The Costa Dorada is not only known for its beautiful beaches and historical heritage, but also for being one of Spain’s most prominent wine-producing regions. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply passionate about fine dining, discover the wine routes along the Costa Dorada—such as those in Priorat, Montsant, and Terra Alta—which offer an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of these three stunning wine regions, where you’ll discover wines with great character, spectacular vineyard landscapes, and wineries that blend tradition and modernity. If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our hotels in Cambrils.
Priorat is one of only two regions in Spain that holds the Denomination of Origin Qualified (DOQ) status, a distinction it shares with La Rioja. Its wines, especially the reds, are renowned worldwide for their high quality, intensity, and unique character, thanks to the slate soils (known as llicorella) that define the personality of its vineyards.
What to do on the Priorat route:
- Visit historic and modern wineries: In Priorat, you’ll find a fascinating mix of traditional family-owned wineries and cutting-edge modern facilities.
- Wine tasting: Most wineries offer tastings of their wines, accompanied by explanations of their production process, grape varieties such as Garnacha and Cariñena, and the uniqueness of their cultivation methods.
- Hiking routes among the vineyards: Priorat is a paradise for hikers, with trails winding through mountains and vineyards, offering spectacular panoramic views. You can walk along the Cartujo Route or the Llicorella Path, and enjoy the tranquility of the landscape.
Recommended Wineries to Visit in Priorat
- Clos Mogador (Gratallops)
- Álvaro Palacios (Gratallops)
- Scala Dei (La Morera de Montsant)
Surrounding Priorat, the DO Montsant stretches out—a wine region that has gained considerable recognition in recent decades. Although it shares the same mountainous environment as Priorat, Montsant wines are more affordable while still offering excellent quality. The soils here are more varied, including clay, limestone, and granite, which result in wines with an intriguing diversity of nuances.
What to do on the Montsant route
- Boutique winery tour: Montsant is home to many small, family-owned wineries where personalised attention and a passion for wine are evident. Recommended wineries include Celler Masroig, Celler Capçanes, and Cellers Joan d’Anguera.
- Tastings and pairings: When visiting these wineries, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy guided tastings where winemakers explain the production process and the characteristics of each wine. Many tours include pairings with local products such as cheeses, cured meats, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Natural exploration: Montsant is also known for its stunning natural park, ideal for nature enthusiasts. You can combine a hiking or climbing route with a wine tour, enjoying both the wines and the spectacular landscape.
Recommended Wineries to Visit in Montsant
- Celler Masroig (El Masroig)
- Celler Capçanes (Capçanes)
- Cellers Joan d’Anguera (Darmós)
In southern Catalonia, in an elevated, sun-drenched region, lies the Terra Alta DO, famous for its extraordinary white wines, especially those made from White Grenache. This region features vineyards located at altitudes of up to 500 meters, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop more concentrated aromas and flavors. Terra Alta has historically been less well-known, but in recent years it has begun to gain recognition for its excellent value.
What to do on the Terra Alta route
- Visits to traditional and modern wineries: In Terra Alta, you can explore both traditional and innovative wineries. Popular choices include Altavins Viticultors, Bàrbara Forés, and Celler Piñol
- Garnacha Blanca route: As one of the regions with the highest production of Garnacha Blanca, Terra Alta offers the chance to embark on a route specialising in this variety, allowing you to taste full-bodied white wines with remarkable aging potential.
- Cultural tourism: Terra Alta also boasts a rich cultural heritage, such as the legacy of the Battle of the Ebro and the modernist traces of Cèsar Martinell’s work, a disciple of Gaudí. Don’t miss a visit to the Wine Cathedrals, impressive modernist wineries.
Recommended Wineries to Visit in Terra Alta
- Altavins Viticultors (Batea)
- Bàrbara Forés (Gandesa)
- Celler Piñol (Batea)
