Conca de Barberà is one of those destinations best enjoyed without rushing. Wine forms part of the landscape, the history and the way of life. Visiting this designation of origin means delving into a region where wine culture coexists with charming villages, monumental heritage and a way of working that keeps the bond with the land alive. A designation of origin shaped by landscape and climate The DO Conca de Barberà extends across 2,875 hectares of vineyards, making it the region’s main agricultural production. The vineyards are concentrated mainly in the area known as the Conca estricta, shaped by the erosion of the Francolí and Anguera rivers. The land is mainly calcareous, of Tertiary origin and with a medium or medium-strong consistency. This setting, together with a Mediterranean microclimate with continental influences, helps define the character of the wines of this DO. Winters are cold, summers are not excessively hot and the temperature contrast between day and night favours balanced grape ripening. The result is wines with freshness, lightness and a very characteristic expressive aroma. Trepat, the variety that gives Conca de Barberà its own personality If there is one variety that identifies the DO Conca de Barberà, it is trepat. This is a native red grape, almost exclusive to this territory, capable of producing delicate, fragrant wines with a lively acidity that makes them especially pleasant. For years, trepat remained in the background, but its recovery has become one of the most stimulating stories in recent Catalan wine. New winemakers and young winegrowers have seen in it a way to express the territory with its own voice. Thanks to this commitment, Conca de Barberà has earned a place among the country’s most distinctive wine destinations. Fresh, expressive wines that are easy to pair The wines of the designation stand out for their approachable and fresh profile. The rosés, often made with trepat, have a very distinctive character. The whites, with a notable presence of chardonnay, are recognised for their quality. The reds, made with varieties such as red garnacha, ull de llebre and also trepat, tend to be smooth and balanced. This freshness and lightness make them very versatile wines at the table. They pair well with traditional cuisine, local produce and dishes made for sharing. They are wines that accompany without overwhelming and adapt well to very different moments and styles. From Poblet to the cooperatives: a deeply rooted wine history The wine tradition of Conca de Barberà dates back to the 12th century. The Cistercian monks of Poblet and the Templars of Barberà de la Conca played a key role in introducing and expanding vine cultivation. This historical mark can still be felt today in the landscape and in the identity of the region. Later, the cooperative movement marked another decisive moment. At the end of the 19th century, the farmers of Barberà promoted the first wine cooperative in Spain to produce wine collectively. That collective spirit remains an essential part of the DO’s story. The wine cathedrals of Conca de Barberà: modernista heritage among vineyards Discovering the wineries of Conca de Barberà means entering spaces where wine, landscape and history intertwine. Today, the designation brings together 31 wineries, among which six large modernista wineries stand out: true wine cathedrals that can be visited. Two are the work of Pere Domènech i Roura, in l’Espluga de Francolí and Sarral. The other four, designed by Cèsar Martinell, are in Barberà de la Conca, Rocafort de Queralt, Montblanc and Pira. These spaces impress both for their architecture and for what they represent. They speak of a time of prosperity, collective ambition and a deeply rooted wine culture. The Trepat and Conca de Barberà Wines Route: experiences, heritage and festivals The Trepat and Conca de Barberà Wines Route offers a complete way to experience the region. It includes winery visits, guided tastings, walks among vineyards, museums and proposals adapted to each visitor. The route can be completed with emblematic places such as the monastery of Poblet, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the medieval ensemble of Montblanc. The calendar also shines with events such as the Mercat Medieval de Vins de Montblanc, the Festa del Trepat in Barberà de la Conca and the Festa de la Verema in l’Espluga de Francolí. These are ideal moments to let yourself be carried away, better understand the territory and savour a region that still holds many treasures to discover.