Álvaro Palacios Winery

What is Álvaro Palacios

Álvaro Palacios is an iconic winery located in Gratallops, in the Priorat region of Catalonia. Founded by the Rioja winemaker Álvaro Palacios, this winery has played a decisive role in modernizing and elevating the international prestige of Priorat wines. Its project focuses on recovering old vineyards of garnacha and other native varieties, combining tradition with modern viticulture and winemaking techniques.

What you will see

During the visit, you can tour the facilities where high-end wines are produced, especially L'Ermita, a red wine made from grapes of century-old vines growing in licorella soils, characteristic of Priorat. The experience includes viewing terraced vineyards, the winery with its tanks and barrels, and tasting wines that reflect the mineral complexity of the terroir.

Historical context

After training in Rioja and Bordeaux, Álvaro Palacios decided in the 1990s to invest in Priorat, a region with a winemaking tradition but little recognition at the time. His work has been key to placing Priorat among Spain's most renowned appellations. The winery rescues century-old garnacha vines grown on steep slopes and poor slate soils, which give singularity to its wines.

Practical information

The winery is located in Gratallops, accessible from Barcelona and Tarragona. Visits typically last between 1 and 2 hours and booking in advance is recommended. Accessibility is medium due to the terrain and facilities. Visits with children and pets are allowed, though caution is advised in the vineyards. Entry is not free and prices vary depending on the visit and tasting options. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when Priorat’s landscape is colorful and the climate mild.