Honor the Virgin of Montserrat with a Glass of Ominous

Nestled high in the Montserrat mountain range, just outside of Barcelona, lies one of Catalonia’s most beloved religious icons: La Moreneta, the Virgin of Montserrat. Every year on April 27, thousands of pilgrims, locals, and tourists alike gather to celebrate the feast day of this Black Madonna, whose story is as mysterious and ominous as the mountain itself!

Faith, Culture, and Catalan Pride

The celebration blends the spiritual with the cultural in a uniquely Catalan way. Pilgrims often hike up the steep mountain paths to the monastery, singing hymns or praying as an act of devotion. The feast day features a special mass with sacred music performed by the renowned Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir. Locals bring candles, flowers, and handwritten prayers to offer to the icon. Beyond the religious rituals, the day is filled with Catalan traditions like local food, folk music, and the graceful steps of sardana dancing in the open squares!

   

Ominous

We celebrate and appreciate this day with our Companion Wines Ominous Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, full and dark with a naturally red finish! The Black Madonna represents health, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment that our wine hopes to pay homage to. Ominous, inspired by the Spanish monastery, has become one of our most beloved Companion Wines. A sip will transport you to the Catalan mountains with soft tannins, lighter oak notes, and a spicy finish to resemble the dark Spanish fruit! 

When you look closely at the label on Ominous, you’ll see two rings. Those rings resemble the halos of the Black Madonna and the infant Jesus in her arms. Those halos alone, surrounded by darkness, serve as a quiet reminder that we are never truly alone. Our travels to Montserrat were shared; first as a couple, then with our family, and more recently with our children, creating lasting memories together. We raise a glass of Ominous to bring you closer to the people you love and help create memories that will stay with you, just as it has for us! Because in the end, we are always connected.

       

The Feast of the Virgin of Montserrat is more than a religious observance, it's a heartfelt expression of Catalan culture, identity, and faith! People travel from all corners of the Earth to pay their respects and seek blessings.  Whether you're a believer or simply a curious traveler, April 27th at Montserrat offers a rare and beautiful glimpse into the soul of Catalonia. Alongside our Ominous Cabernet, we are introducing a new Ominous Malbec coming in the Fall! Both wines share a luscious dark fruit quality that you would expect from Alexander Valley, and are truly ominous. Cheers to creating new memories around your favorite bottle of wine!