Tarraconensis Trail

Rome's first major wine-producing region in Hispania.

Rome's first major wine-producing region in Hispania. The Via Augusta connected these vineyards to the port at Tarraco, shipping wine across the Mediterranean. From UNESCO amphitheaters to world-class Priorat, this trail traces 2,000 years of Catalan wine culture on Roman foundations.

A Wine Memories curated trail · winememories.fi

8 experiences 🇪🇸 Spain moderate 1 week

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Stops

Curated by Wine Memories

  1. 1
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    Tarragona Roman Amphitheater & Wine

    Sit in a 2nd-century amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean where gladiators drank posca (wine vinegar). Then taste modern DO Tarragona whites in the UNESCO old town. The Romans called this Tarraco and made it their provincial capital.

    tour $$
  2. 2
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    Pont del Diable Roman Aqueduct Hike

    Walk across the top of Rome's best-preserved aqueduct outside Italy. The 'Devil's Bridge' spans a forested ravine — locals believed only the devil could build something so perfect. After the hike, taste wines at nearby Cava country bodegas.

    adventure $
  3. 3
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    Empúries Greek-Roman Colony

    Where Greek traders and Roman legions first brought wine culture to Iberia. Walk through overlapping Greek and Roman cities with intact wine production facilities. The museum displays amphorae that carried wine across the Mediterranean.

    tour $$
  4. 4
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    Alt Empordà Wine Route

    The Tramuntana wind that drives locals mad also creates exceptional wines. Romans recognized this harsh terrain produced concentrated, powerful wines. Today, Garnacha and Cariñena thrive on the same wind-beaten slopes.

    tasting $$
  5. 5
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    Priorat's Ancient Terraces

    Walk terraces carved into impossibly steep hillsides by Roman legions. The llicorella slate soil hasn't changed in 2,000 years, producing Spain's most profound wines. Only Rioja shares DOCa status — Spain's highest classification.

    tour $$$
  6. 6
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    Scala Dei Monastery & Winery

    Built on Roman ruins, this 12th-century Carthusian monastery gave Priorat its name. The monks found "God's Ladder" (Scala Dei) in visions and planted vines on the Roman terraces. The modern winery is the region's oldest.

    tasting $$
  7. 7
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    Penedès Via Augusta Wine Route

    The Via Augusta connected Roman vineyards to the port at Tarraco. Today, drive this ancient route through Penedès — Spain's sparkling wine capital. Torres claims vineyard sites planted since Roman times.

    adventure $$
  8. 8
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    Sant Sadurní d'Anoia Cava Caves

    Modern cathedrals of sparkling wine built on Roman cave techniques. Freixenet and Codorníu have underground cellars stretching for kilometers. The méthode traditionnelle echoes Roman wine storage practices.

    tour $$

Plan the trip

Insider tip. Priorat is the absolute highlight — the llicorella slate terraces are unchanged since Roman legions carved them. Book Clos Mogador or Álvaro Palacios weeks ahead.

Getting there and around

Car required
Yes
Parking
Free at wineries, paid in cities. Priorat roads narrow.
Nearest airport
Barcelona (BCN) - 1 hr to Tarragona
Drinking and driving
Designate driver for Priorat — roads challenging. Book winery lunches.
Other airports
  • Girona (GRO) - convenient for Empordà
Without a car
Train to Tarragona, but car essential for Priorat

Where to stay

Base yourself in
Tarragona
Why there
Roman heritage, coastal, good base for day trips.
Booking tip
Book Priorat accommodation well ahead — limited options.
Nightly range
€80-250

Recommended stays

Budget
Hostal in old town near amphitheater
Luxury
Hotel Mercer Casa Repsol
Mid-range
Boutique hotel in Part Alta (old town)
Vineyard stays
Stay in Priorat village (Gratallops or Poboleda) for one night

What it costs

Includes
Accommodation, tastings, meals, transport, site entry
Meals
€30-60 per day
Per person
€700-1,200
Ways to spend less
  • Priorat wines expensive but worth it — budget for 2-3 top tastings
  • Cava tastings are affordable — good value
  • Eat menú del día for lunch at local restaurants
  • Roman sites have combined tickets
Tasting fees
€15-50 per winery (Priorat higher)

Booking and timing

Lead time
2-3 weeks for top Priorat producers
Closed days
Some wineries closed weekends/Mondays. Always check.
Peak season
Priorat crowded during harvest (September). Easter week busy.
Best time of day
Sites best in morning, wineries from 10 AM.
Group size
Priorat wineries prefer small groups (2-6)

Where to eat

Lunch
  • Tarragona: Seafood at El Serrallo fishing district
  • Priorat: Simple village restaurants — no fuss, excellent food
  • Penedès: Torres winery restaurant
Dinner
  • Tarragona: Cal Maruny for traditional Catalan
  • Gratallops: Local taverns
  • Sant Sadurní: Cal Blay for post-Cava dinner
Winery restaurants
  • Torres Visitor Center has excellent restaurant
  • Several Priorat producers offer simple tastings with cheese/charcuterie

If your time is short

Do not miss
If you only have one day
If it rains
Dalí Museum in Figueres. Underground Cava caves work in any weather.
Skip if time is short

Mistakes to avoid

  • Don't underestimate Priorat driving — narrow mountain roads, no guardrails
  • Don't skip advance booking for top producers — they turn away walk-ins
  • Don't try to do Empordà and Priorat same day — too much driving
  • Don't drink before driving Priorat roads — designate or tour
  • Don't miss the Roman amphitheater — it's one of the best preserved in Spain

Worth stopping for

  • Tarragona amphitheater at sunset with Mediterranean backdrop
  • Pont del Diable aqueduct from below — dramatic perspective
  • Priorat terraces with morning mist in valleys
  • Scala Dei monastery ruins at golden hour
  • Codorníu's modernista cellars — architectural wonder