Oller Del Mas: Organic Winery
Leaving the Monastery, we drove along the base of the Montserrat mountain range. Glare off the window and the positioning of the sun made it nearly impossible to do justice to these impressive rock formations. Being in our own car would provide us the ability to stop at different vantage points. Then we could get some impressive shots!
During our last visit in the fall of 2016, there had been a fire on the hills. Seeing the charred area was heartbreaking. On this trip, we noticed something different. Healing had begun… the scarred mountainside had new growth. Green was sprouting. Just as we noticed something else… our tour guide, Fran, told us about the fire and pointed out that an artist had come to the area and taken the few surviving branches and created crosses. The cross of hope… rejuvenation… and rebirth.
Off to the side of the vines sat a display patch of ground covers. Consisting of oats, barely, peas and vetch, these are used for floor management. Considering this winery is classified as “organic”, there are many restrictions for keeping it natural. That makes the listed plants a necessity for providing some sort of control of water levels. No chemicals can be used and only natural rain water.
Acres of vineyards surround the medieval castle built in the tenth century.. Quite a history… centuries of noblemen, knights, men of the church and finally the family who inherited this gem. In the 1980’s, refurbishment of the grounds began. Still hanging outside the main building is a coat of arms with three pots… Oller means “potter”. On the acreage, a stone oven from the thirteenth century still stands. In addition to wine, the family will return to making pottery.
Though the castle itself was refurbished, obviously most of the buildings are original. Like the monastery, arches are a familiar theme. The cobbled walkways, rock sidings… my favorite! This time we didn’t visit the rooftop like we did last time but we did get to sit in the courtyard and enjoy a glass of wine. Lawn chairs and umbrellas in a peaceful setting… quite fun!
Since we took our daily selfie at Montserrat, I was left to do a solo. After we left, I found out there are 22 cabins associated with the winery. They book packages that include just breakfast or breakfast and wine tasting… or a deluxe package with breakfast, wine tasting, wine in the room and a paired wine dinner. Looks like fun to me. Next time!
Down the rocked tunnels inside the castle, we passed this wine tasting room. Exactly the design I would love in a house (never will actually get but doesn’t hurt to dream). Used for private tastings, the barrel base and rock walls/floors keep the room cool and offers a special ambiance for a tasting.
Behind me, the walls were lined with barrels. As explained to us, these barrels hold all types of wines. Wines the family shares with visitors and friends or just for themselves. One barrel held all of the left over wines from other barrels. Talk about a blend… In front of me was a specially prepared plate for the wine tasting. The staff at Oller Del Mas made sure nothing had gluten. The round snacks were a veggie bread with a crunchy outside. Perfect parings with the wine served.
Our little group gathered together at the table… each wine sample was explained as to the process of the vintage and the appropriate pairing. What a great afternoon. Conversation was flowing, as well as the wine. Laughter, making new friends…. all travelers, all interested in wine. Fun to unite with people from around the world who share a common interest.
It seems there is a loophole in the “one selfie per day”… if someone else walks up and attempts to take a photo of us, we get ONE extra shot together. As you’ll notice, I am still in my travel clothes since my luggage is still not in hand. Hopefully later today or I’ll need to go shopping!
