“A tour with local flavor”
“A tour with local flavor”
If there is something that defines Barcelona, besides the sea, Gaudi, and Barça, it is its bar culture.
Here, going out for a vermouth or a glass of wine is not just a plan, it’s almost a tradition.
As someone who has been living here for a long time and has learned the customs, I want to tell you about some mandatory stops to enjoy a good vermouth and a glass of wine in the city.
The vermouth in Barcelona is not just a drink, it is a moment. It is taken calmly, among friends or at the bar chatting with the waiter. It is accompanied with olives, cockles, potato chips or even a banderilla. And if you feel like it, some fuet or cheese.
My first stop is always V de Vermut, located in L’eixample. The house vermouth is delicious, and the food is spectacular, they also have vegetarian options that are very tasty. The atmosphere is nice, relaxed and invites you to cheer up. It is the ideal mix between a neighborhood bar and a modern cocktail bar.
Continuing with the vermouth jewels, another classic is Quimet & Quimet. A small place with great personality. Here the house red vermouth and sangria are spectacular, the tapas exquisite and the montaditos an explosion of unexpected flavors. The atmosphere is lively and there is always movement, so it is best to enjoy it standing with a good wine in hand.
If you want something more authentic, then you have to go to El Xampanyet, next to the Born. Although it is best known for its cava, its vermouth is very good and the atmosphere of the old cellar gives it a special charm.
And if you prefer a more local place, without tourists, I recommend Celler Cal Marino in Poble-sec. Barrels of wine, cans of very good preserves and a homemade vermouth that never fails.
Wine: from the cellars to the neighborhood
When it comes to wine, Barcelona has something for everyone. From specialized bars to charming neighborhood wineries.
For one of my favorite options is La Vinya del Senyor, in the heart of the Born district and with views of Santa Maria del Mar. Here you can taste wines from all over Spain and they always have interesting recommendations.
Another place that never fails is Can Cisa/Bar Brutal, in the Born neighborhood. Here they go for natural wines, without so much intervention, and they have labels that you will hardly find anywhere else. If you like to try new things, this is your place.
If you prefer a more relaxed and neighborhood atmosphere, go to L’Anima del Vi, a small place with an owner who is passionate about wine. The menu is constantly changing, but there are always surprising options.
And for a more traditional experience, don’t forget the traditional wineries. Bodega del Born, is a small and cozy place, soft music, you have vermouth pacs and in their menu there is an option of sardine with caramelized onion and strawberry, it sounds strange but it is a top to try.
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The beauty of Barcelona is that there is always a bar waiting to surprise you. And the best thing about vermouth and wine is that, beyond the taste, it’s all about sharing, chatting and enjoying the city at your leisure.
If you are in a restaurant and you feel like a good wine without spending a lot of money, there are three options that never fail: Ramón Bilbao, El Coto and some Roble.
They are wines with very good value for money and are usually on the menu of many restaurants in Barcelona.
- Ramón Bilbao (Rioja): A classic that always delivers. It is a full-bodied wine, balanced, with notes of ripe fruit and a spicy touch. If you are eating meat or something with intense sauces, it is a safe bet.
- El Coto (Rioja): An easy-drinking red, smooth and fruity. Perfect with tapas, cold meats or even a good meat paella.
- Roble (Ribera del Duero): Here you can find several wineries that produce young wines with a short time in oak barrels. They are usually fresh, with notes of red fruit and a touch of wood that makes them very pleasant. They are great to pair with grilled meats or cured cheeses.
If after the vermouth and wine you feel like something else, Barcelona has ideal places to continue the route. A cava at El Xampanyet, a glass of Priorat at Zona d’Ombra or even a cocktail at some hidden speakeasy.