive on hardship, producing low yield but high quality Cariñena and Grenache grapes with a minerality which sets them apart from the rest.

As mentioned above the Scala Dei winery needs to be on everyone’s list – and the well-informed staff provide an excellent tour - but there are many more fascinating wineries in the region, each with its own fascinating story.

The small village of Gratallops was at the epicentre of the area’s renaissance in the 90s when the ‘Gang of Five’ led by Réne Barbier and Álvaro Palacios teamed up to produce wines which were to change the fortunes of the entire region. Rene Barbier’s Clos Mogador offers tours, but for an entertaining and informative visit Clos Figueras, who’s charming owner Miquel was never far from the action, is hard to beat whilst for a visit with truly spectacular views try nearby Atavus.

For a small, independent bodega Mas Sinet (Burgos Porta) is highly recommendable and its energetic owner, Salvador, will bowl you over with his enthusiasm.

No visit to the Priorat would be complete without a visit to the Cartoixa de Santa Maria de Scala Dei, the atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century Carthusian monastery. This is the spiritual heart of the valley and its ‘origin story’.

The monastery once ruled over the whole area, lending its (now famous) name Priorat (Priory) to the valley. The monks were also the first to produce wine here and the Scala Dei winery continues as one of the foremost producers in the area – and makes a fascinating visit.

If you only visit one mountain village in the Priorat region, make sure it’s Siurana!
This fairytale medieval village occupies a seemingly invincible, strategic cliff-top position with views which encompass the whole valley. Invincible it wasn’t but it was the last Islamic stronghold in Catalonia to fall to the Christians in 1153.

Today visitors can explore the ruined Moorish castle as well as the fine Romanesque church, built soon after the conquest, or just wander around the lanes and take in the stunning views from the Mirador.

The village is only accessible by foot (there’s a car park as you approach) and is unsuitable for those with mobility issues. For an easy but thrilling walk, turn to the left as you approach the village (on foot from the carpark) and a short walk will take you to La Trona (about 1km each way).

Siurana is a Mecca for rock-climbers and hikers, and you can practice watersports in the reservoir below the village.

The lively little town of Falset is the capital of the Priorat county, just 40km south of Tarragona, and as such is active all year round with a good offering of bars and restaurants.

Falset has a nice town square and a small castle as well as an interesting wine co-operative set in a Catalan Modernist building where they also produce some delicious Vermouths. 

Set the entrance to the valley, the town is surrounded by mountains and vineyards yet is just a short distance from the Mediterranean Costa Dorada making it the perfect base for exploring the whole area. 

This charming village is located in the Montsant wine region on the edge of the Priorat and at the base of the Montsant mountain range, a position which makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts as well as wine lovers.  
Set among the vineyards there are several wineries ‘cellers’ in Cornudella, including the co-operative which is housed in a fine Modernista building. The village also has several bars and restaurants including the Michelin-starred Quatre Molins.

Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views from the trails that wind through the Montsant Mountain range direct from the village or in the nearby the Gritella and Prades mountain ranges.

Some routes will take you to iconic spots like La Trona (a simple, short walk from nearby Siurana with truly remarkable views), Roca Corbatera, (the highest point in  Montsant range) or Grau de l’Escltexa .

Near Scala Dei, at the base of the Sierra La Morera is a small medieval village with a strong mountaineering atmosphere and good facilities including a handful of restaurants.

The entrance point for hikers, and climbers to the Sierra de Montsant. The trails which lead up from the village through the, seemingly impenetrable, cliff face are actually reasonably accessible and yield magnificent views within a short distance.

For route information enquire at the Refugi de la Morera (just above the swimming pool) this is a public-funded mountain refuge / hostal), at the Hotel Balcó de Priorat if you’re staying / eating there, or at any tourist office in the valley. There are also information panels at the start of the trails.

The municipal pool is open June 24th to August 31st. 

Set atop a steep ridge this is one of the prettiest villages of the Priorat – with no room for expansion the buildings in Vilella have grown upwards gaining it the nickname ‘the New York of the Priorat’ (they have a good imagination round here, or maybe don’t get out much).