The first recorded evidence of grape growing and wine production dates from the 12th century, when the monks from the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, founded in 1194, introduced the art of viticulture in the area. The monks tended the vineyards for centuries until 1835 when they were expropriated by the state, and distributed to smallholders.

The region is home to two  unique wine varieties.

Priorat DOQ

It is one of the only two wine regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, the highest qualification level for a wine region according to Spanish wine regulations, alongside Rioja DOCa.

It primarly produces a powerful red wine, wine of low yield and high alcohol potential due to the climate and unique terroir of black slate and quartz soil known as licorella.  The native varieties of Garnatxa and Carinena have been tamed by a new wave of skilled wine makers back into business as from tha 1980s after the Philoxera plage at the beginning of the 1900s which meant the decline of the region until then.

Montstant DO (early 2000)

The vineyards  at an average height of about 360m above sea level extend along the mountainsides among olive groves, forests and rocky outcrops.

The main style of Montsant is powerful red wines, which can be similar to the wines of Priorat when they are made from old vine Garnacha and Cariñena. Production also includes white wines, rosé wines, sweet red wines and rancio style wines made using a solera system.