The origins of the Priorat. Wine tourism route

 Durations: 2:30h + 1:30h (visit and wine tasting)
 Distance: 8,5 km
 Difficulty: Low
 Slope: 160 m (positive), 460 m (negative)  

Route The origins of the Priorat

In this issue of Vinos y Caminos we will walk under the shadow of the imposing Sierra del Montsant and discover the origins of the Priorat and its wines. From La Morera de Montsant we will go to the small village of Escaladei Priorat passing by its Carthusian monastery. We will end the route with a visit to the winery of  La Conreria de Scala Dei, and we will have lunch in the same village, specifically in the restaurant El Rebost de Scala Dei.

00′. Our route starts in the lower part of the village of La Morera de Montsant (743 m) and follows the markings of the GR-171. We will first go along a track that after a few metres turns into a footpath. At all times we will enjoy fantastic views of the Montsant mountain range. We then head west.

35′. We leave the Carthusian path and take a footpath again, this time heading south through a beautiful forest. In a continuous and easy descent, we reach another track. If we follow it, we will soon arrive at the Carthusian monastery, La Cartuja de Scaladei. We set off on a path that rises steeply to the north. After the steep climb, the footpath flattens out until we reach a crossroads.

1h 50′. We continue straight on. To our right, we will see some fantastic vineyards. Soon, we will reach the Pregona fountain, where we can refill our water bottles (2 hours).

2h. We retrace our path through the vineyards, leaving behind the spectacular views of the Racó de Misa. We will take a turn to the left towards the Horno de Cal, i.e. the lime kiln, used by the Carthusian monks for the construction of the monastery.

2h 15′. Here we will alternate between the road and the footpath in order to reach the Ermita de La Pietat and contemplate the different types of trees planted in the area.

2h 30′.  Once again, we continue along a footpath that descends down the valley towards La Cartuja, which we reach in a few minutes. You can visit what was the first Carthusian monastery founded in Spain by this order from the French Provence. Tickets: 3,5 €.

We continue along the track, now paved, towards the tiny village of Escaladei. There we head towards the winery La Conreria d’Scala Dei for a tour of its facilities and a tasting of its wines, which are classified under the famous Priorat designation of origin.

Note: All times are approximate. Doing the ride alone or with a group can significantly alter the partial and total times.

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