Núria Altés, vinegrower: “Those who visit my winery can travel back in time through the wine because of its preservation and the respect we have for our ancestors.”
Elena Horrillo | Comer - LA VANGUARDIA
Herència Altés, in Terra Alta, advocates reclaiming the natural and historical legacy of wine through her wine tourism experiences
The landscape of Terra Alta is instantly recognizable to anyone fortunate enough to have seen it at least once. Arid, rocky, brimming with olive groves and vineyards, and possessing a Mediterranean character that captivated even Picasso, this corner of Tarragona embodies viticulture like few others. Here you'll find Herència Altés, a winery founded by Núria Altés and Rafael De Haan, committed to organic farming, sustainability, and above all, respect for the surrounding natural and historical heritage.
This dedication leads them to champion native grape varieties, especially Garnacha, and to develop a series of wine tourism experiences marked by their commitment to preserving winemaking culture, maintaining the landscape, and protecting the area's biodiversity. This understanding of the vineyard, the terroir, and heritage is essential for Núria Altés, and it's reflected even in the winery's name.
For those unfamiliar with Terra Alta, how would you describe it?
Terra Alta is a rural area, located on the border with Aragon, in the western part of the region, which has allowed it to retain its rural character and landscapes. Its topography has remained unchanged for generations, and we preserve this agricultural mosaic, this pristine landscape, and this authenticity, which, in an era of globalization, has the added value of being a truly authentic and unspoiled area.
To what extent is wine a gateway to exploring the region?
It's a powerful connection point with the area because it's dominated by wineries and agriculture, so it's a very wholesome and authentic way to experience Terra Alta.
If you had to choose one Herència Altés wine that encapsulates your identity, which would it be?
La Serra Blanc, made from white Grenache grapes, because it's a single-estate wine, a high-quality wine, and the vineyard dates back to the early 20th century; therefore, it speaks to our history, our winemaking methods, and the white Grenache grape, so characteristic of our region.
In the case of your winery, how has wine tourism evolved in promoting this area?
We considered this from the very beginning. Bringing visitors to our winery was paramount because we believe that you can only truly know the area by visiting and experiencing it firsthand. It was always a clear commitment; however, we are quite far from the city, and that makes attracting visitors very difficult.
And how do you design these experiences to give visitors that sense of excitement and connection to the land?
We focus much more on the exterior than the interior of the winery because, ultimately, although it's very well maintained, it's still a winery; therefore, you'll find what you'd expect from one. What truly makes it special is that we're in the middle of the countryside, surrounded by nature, and this connection was vital for us. This preservation of the landscape, of our ancestral heritage, makes it very special.
What is the profile of the visitors who seek wine tourism experiences?
We focus on both couples and families, since the outdoor area is very important and children can be entertained without their parents having to worry. Sometimes people avoid visiting a winery because they have young children and perhaps don't know how they'll behave or what to do with them, but this is a space where children feel relaxed, and so do their parents.
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