Celler Laurona was founded in 1999 on the outskirts of Falset and is considered one of the first private wineries in DO Montsant, having played a notable role in the appellation obtaining its own denomination of origin. The project was started by René Barbier, a key figure in the Priorat wine renaissance, together with English wine importer Christopher Cannan; the name Laurona recalls the Roman-era name for this part of Montsant.
The vineyards, at the foot of the Montsant massif on soils of slate (llicorella), limestone and sandy clay, are planted with old bush vines of Garnatxa and Carinyena. From these come wines such as Laurona, Laurona Blanc, Plini, Pythagora, Nautilea, Supernova and L'Irresistible, made with selective hand harvesting, gentle maceration and ageing in both wood and neutral vessels, favouring an honest expression of the terroir over a more commercial style.
Since 2025 the winery has been led by Fiona Fischer, who trained alongside René Barbier and now carries the project forward. Visits are by appointment, offered in Catalan, Spanish, English and French, for groups of up to 20, including a tasting of four wines and an on-site shop.
Imatge: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Sources: enoguia.cat · laurona.ch · vinofant.com