A Wine Lover’s Guide to El Lloar, Priorat, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Priorat, El Lloar offers a unique wine experience. This small village, with its steep slopes and slate soils, produces some of Spain’s most prestigious wines. Visitors can explore centuries-old vineyards and taste exceptional reds made from Garnacha and Cariñena grapes.
Towns and Villages
El Lloar is a tiny village with a population of around 100 people. Its narrow streets and traditional stone houses provide an authentic Catalan experience. Nearby villages worth visiting include:
- Gratallops: Known for its renowned wineries
- Torroja del Priorat: Home to historic cellars
- Porrera: Offers picturesque views of terraced vineyards
Wine Producers
El Lloar boasts several notable wine producers. Some standout wineries include:
- Celler Cecilio: A family-run winery producing high-quality reds
- Clos Figueras: Offers vineyard tours and wine tastings
- Mas Doix: Known for its premium Priorat wines
Most wineries require advance booking for visits and tastings. Contact them directly or arrange through local tour operators.
Accommodations
El Lloar has limited accommodation options due to its small size. Consider staying in nearby towns or rural houses:
- Cal Llop: A charming hotel in Gratallops, just 3 km from El Lloar
- Hotel-Hostal Sport: Located in Falset, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant
- Casa Rural Cal Mestre: A rustic guesthouse in El Lloar itself
Dining
While El Lloar has few dining options, nearby towns offer excellent restaurants showcasing local cuisine:
- Restaurant Quinoa (Falset): Modern Catalan cuisine with an extensive wine list
- La Cooperativa (Porrera): Traditional local dishes in a historic setting
- El Celler de l’Aspic (Falset): Michelin-recommended restaurant featuring seasonal menus
For a casual meal in El Lloar, try the local bar which often serves simple, hearty dishes.
Wine Shops & Bars
While El Lloar itself has limited options, nearby towns offer excellent wine-tasting experiences:
- Vinum Priorat (Gratallops): A wine bar showcasing local producers
- La Vinacoteca (Falset): Wine shop with an extensive selection of Priorat wines
- Wine Corner (Falset): Cozy bar offering wine flights and tapas
Many wineries also have on-site shops where you can purchase their products directly.
Other Shops
For local products and souvenirs, explore these options:
- Agrobotiga Montsant (Falset): Sells local olive oils, nuts, and artisanal products
- Cooperativa Falset-Marçà: Offers wines, olive oils, and regional specialties
- Mercat Municipal de Falset: Fresh local produce and gourmet foods
Attractions
Beyond wine, the region offers cultural and natural attractions:
- Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei: Historic site where winemaking in Priorat began
- Siurana: Picturesque village with stunning views and hiking trails
- Montsant Natural Park: Ideal for outdoor activities and scenic drives
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-related events:
- Fira del Vi de Falset (May): Annual wine fair showcasing Priorat and Montsant wines
- Festa de la Verema (September): Harvest festival with grape-stomping activities
- Tast amb Llops (July): Wine and food tasting event in Gratallops
Appellations
El Lloar is part of the prestigious Priorat DOQ (Denominación de Origen Calificada). Key facts:
- One of only two DOQ regions in Spain (along with Rioja)
- Known for powerful red wines with high alcohol content
- Unique terroir with llicorella (slate) soils
The neighboring Montsant DO also produces excellent wines worth exploring.
Grape Varieties
El Lloar, located in Priorat, Spain, is known for its robust red wines. Garnacha and Cariñena are the primary grape varieties cultivated in this region.
Other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, which are often used in blends to add complexity and structure to the wines.
Main Wine Styles
El Lloar produces powerful, full-bodied red wines with intense flavors and high alcohol content. These wines often exhibit notes of ripe dark fruits, minerals, and herbs.
White wines are less common but can be found, typically made from Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo grapes.
Food Specialties
The local cuisine pairs perfectly with the bold wines of El Lloar. Catalan-style grilled meats and hearty stews are popular dishes in the region.
Don’t miss trying pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and local olive oils produced in the area.
Drives & Walks
Explore the stunning landscapes of El Lloar and Priorat through scenic drives and walks. The winding roads between vineyards offer breathtaking views of the terraced hillsides.
For hikers, the nearby Montsant Natural Park provides excellent trails with varying difficulty levels.
Itineraries
One-Day Wine Tour
- Morning: Visit a local winery for a tour and tasting
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Catalan meal in El Lloar
- Afternoon: Explore the village and its surroundings
- Evening: Wine tasting at a local wine bar
Three-Day Priorat Experience
- Day 1: El Lloar wine tour and village exploration
- Day 2: Visit neighboring villages and wineries
- Day 3: Hiking in Montsant Natural Park and farewell dinner
Getting There & Around
El Lloar is accessible by car from major cities like Barcelona (2.5 hours) and Tarragona (1 hour). Reus Airport is the closest, about 45 minutes away.
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the region’s wineries and villages. Narrow, winding roads are common, so drive cautiously.
Best Time to Visit
Visit El Lloar between April and October for ideal wine touring weather. September and October coincide with the harvest season, offering unique winery experiences.
Winters are mild but can be rainy, potentially affecting road conditions in rural areas.
Sustainability Efforts
Many El Lloar wineries practice organic and biodynamic viticulture. Look for certifications like CCPAE (Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production) on wine labels.
Support local sustainability by choosing eco-friendly accommodations and participating in responsible tourism activities.
Language Tips
Catalan and Spanish are widely spoken in El Lloar. Learning a few basic phrases in either language can enhance your experience:
- Bon dia – Good morning (Catalan)
- Gràcies – Thank you (Catalan)
- Salud – Cheers (Spanish)
Further Resources
For more information on El Lloar and Priorat wines, visit:
Consider purchasing a Priorat wine guide for in-depth information on local producers and vintages.
