Return to Barcelona 2017! Montserrat and Winery Tour

I had arranged for a bus tour to Monsterrat and a Winery for September 18, 2017, prior to leaving home and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was nice to settle down on a comfy bus and watch the scenery go by. The mountain of Montserrat with the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is about 45 km northwest of Barcelona. The about 1,200-meter-high mountain is a magnificent sight as you approach. From the top, the views of the landscape of Catalonia are visible. It was raining as we boarded the bus and drizzly as we arrived at the mountain top by funicular and the craggy mountains were shrouded in fog that moved in and out among the serrated mountain forms. The result was breathtaking. Our morning there included a visit to the church, the museum and gift shop and the opportunity for me to do a little sketching. 

Afterwards, we boarded the bus for a wine tasting, tour and tapas lunch at the Oller de Mas Winery. Its restored Medieval castle dates back to the 10th century and was visited by people like St. Ignatius de Loyala, noblemen, knights and leaders. (click on my links for more information about the highlighted names. 

Here's my Photo Essay: (click on the photo to see it in its entirety) I believe the photos are self-explanatory. I've added comment were I deemed necessary)

Waiting for the singing to begin

All the lamps were donated and each one is different 

A view of Montserrat (serrated mountain)

The Oller de Mas Winery and 10th Century Restored Castle