Barcelona Wine Bars: 10Best Wines Bar Reviews
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Barcelona’s wine culture is like none other. Where else can you get a glass of delicious Rioja or Ribera Del Duero for only 2 Euros? However far beyond the —economical pluses—, is the vast variety of blends and number of vineyards from which the wines are from. With Catalunya having more than 9 Denominations of Origin (DO) and 1 Denomination of Origin Qualificada (DOQ), it serves for a healthy abundance of wine production across the province. The Priorat, Montsant and Penedes regions, in particular, all create high-quality reds, whites and cavas (Spanish Champagne).
Barcelona’s wine bars reflect the country’s large variety and eclectic selection. Whether you’re in the mood for a professional tasting or just want to have a few glasses with some tapas in a cool and fun setting, there are plenty of great wine bars throughout the city. Be sure to try wines not only from the Rioja but from Galicia, Ibiza and smaller regions such as the Priorat and Ribera del Duero. Both of the latter are emerging as extremely popular regions with full-bodied, quality vintages. Some of their bottles are pricier, as the grape varieties are more scarce with older vines. Mas Doix is a particularly delicious vineyard in the Priorat region. If you can find their lower end bottle (still high-end) Les Crestes, give it a shot!—
Photo courtesy of Monvinic Wine Bar
Upscale wine bar and restaurant in the heart of the Eixample, Monvinic is for wine lovers and foodies. Featuring a selection of international and Spanish high-quality wines, every day they open a selection of thirty wines from around the world, all available for wine tastings or to drink with mouth-watering tapas, cheese and caviar dishes. This restaurant is divided into various sections. The wine bar at the front is a less formal setting where you can order wine and tapas (off an iPad). Each table gets its own personal iPad with an extensive selection of wines and you can scroll through the list by country, wine preference, region or a mix of other search options. The restaurant inside is a more ‘upscale’ dining experience where you have the same wine selection but a much larger menu.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: A one of a kind wine bar where you get to choose your wine from an iPad
Sam’s expert tip: Ask to use their computers to select the wines you want to taste
The largest wine selection in Barcelona can be found at Vilaviniteca. Not only is this a wine shop, but its sister store across the street serves gourmet foods and specialty items including cheeses, caviar, meats, fish and pretty much any and all high-quality food. This is the one stop shop for the best wines in the city and in much of the world. They also provide private wine tastings with some tapas with a French Sommelier. These are great experiences and well worth the money, especially if you’re into wine and want to learn a bit more about Spanish as well as international vintages.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: You won’t find a larger selection of wines and gourmet food than Vila Viniteca.
Sam’s expert tip: Buy a bottle in their food shop and order a few tapas and have a sit down ‘pica pica’ (snack) at their few available tables.
Trendy bar at the edge of Passeig Del Born, Pitin not only has two-stories and plenty of room for drinks with friends, but it has a fantastic terrace overlooking the rest of the Passeig. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, Javier Bardem was once spotted sitting on Pitin’s patio.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: A boutique and charming wine bar in one of the ‘nicer’ parts of town
Sam’s expert tip: Try their olives
Photo courtesy of Quimet Quimet
You can’t get more authentically Barcelona than Quimet Quimet. Delicious tapas served in a tiny locale where you have to push your way to the counter in order to be heard. Once you’re served, however, you’ll realize that it was definitely worth the ‘struggle’. Mouthwatering, cheese, wine and caviar dishes make this a rustic yet somehow classy joint. Situated in Poble Sec neighborhood, an out of the way, yet still very central ‘barrio’ Quimet Quimet, although popular is still slightly undiscovered by the typical tourist. It’s a great place to get a feel for Barcelona’s diverse tapas scene. The place has no seats, which provides for an authentic experience and allows for the maximum number of people to be crammed in, eating tapas and drinking cava while leaning against the person beside you.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: A classic stand-up (literally) wine and tapas joint in the local Poble Sec neighborhood
Sam’s expert tip: Get ready to stand while you eat as there are no seats available.
Trendy, boutique wine and tapas bar in the heart of Gracia, Viblioteca is an intimate restaurant ideal for romantic evenings and perfect for those who appreciate a good bottle of Spanish wine accompanied by quality food. Their menu is extensive including tuna and steak tartar as well as a variety of seafood dishes and the typical Spanish ‘pan con tomate’ (tomato bread) amongst a host of other tasty tapas. Viblioteca is very small with space for between 15-20 people, so be sure to reserve in advance or get there early especially on weekends. It’s in a great area, so you can go bar hopping or clubbing after the meal.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: High-quality food and wine in the very local and bohemian Gracia neighborhood
Sam’s expert tip: Ask for their exclusive wine tasting events as you need to sign up in advance
With its hanging disco ball, plush leather seats and wooden tables, many Ginger fans have coined this trendy wine and cocktail bar as an ‘airport lounge’. It is, however, rather known for its innovative cocktails, wide selection of amazing wine and high-quality tapas. This is a Barcelona gem, ideal for weekend adventures, intimate drinks and lively evenings on the town. Ginger is nestled behind Plaza Sant Jaume, in Plaza San Jus a little hard to find if you don’t know where to look, but once you stumble upon it you’ll be sure to mark the spot.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Great cocktail and wine bar with gastro tapas in the Gotico
Sam’s expert tip: Try their Gordito Red Wine, it’s a great price point for the quality
Photo courtesy of Harlem Jazz Club
Live music in one of the Gothic Quarter’s most rustic bars, Harlem Jazz Club is one of the most well known and renowned Barcelona hang outs. Always ripe with a killer weekly line up of funk, blues, Brazilian music, Cuban pop/rock and jazz and all featuring incredible up and coming musicians, this is an excellent place to get a taste of the ‘real’ music scene in the city. Depending on the night, you’ll either be able to see a live show or witness stellar djs, but no matter which night you decide to go it’s always a lively and electric atmosphere.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: A charming, rustic wine bar in the heart of the Old City
Sam’s expert tip: For more well known bands be sure to get tickets in advance via the website
One of Barcelona’s oldest and most recognized cocktail bars, Dry Martini actually ‘clock’s the number of Martinis served. The lounge is full of large armchairs, benches, and couches all dimly lit and served by bar tenders who have worked for the bar for years. They have their martinis down to a science with the owner and founder, Javier de las Muelas, often giving classes and lectures about the art of cocktail making. What started as Gimlet bar in 1978, has now become one of the chicest and trendiest places to grab a drink in Barcelona. Be sure to ask for a seat at the back, away from the noise.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: A chic wine bar featuring a vast selection of delicious wines from around the world
Sam’s expert tip: The after work watering hole for posh Catalans and those in the know. Get great deals between 5-7pm.
Photo courtesy of La Vinya Del Senyor
Excellent wine bar in the heart of the city, La Vinya Del Senyor gives way onto the beautiful Santa Maria Del Mar Church and has a wide range of national and international wines. They also have a few snacks including delicious cheeses and olives and a great outdoor patio. Their upstairs is small with a few tables but it overlooks the church and all of the people eating at its doorstep. This is a great place to have a drink, either on their outdoor terrace or inside on the main level or upstairs. The upstairs part is small, yet super comfortable.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Great wines by the glass with a wonderful terrace overlooking the Church
Sam’s expert tip: Ask for their selection of Malbec wines, they have quite a few all excellent quality
One of the best wine bars in the city, Zona Dombra is a classic, hidden gem in the Gothic Quarter. Tucked in back alleys behind Plaza Sant Jaume, the small wine bar has an excellent outdoor patio as well as an intimate indoor space. You can buy wine by the glass or buy a bottle in the bar’s makeshift store and have them open it for you while you’re there. The food is excellent, a mix of tapas and main courses. The olives are delicious. Even if you don’t want to order you get breadsticks and fuet with every glass. This is a cozy, tasteful, unpretentious wine bar in the heart of the city with an excellent selection of wines from around Spain and a few parts of Europe.
Recommended for Wine Bars because: Unique, off the beaten path excellent wine selection
Sam’s expert tip: Ask for the wine of the day and for the waiter’s recommendation