Montserrat & Winery Day Trip: Monastery, Wine Tasting & Farmhouse Lunch

Summary

Montserrat’s peaks, monastery echoes and Catalan vineyard warmth

You’ll feel Montserrat’s cool mountain air before wandering its historic monastery with your guide. Then taste local wines at a small family winery and share a traditional farmhouse lunch among vineyards. Expect laughter over Cava, quiet moments in stone courtyards—and those little details you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the jagged outline of Montserrat breaking through the window—like someone had taken a bread knife to the sky. We’d just left Barcelona behind (I could still smell fresh pastry from a bakery near Palau de la Música), and our guide Marta was already telling stories about monks and miracles. She spoke in this gentle Catalan-English that made everything sound like a secret. The drive up twisted through low clouds, and by the time we stepped out, my ears popped and it was suddenly chilly—definitely colder than I’d packed for.

I wandered off for a second near the basilica—couldn’t help it. The stones felt cold under my hand, almost humming. There were school kids laughing somewhere behind me, their voices echoing around the courtyards. Marta pointed out the Cross of St. Miquel trail and said if you squint, you can spot tiny hikers winding up above us (I tried; maybe I need better glasses). She also explained how Montserrat means “serrated mountain” in Catalan—Li laughed when I tried to say it back. Probably butchered it.

The switch from mountain air to vineyard sun was almost dizzying. We drove down winding roads into wine country, passing fields so green they looked fake (but smelled like earth and something sweet). At the family-run winery, Anna greeted us with a handshake and that classic double-cheek kiss—still awkward for me but somehow nice here. Walking through rows of vines, she let us taste grapes straight off the plant—tiny explosions of sugar and dust. In the cellar, it was cool and smelled like wet stone; Anna poured Cava into thin glasses while explaining why her grandfather still insists on hand-picking every bunch.

Lunch was at this old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere—or everywhere if you’re counting vineyards. The bread came out warm, tomatoes soft enough to smear with your thumb, olive oil sharp on my tongue. It’s funny how quiet everyone got once food arrived; even Marta just smiled and let us eat. I still think about that view from the window: vines stretching forever, sunlight catching in our glasses. If you go, bring an extra layer for Montserrat—but maybe leave room for dessert too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montserrat visit and winery tour

• Meet near Palau de la Musica
• Depart Barcelona at 8:15am
• Pass Columbus Statue and Montjuïc
• View Montserrat Mountain
• Explore Montserrat Monastery and paths
• Take funicular to viewpoint
• Visit Cross of St. Miquel lookout
• Drive to wine region through vineyards
• Enjoy traditional farmhouse lunch
• Tour family winery and cellars
• Taste four types of wine

Top questions

How long does the Montserrat & winery day trip take?

This is a full-day tour departing Barcelona at 8:15am and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Montserrat wine tour?

Yes, a traditional three-course farmhouse lunch with drinks is included during the winery visit.

Do we get to taste wine at the winery?

You’ll have a guided tasting of four different wines—including Cava—at a small family-owned winery.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Barcelona?

The tour includes pickup from a central location near Palau de la Música Catalana but not individual hotel pickup.

How much walking is involved at Montserrat?

You’ll have time to explore around the monastery and can choose short walks or follow your guide to viewpoints; wear comfortable shoes.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The traditional farmhouse lunch offers seasonal dishes; vegetarian options are typically available but should be requested ahead of time.

Will there be free time at Montserrat Monastery?

Yes, you’ll have time to wander independently or join your guide for specific viewpoints around Montserrat Monastery.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour welcomes children and infants; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable minivan transport from central Barcelona near Palau de la Música Catalana, entry to Montserrat Monastery with time to explore its courtyards or trails, an intimate visit and tasting at a small family-owned winery (with four wines), plus a traditional three-course farmhouse lunch with drinks before heading back in the afternoon.