Lagravera

History

Lagravera is a pioneering biodynamic winery located in the Costers del Segre appellation in Catalonia, Spain. The project was founded in 2006 by the Arnó family, originally owners of a construction company that had previously operated gravel extraction sites in the area. The name “Lagravera,” meaning “the gravel pit,” reflects the transformation of this once-barren industrial land into a thriving vineyard and ecological wine project.

Rather than abandoning the exhausted land, the Arnó family chose to restore the natural environment and revive the forgotten viticultural heritage of the Serra Llarga area between the Pyrenees and the Ebro Valley. Historically, much of the region’s vineyard culture disappeared following phylloxera, rural migration, and agricultural changes, leaving behind only traces of old vineyards and historical place names connected to wine production. Lagravera emerged as an ambitious project dedicated to recovering this lost identity through vineyard regeneration and sustainable farming.

Over time, the winery expanded its vineyards and became internationally recognized for its focus on old vines, indigenous grape varieties, and highly distinctive gypsum-rich terroirs. Under the leadership of winemaker Pilar Salillas since 2018, Lagravera has further strengthened its reputation for producing terroir-driven biodynamic wines that combine scientific precision with deep respect for nature and regional heritage.

Philosophy & Vision

Lagravera is built upon the philosophy of restoring balance between agriculture, nature, and human activity. The winery follows a strict biodynamic and organic approach, believing that healthy soils and biodiversity are essential for producing wines that genuinely express their terroir. From the very beginning, all vineyards were cultivated organically, and since 2013 the estate has operated fully under biodynamic principles certified by Demeter.

The vineyards are located around the Serra Llarga mountain range, home to Europe’s longest gypsum-rich mountain chain. These gypsum soils play a defining role in the wines, contributing freshness, salinity, minerality, and remarkable tension. Lagravera works with both indigenous and nearly extinct ancestral grape varieties, preserving Catalonia’s viticultural heritage while exploring the full potential of the region’s unique climate and geology.

Minimal intervention winemaking is central to the estate’s identity. Fermentations are often carried out with native yeasts, sulfur use is minimized, and many wines undergo spontaneous fermentations to preserve purity and authenticity. The winery combines scientific knowledge with traditional farming wisdom, using lunar cycles, phytotherapy, essential oil distillation, and regenerative farming practices to create wines that are deeply connected to the landscape.

Certifications & Recognition

Lagravera is internationally recognized as one of Spain’s leading biodynamic wineries and is fully certified by Demeter, the world’s most respected biodynamic certification organization. The estate has become a benchmark producer in the Costers del Segre appellation for its commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and minimal-intervention winemaking.

The winery has received increasing international acclaim for both its philosophy and wine quality. In recent years, numerous wines from the La Pell, Ónra, and Natural ranges have earned outstanding scores in major Catalan wine guides and international tastings. Particular attention has been given to the winery’s recovery of ancient vineyards and rare indigenous grape varieties, including plots dating back to the 19th century.

Today, Lagravera is regarded as one of the most distinctive and forward-thinking producers in modern Spanish wine. By combining landscape restoration, biodynamic farming, scientific precision, and deep respect for ancestral traditions, the winery has established itself as an important ambassador for the future of sustainable Mediterranean viticulture.