DAY 1

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Barcelona - Arrival & Welcome Picnic

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You'll spend the first night at the comfortable Hotel Praktik Rambla in central Barcelona. Located in a stunning 19th century palace, this boutique hotel is modern and stylish while boasting original features like colourful ceramic tiles and ornate wooden doors.

 

After an afternoon check-in at the hotel and time to relax on the spacious terrace, you'll gather with sommelier Alice Longhurst-Jones for a welcome candlelit wine tasting . As the sun goes down over the city of Barcelona we'll sample some delicious local wines and get to know each other.

 

After this introduction to the Catalan wine scene and you can continue to prepare your palates for your vinous adventure over the coming days by choosing to dine at one of the excellent local restaurants we recommend.

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DAY 2

 

Barcelona - History & Wine Culture

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After morning coffee and croissants at the hotel you'll have the morning free to explore the city of Barcelona. You might choose to wander the characterful medieval streets of the old city, visit the bustling & colourful La Boqueria food market, or take time out at the beach or one of the city's many excellent art museums. After that why not enjoy a traditional 3-course lunch at a charming restaurant in the Born neighbourhood. 

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To work off lunch you'll then meet with Alice get an insider's view of the Barcelona wine scene. We'll re-enter the world of wine and visit two of the city's best places to drink and purchase wine. We'll meet the owner of each bar and wine shop and learn what Catalan wine means to them. At each stop we'll taste the owner's favourite wines and get a feel for the vast range of different wines being produced in Catalunya today.

 

During the tour you'll also take a leisurely guided stroll around the charming Gothic and Born neighbourhoods. Our knowledgeable local guide will enchant us with stories of Barcelona's past and show us two hidden historic sites which few visitors discover during their time in the city. We'll discover the region's Roman past and hear tales of the city's medieval golden age.

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Falset - Dinner

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Following our history & wine tour in the old city you'll drive out to wine country. You'll be staying in the small village of Falset which lies right next to the prestigious DOQ Priorat wine region.

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After check in at the charming  Hotel Hostal Sport  and some time to rest after the journey you might decide to stay in and visit in the hotel's restaurant for a relaxing dinner. Recommended in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant specialises in using seasonal local ingredients  and authentic Catalan cuisine.

 

The hotel was founded nearly a hundred years ago as an inn for travellers on the road between Barcelona and Valencia. It's still in the hands of the same family today with current owner Marta Domènech Tomàs representing the fourth generation!

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day 3

Escaladei - Monks & Winemaking

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Following breakfast at the hotel you'll drive to the village of Escaladei, enjoying the spectacular views of the steep hills peppered with gnarled vines along the way. Your first stop is the Carthusian Monastery of Santa Maria d'Escaladei.

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Although abandoned by the monks in 1835, this enigmatic historic site played a critical role in the wine story of the now-famous Priorat region. In the 12th century the monks became the first to start making wine here, motivated by the need to produce their own wine to celebrate Mass, 

 

Over the seven centuries they inhabited the monastery they experimented with different farming techniques and planted vines on the steep hills surrounding the site. You'll visit the ruins of their home and learn what it would have been like to live in this remote corner of Catalunya hundreds of years ago.

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Moving from the past to the present, you'll then visit one of the modern Scala Dei wineries which continue the legacy of the monks today. You'll enjoy an in-depth private tour of the winery followed by a tasting of some of their best wines.

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Following the visit there'll be time for a walk amongst the vines or a rest in a shady spot before enjoying a traditional lunch in a gorgeous medieval town.

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You'll finish the day with a visit to another top Priorat winery where you'll enjoy a warm personal welcome from the winemaker and a tapas-style dinner accompanied by a tasting of their wines.

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day 4

Falset - Wine Culture & Stunning Vineyards

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Sunday morning is free to rest, take a cycle ride out into the countryside, enjoy a massage at the hotel or to explore the historic town and visiting the Castell del Vi museum ("Castle of Wine") for a unique perspective on Priorat wine culture. For lunch we encourage you to try one of the town's many small restaurants.

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In the early afternoon it'll be time for two more fabulous winery visits. This time you'll be heading to the D.O. Montsant wine region which encircles the vineyards of Priorat.

 

Created just over 15 years ago, this upstart region used to be regarded as the little brother of Priorat. Today, thanks to innovative and visionary winemakers, Montsant is distinguishing itself for excellent quality and well-priced reds and whites.

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You'll meet two local winemakers and discover their personal journeys to realise the dream of owning their own vineyard. You'll walk with them amongst their vines and taste their wines as we learn how the climate, soils and winemaking techniques they use give these wines unique personality.

 

day 5

Siruana - History & Natural Beauty

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After breakfast at the hotel you'll visit the most photogenic village in Priorat, Siurana. Today this stunning medieval hamlet is a place of pure charm and tranquility, but it's cobblestoned streets and crumbling ancient fortifications still throng with the whispers of a tragic past.

 

Set high up on a dramatic outcrop of rock, the village was once the last Muslim stronghold in Catalunya. Following long years of sieges and attacks by Christian armies, the Moorish castle was captured in 1153.

 

Rather than surrender to the conquerors, the Moorish queen Abdelazia mounted her horse and jumped to her death from the steep cliff. The legend holds that her steed, not being quite as keen on the idea, tried to slam on the brakes at the last minute. Locals say that this futile resistance left the imprint of a horseshoe in the rock which is still visible today.

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Enjoy a walk around the village with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the unforgettable views of the turquoise Siurana lake shimmering far below us and the stunning Prades and Montsant mountains all around.

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Before your return to Barcelona why not enjoy a drink in the sunshine at a local bar and raise a toast to your wine adventure.

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Barcelona - Fond Farewells 

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Drive back to Barcelona and return your car to the airport.

 

For those who wish to spend more time in Barcelona before or after the tour we can organize accommodation and activities to meet your wishes. Please email us at alice@barcelonawineguide.com to arrange this. 

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PRICE & BOOKING INFORMATION

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The total price of the Barcelona Wine Experience is approximately 500 euros per person (depending on group size and based on two people sharing a double hotel room). Please note that this experience is totally customisable and this is merely a sample itinerary.

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What's included:

 - 1 night at the Hotel Praktik Rambla in central Barcelona 

- 3 nights at the Hotel Hostal Sport in the Priorat wine region

- Breakfast each day 

- Car hire from Barcelona (Prefer not to drive? We can arrange private transportation. Just let us know!​)

- Visit to the Scala Dei Monastery

- Visits to four top Priorat & Montsant wineries where you'll be personally-received to by the families and winemakers behind these fabulous wines

- Expert local recommendations and personalised travel plan curated by a professional sommelier

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Please note that flights, transfers from Barcelona airport to the city, entry to the Castell del Vi museum and travel insurance are not included. 

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To register your interest please email Alice at barcelonawineguide@gmail.com

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