The international demand for wine and eau-de-vie that arose in the 17th and 18th century, and the growth of the Reus market, favored trade in Priorat products. Large trading companies organized expeditions that originated from the region, commissioning ships in the ports of Salou, Cambrils and Tarragona destined for northern Europe and the American colonies.

The Priorat Region enjoyed robust growth in the 19th century. At that time, wine provided the means to live out the golden age of its economy. A remnant of this development are the stately homes that are present in nearly all villages of the county, that were mostly built at that time. There is also documentation that testifying to the recognition and distinctions received by the wine in trade fairs and exhibitions where diplomas and medals were given to the representatives of Priorat’s cellars, such as those won at the 1878 Universal Exhibition of Paris and the 1888 Universal Exhibition of Barcelona. The comments made at that time highlighted the strength, aroma and meticulous elaboration process. This was the time in which the prestige of Priorat was spread as a synonym of good wine.

Grapevines became the leading crop at that time, and nearly the entire population had direct involvement in winegrowing.

At many times between 1860 and 1892, demand for Priorat wine was greater than the offer, with major rises in exports. Further, at this time, certain unscrupulous traders began selling wines from neighboring lands under the Priorat name. These wines had different characteristics, and the only objective was to cover the growing market demand for genuine Priorat wine.

During that period, the area now known as Historic Priorat produced over 110,000 Hl of wine.