4x4 tour among Priorat vineyards with a tasting from Cornudella

What it is

A guided off-road tour along the rural tracks of the northern Priorat, among vineyards of the county's two appellations: DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant. It is organised by Montsant Natura, an activities company in Cornudella de Montsant, and leaves from and returns to the same village, at the foot of Siurana. A local guide drives and explains what makes the wine here different: the soil, the slope of the terraces, the altitude and the climate. It ends at one of their Garnacha estates with a walk through the vineyard and a tasting of local cheese with local wine.

It is a way of seeing the wine landscape without driving along tracks you do not know, and a relaxed alternative to walking routes when it is hot.

Duration and route

The company speaks of about two hours in total; in the booking box on its website it says "approximately 1:30 h", so count on between an hour and a half and two hours. The route is circular through the northern Priorat, along paths between vineyards and estates, and ends with the visit to the vineyard and the tasting. They do not publish a fixed itinerary: it depends on the day and the guide.

Price

You pay per vehicle, not per person:

• 2 people: €90
• 4 people: €110
• 6 people: €130

The maximum is six people per tour. For four or six, it works out considerably cheaper per head. The cheese and wine tasting is included.

When it runs

It is offered all year, with no fixed days or times published: you agree them when you book. In spring the vines bud, in summer the sun is fierce and first thing or late afternoon is best, and in September and October the grape harvest arrives, when the landscape changes colour and you see work on the estates.

How to book and where to meet

Book in Montsant Natura's online shop, from the booking button on the activity page, or by phone (977 821 313) and email ([email protected]). The tour leaves from Cornudella de Montsant; the company's headquarters are on carrer Major 37. Confirm the exact meeting point when you book. The website does not say in which languages they guide; if you do not speak Catalan or Spanish, ask.

Who it is for

The company presents it as suitable for all ages. With children, bear in mind that the tasting is of wine: minors will try the cheese and see the vineyard. It is a good option for groups of friends or families of up to six, for those who do not want to walk much and for anyone who wants to understand the Priorat before visiting wineries on their own. The tracks are bumpy: if anyone gets carsick, let them sit in front.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes for walking a while in the vineyard, a cap and water in summer, and a jacket in winter, when mornings in the Priorat are cold.

Complete the day

In the morning, go up to see the village, the castle and the church of Siurana; in the afternoon, the 4x4 tour. For dinner, in Cornudella itself you have the LoRefugi Gastrobar, run by the same company, with Priorat and Montsant wines, or the Fonda el Recó. If you want to stay, LoRefugi is their hostel in the centre of the village.