Barcelona: Priorat Wine Tour & Tastings and Lunch

If you’re craving a taste of authentic Catalonian wine and scenery, this Priorat Wine Tour from Salou might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a thoughtfully curated day that combines the pleasures of wine tasting, stunning views, and local cuisine—all in a compact, well-organized trip.

What we love most? First, the chance to visit two distinct wineries that showcase the region’s best wines and biodynamic vineyards. Second, the opportunity to enjoy a delicious local lunch that highlights regional flavors in a charming setting.

A potential consideration? The full-day nature of the tour means it’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day on the road, and it’s not ideal if mobility is limited.

This experience is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers wanting a taste of Catalonia’s countryside, or anyone eager to combine scenic views with cultural discovery.

Key Points

• Authentic Wineries: Visit two wineries renowned for their quality wines and biodynamic vineyards.
• Tastings & Products: Enjoy tastings of both wines and olive oils, gaining insight into traditional production methods.
• Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking viewpoints, including the historic old vines of Finca Palacios.
• Local Cuisine: Savor a hearty lunch at a family-run restaurant, experiencing regional flavors firsthand.
• Rich History: Explore the origins of famous wines like l’Ermita and learn about the unique terroir of Priorat.
• Small Group: Travel in a small, personalized group limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Priorat Wine Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins in your hotel in Salou, Cambrils, or Tarragona, where you’ll be picked up at a designated time. The comfortable vehicle, tailored to the group size, makes the roughly 50-minute drive to Gratallops feel swift and relaxed. The quiet intimacy of a small group—limited to just 10 travelers—means you’ll receive more personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.

First Stop: Gratavinum Winery

Our first visit is to Gratavinum, a name well-known among wine aficionados. It’s here that we get our first taste of the region’s premium wines, paired with extra virgin olive oil made in the same winery—a real treat for those who love regional specialties. The visit includes a detailed look into their biodynamic vineyards, which follow organic and natural principles, adding a layer of authenticity to their wines.

A common highlight from visitors is the chance to discover the winemaking process firsthand. One reviewer notes, “I loved how knowledgeable our guide was about biodynamics and how passionately they explained the process.” Expect to learn about the unique characteristics of Priorat wines and see the old vines that produce some of the most famous labels, like l’Ermita—a true treasure of the region.

Viewing the Old Vines at Finca Palacios

After Gratavinum, the tour takes us to Finca Palacios, where breathtaking viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of ancient vineyards. These old vines, some over a century old, are prized for their concentrated flavors. The scenery here isn’t just picturesque; it’s a living reminder of the region’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions. The views inspire many travelers to pause, take photos, and appreciate the rugged landscape that makes Priorat so distinctive.

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Lunch in Gratallops

Midday, we pause for a lunch at a local restaurant in Gratallops, a small village renowned for its wine culture. The meal is hearty and regional, giving you a true taste of Catalan cuisine—think rustic, flavorful dishes paired with local wines. This is a relaxed, authentic setting, allowing for good conversation and a chance to reflect on the morning’s visits.

Second Winery Visit: Clos Dominic S.L

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to Clos Dominic S.L, a family-owned vineyard perched on a hillside that’s protected by the local government for its natural beauty. The vineyard’s history spans over 100 years, and the setting is dramatic, with steep slopes and old vines.

The tour here is more intimate, with access to the actual winery facilities followed by a tasting of several wines from the estate. Reviewers have praised the enthusiasm of the guides and the quality of the wines—noted as “exceptionally well-rounded and expressive of the region.”

Adding to the experience is a tasting of olive oil made from arbequina olives, with bread and small regional snacks, giving visitors a sense of how local products complement each other. It’s a hands-on, flavorful experience that underscores the region’s culinary richness.

Ending the Day and Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, tasting, and sightseeing, the group boards the vehicle for the return trip to Salou. The drive back offers a chance to unwind and chat about the day’s highlights, often with plans to visit some of these wineries independently in the future.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting from your hotel in Salou or nearby towns. The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures plenty of space for questions, photos, and personal interaction with your guide.

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, a private expert guide, visits to two distinguished wineries, tastings of wines and olive oils, and a hearty regional lunch. The vehicle is adapted to the number of travelers, making the trip comfortable and smooth.

What to bring? Pack comfortable shoes for walking, a sun hat for the outdoor viewpoints, a camera for the spectacular vistas, and water to stay hydrated.

What’s not allowed? Pets and smoking are prohibited, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

Timing and Languages

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Arabic, with an audio guide offered in French, Italian, Portuguese, and German. Check availability for specific start times, as they can vary.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

How This Tour Feels in Practice

Reviewers often praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, making the day feel both educational and relaxed. The stunning views and authentic experiences—like tasting regional olive oils and sampling old-vine wines—are frequently highlighted.

Some mention that the wineries have a welcoming, family-run feel, adding genuine charm to the experience. The delicious regional lunch is often described as hearty and satisfying, giving a true taste of Catalan cuisine.

One traveler summed it up as “a perfect blend of scenery, culture, and good wine,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the personalized attention in a small group setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about biodynamic vineyards and taste exceptional wines. It also appeals to travelers seeking a scenic escape from bustling cities, wanting to enjoy authentic regional cuisine and views.

It’s ideal for those comfortable with a full-day outing and looking for a relaxed, informative way to explore Catalonia’s countryside. However, it might not be the best fit for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women due to the physical aspects of vineyard visits and the length of the day.

Final Thoughts

The Priorat Wine Tour from Salou offers a well-balanced mix of authentic wine tasting, scenic vistas, and regional gastronomy. It’s a great way to connect with Catalonia’s wine culture in a personal, engaging way, especially if you’re curious about biodynamic vineyards and old vines.

Travelers who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and savoring regional flavors will find this tour particularly rewarding. While it’s priced to reflect quality experiences, many consider it a good value for the depth of insight and the memorable sights it provides.

If you’re looking to combine a scenic drive, cultural discovery, and excellent wine in one day, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including travel, winery visits, and lunch.

Where does the tour start?
It begins with hotel pickup in Salou, Cambrils, or Tarragona.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a vehicle adapted to the group size is included for the entire day.

How many wineries will we visit?
You will visit two wineries: Gratavinum and Clos Dominic S.L.

Are wine and olive oil tastings included?
Yes, both wine and olive oil tastings are part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the tour is primarily focused on wine tasting, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery and other aspects of the visits, but it’s designed for adults.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, camera, and water are recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

What languages are available?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and Arabic; audio guides are available in French, Italian, Portuguese, and German.

You can check availability for your dates here: