The Designation of Origin Tarragona is located in southern Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast. The precise origins of this DO remain unknown, although historical texts confirm that grapevines were already being cultivated in Catalonia when Greek colonies were established around 3,000 years ago in the northern part of the region.
However, the real driving force behind wine in Tarragona was the Roman Empire, 2,000 years ago. Wine produced in Tarragona was considered to be among the Empire’s finest. In fact, the Romans were enthusiastic promoters of Tarragona wine, both through their trade activities and through creation of the DO Tarragona. Wine from the Tarragona region was highly appreciated throughout the Empire, as can be seen in the writings of Roman authors from the 1st century such as Silius Italicus, Martial, and Pliny the Younger.