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An Insider’s Guide to Barcelona Wine Bars
A local food writer shares the best spots for pairing exceptional wines with inventive tapas.
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October 09, 2025
This article was originally written by Mònica Escudero for Departures and published on February 16, 2023. Departures was a publication owned by American Express, in circulation through 2023, when its publication ceased.
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October 09, 2025
Link copied!
This article was originally written by Mònica Escudero for Departures and published on February 16, 2023. Departures was a publication owned by American Express, in circulation through 2023, when its publication ceased.
BODEGAS (a catch-all Spanish term for bars, wine bars, and cellars) are in Barcelona's DNA. They are where Barcelonians gather to drink, eat, and make sense of the world. We love bodegas, and a meeting at one for an aperitif can last through the afternoon, evening, and even into the early hours of the morning. Over time, many bodegas have evolved into wine bars, without losing their essence: They still offer classic beverages by the bottle, simple yet elevated food, and warm service. Others have become more sophisticated, presenting elaborate tapas and dishes that rival restaurant entrées. And then there’s still another (new) format of wine bar that place natural wines, local ingredients, and seasonality at the fore.
As a wine lover, foodie, and food journalist in Barcelona, I deeply appreciate any locale where eating provokes joy. In this guide I have included recommendations for all palettes, with plenty of options by the glass — or the bottle.
Must be of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Photography courtesy of Bar Salvatge
Bar Salvatge
Casual natural wines with snacks and tapas
Ten wines on tap and natural wines by the bottle are the main characters at Bar Salvatge, a low-key locale founded by the distributors of MoonWine and HumanVins, and publicist and wine enthusiast Kike Vila. Its unique wines are always well accompanied by charcuterie or cheese boards served with incredible sourdough bread from Cloudstreet Bakery or inventive tapas, such as bao stuffed with slow-cooked veal cheek and salmon tartare with chipotle. I always start by tasting the new wines on tap — but if you’re unsure what you want, just ask the friendly staff for their recommendations. And if you find yourself in the Balearic Islands, look out for the bar’s sister spot in Formentera, which follows the same philosophy: local ingredients and unique wines.
La Vinya del Senyor
An expansive wine list paired with Gothic architecture
"De tot hi ha a la vinya del Senyor" is a Catalan proverb that essentially translates to: “There are all kinds of people in the world.” The menu at La Vinya del Senyor adheres to the same principle. It offers more than 3,000 bottles and 120 wines by the glass, meaning there's something for each of those people. Sit on the terrace overlooking the Santa Maria del Mar cathedral — a classic example of Catalan Gothic architecture — and enjoy a roasted meat cannelloni with truffled bechamel sauce and the cheese of the day while Néstor, Xavi, or any of the bar’s sommeliers pour you a glass. When in doubt, order an Alella DO such as Pansa Blanca from Can Matons.
Plaça de Santa Maria, 5, 08003, Barcelona
A previously published version of this article said that La Vinya del Senor offered “2,000 bottles”, but it has been updated to “3,000 bottles” based on merchant confirmation.
Bar Brutal
Late night fuel and biodynamic wines
Once a traditional bodega, Bar Brutal has entered its 2.0 phase under the leadership of Max and Stefano Colombo, owners of the Venetian restaurant Xemei, and Joan València of the distribution company Cuvée 3000. Specifically, it now serves natural wines: over 300 organic, biodynamic, and sulfite-free vintages from around the world. Panda from Bodega Lammidia was my last discovery here, and now I want more. Stop by if you’re looking for intense, double-fermentation pét-nats; intentionally oxidized wines; and seasonal plates with powerful flavor pairings that are notably served until 11:30 p.m.
La Graciosa
Natural wines with seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes
Natural wine is now a thriving trend in Barcelona, but when Debora Fresu and her business partner began serving artisanal, biodynamic, organic, and natural wines at La Graciosa in 2018, it was still a risky bet. (Thanks to their tireless work, it turned out to be a triumphant one). And their bar’s inviting interior terrace is one of the best kept secrets of the neighborhood. For a delightful experience, enjoy a bottle (or a few) of exceptional wine alongside small eats, such as burrata or crostini with seasonal vegetables. If you’re looking for something bigger, opt for her famous parmigiana or tasty vegan dishes. My favorite pairing? Tinc Set ancestral wine with Santa Pau beans, kimchi, and almonds.
Carrer de Milà i Fontanals, 88, 08012, Barcelona
A previously published version of this article said that Debora Fresu was co-owner of La Graciosa since 2018, but she has been the sole owner since 2021.
La Vinoteca de Can Calopa
A quick, wine-centric escape from the city
Located in the middle of Collserola Park — technically in the urban district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi — this wine bar may not have the most varied menu in Barcelona, but it certainly has the best views. Despite being just 20 minutes from the center, its site is completely rural and includes its own vineyard, Vinyes de Barcelona. And almost all the wines on offer are from l'Olivera, a social cooperative to which they belong. My favorite is the Agaliu blanc made with macabeo grapes. Enjoy your pick alongside Chef Albert Cambra’s tasty tapas, entrées, and quality cheeses or delicious sobrasada: a spreadable pork sausage from the Balearic Islands, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Photograph courtesy of Bar Bodega Quimet
Bar Bodega Quimet
Spanish classics for now or later
In 2010, brothers David and Carlos Montero took over this neighborhood bodega dating back to the early 1950s. Inside, you’ll find a mix of bottles, vermouth on tap, canned fish and seafood, Formica chairs, and an iconic marble bar that takes center stage. The counter is always full of cured anchovies, olives, and my favorite Spanish potato salad, among other delicacies, that pair perfectly with the bar’s diverse selection of wines, ranging from timeless classics, such as Viña Tondonia, to rare bottles of Penedés cava. Uncork one on-site (for a fee) or take it home to cellar — just note Bodega Quimet is loud and full of life, so plan accordingly.
LAVICOCA
An indulgent menu with walkable art and culture
In Spanish, bicoca translates to “bargain,” and at LAVICOCA, this play on words makes perfect sense, considering the bar offers more than 30 wines by the glass at very reasonable prices. In addition to the selection, it also serves vermouth, muscatel, and fortified wine by the glass or bottle — as well as a good selection of spirits. I come here specifically for grappa and Jamaican rum. An elaborate menu, extending from lunch to dinner with plenty of vegetarian options, further adds to the allure. Croquettes, roasted leek with romesco sauce, and cannelloni are a must. From here, walk to Montjuïc Castle and the National Art Museum of Catalonia to view one of the world’s largest collections of Romanesque art.
Vins PER TU
A hidden shop, bar, and more
At Vins PER TU, don’t bother asking for the wine list, because they don't have one. Simply wander around the store, select one of the 400 bottles on offer, and wait for glasses to arrive. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. the shop also operates as a gastrobar, where everything is housemade down to the jams that accompany the cheese boards and the elaborate seafood dishes. I often pair a bottle of Recaredo cava with scallops in Menier sauce and flying fish roe; tuna tartare; and the “matrimonio” of salted anchovies and boquerón in acete (anchovies in vinegar).
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