Barcelona’s Best Wine Bars
Festive Tapas, Wine Bars with a View, Where to Stay
I love Barcelona. Four trips later, I’m still planning my return. Barcelona is a city known for its festive wine and tapas traditions. The origin of tapas lies in the placing of a small plate or lid over a glass of wine when served in neighborhood bodegas. Many speculate this was an attempt to ensure a modicum of sobriety among imbibers. Others state that this practice “keeps the fruit flies away”. Barcelona has a wealth of wine bars but a few have spectacular views, incredible cellars, unique interiors, and international family portfolios.
There was a recent article in The New York Times, June 10, 2025, “The Travel Writer’s Dilemma: Share or Gatekeep,” that discussed the overtouristed world, and certainly Barcelona and Venice would be among them. I would rather tell my subscribers about the joys and wonderful wine bars in Barcelona, while cautioning you to select the right time of year to visit.
“Life offers few greater pleasures than that of passing on your enthusiasms and secret discoveries.” – Pico Iyer, The New York Times.
Editor’s Note: See below for Relief efforts Assistance suggestions for the Hill Country Texas flood area, Travel Opportunities, and how to acquire the World’s Largest Vinyl Collection.
Where to Go
For a breathtaking view of the Barcelona harbor atop a historic museum, 1881 – the Restaurant of the Museu d’Història de Catalunya - is a worthy choice. Sit on the terrace and watch the ships sail in the harbor while sipping a sparkling Rioja, a sherry, or a Cava from their wines by-the-glass list. Prior to your visit you should consider viewing the museum, which occupies an old general trading house. This museum richly details the history of Barcelona and its region, Catalonia. Tapas include: Iberian ham from D.O. Salamanca and mushroom croquettes.
Món Vínic Wine Bar is generally hailed as the superior choice for personal and business events. With over 15,000 bottles accessible from your table’s iPad menu, you will find both affordable and incredibly expensive, rare wines in the wine library. Selections by the glass change each day and count over 70. The Wine shop, cheese shop, and Wine and Cheese Bar are legendary in Barcelona.
“I haven’t been to every wine bar in the world but Mon Vinic in Barcelona is certainly the best I’ve been to in recent memory”, - Jay McInerney, Author Bright Lights, Big City, quote from The Wall Street Journal.
The Banker’s Bar is a classy bar housed in an old bank vault in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the fashion street, Passeig de Gràcia. The walls and ceilings feature the fronts of actual private safe deposit boxes. This sophisticated bar is an excellent choice following a massage or facial at the hotel’s luxurious signature spa. The mixologist can recommend a top regional wine, a top notch Champagne, one of their special Banker’s Martinis, and a selection of exceptional tapas including Salmon Tartare Panipuri with Ginger and Cheese Onion and 100% Iberian ham with tomato bread.
La Dolce Vitae – The Rooftop Bar atop the Majestic Hotel is my favorite place in the city for a panoramic view which includes the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, the Mediterranean, and the Barcelona skyline. They feature a high-end wine list but also, I was struck by the large selection of Gin & Tonics (14 on the menu). The Michelin-star culinary offerings of chef Nandu Jubany are incredible, too. Tapas include: Palamós Prawn Croquette and Fried Calamari with Citrus Mayonnaise.
Take a Train to Familia Torres Wine Headquarters in Penedes
Just an hour train ride from Barcelona, you can have a world-class wine tasting experience at Familia Torres headquarters, Penedes wine region, Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain. You’ll be able to tour vineyards, taste a portfolio of wines, and understand the breadth and scope of the Torres vineyard holdings and sustainability accomplishments in Spain, US, and Chile. I was in Vilafranca in 2022 to interview Miguel Torres Maczassek, General Manager of this 5th generation family-owned firm, selected as Drinks International, “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2022.” See: “Familia Torres: Wine Dynasty – Interview with Miguel Torres Maczassek, GM,”, Wine Wanderings, June 21, 2022
Plan a Trip to Barcelona Next Spring for Sant Jordi Day
For an added twist, travel to Barcelona on Sant Jordi Day. Each April the town gets decked out for Catalonia’s version of Valentines Day. Sant Jordi, the Catalan name for St. George, is the patron saint of Catalonia. The women receive red roses – a 15th century tradition – with red symbolizing dragon blood in the legend of St. George who freed the princess from the dragon. The men are gifted a special book. With over 4 million roses and 800,000 books sold each year, Catalonians take their traditions seriously. The festivity is marked by an excess of street vendors on the crowded La Rambla Boulevard and with citywide banners. Toast your sweetheart like I did in 2014 with a special glass of Cava, Rioja, or Priorat wine. Salud!
Information - Wine Bars
1881 Restaurant of the Museu d’Història de Catalunya, +34 93 221 00 50, Located in upper levels of the Museum of History of Catalonia, Pl. de Pau Vila, 3 (Palau de Mar) 08003 Barcelona
Món Vínic Wine Bar, +34 93 272 61 87, Diputaciò 249, 08007 Barcelona
The Bankers Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, +34 93 151 87 82, Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, Barcelona
La Dolce Vitae, Rooftop Bar, Majestic Hotel, +34 93 488 17 17,
Where to Stay:
Premium: Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, +34 93 151 88 88, Passeig de Gràcia 38-40, 08007 Barcelona
Expensive: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, +34 93 488 17 17, Passeig de Gràcia, 68-70 I have stayed here twice and love the décor and the rooftop bar, La Dolce Vitae.
Moderate: AC Hotel Sants, A Marriott Hotel near the main train station, +34 934 32 45 12, Passeig de Sant Antoni, 36-40. I stayed at the AC Hotel Sants to be close to the main Sants Train Station for my trips to the Penedes and Priorat wine regions. Very convenient.
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In Case You Missed It in the News: Wine in the News
Hill Country Flooding: Relief Efforts and How You Can Help
Our hearts are with the Texans in the Hill Country, where devastating flooding over the July 4th weekend claimed so many lives, with 160+ still missing. The Hill Country is a vibrant and vital segment of the Texas wine industry.
Where to Donate for Support Relief Efforts
· Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Donate to the Hill Country Flood Relief Fund.
· Kerrville Flood Relief Donations via Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM): Support CAM Kerr County directly.
· The Salvation Army: Help with food and shelter.
· TEXSAR: Support Texas Search and Rescue.
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Travel Opportunities
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Cruise the Danube on AmaWaterways with Wine Wanderings and Wölffer Estate Winery, April 20, 2026, Romantic Danube.
"Enticing Douro River Cruise" with Dr. Bob Young of Bending Branch Winery, on AmaWaterways, April 6-13, 2027
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Rebecca, it is the best! Cheers, Tricia
LOVE Barcelona! https://millerandybeth.substack.com/publish/post/168130809