Barcelona, Penedès and Alella

The extensive amount and variety of delicious eateries in Barcelona will unquestionably excite any foodie. A few tips: make reservations when you can and be the first in line when you can't.

Penedès (about an hour west of Barcelona by car) is known for Cava production. I visited the inland zone of Alt Penedès, an area covered in vineyards that overlook the magnificent Montserrat Massif.

Alella (about 25 minutes up the coast from Barcelona) is known for mainly whites, but robust reds and fruit-driven rosés are also featured. Pansa Blanca (local name for Xarel-lo) was repeatedly tasted and quite often enjoyed. Same goes for Monastrell, which was showing great complexity in the reds and rosés.

Barcelona Bars and Restaurants

Contracorrent: A natural wine bar, out of the touristy zones, with great food and hospitality.

Denassus: My favorite wine and tapas bar in Poble Sec, snag a sidewalk table on this cute street.

Vinya del Senyor: For the wine nerds, this place is an institution with a massive wine list.

Mehman Khanna: Excellent authentic Indian when you need a break from tapas.

Mon Vinic: Half shop, half high end, international wine bar. Their meat and cheese cellar surrounds you and was the best of each all week.

Bar Mut: Wine and raw bar in Eixample. Great place to stop after or before Gaudi tours.

Cellarer: Another Eixample bar, more casual and features mainly Spanish wines.

Amovino: Education forward wine bar and studio space with public and private classes.

Pachuco: Spanish tacos, locals only, best Margarita I’ve had in years.

Bar Thonet: Known for roasted chicken croquettes (less common than pork), great for dining solo at the bar.

El Chigre: Casual, authentic Catalan with very impressive tapas. Get a reservation.

Orvay: New, modern wine bar in El Born with a creative and innovative menu.

Mariposa Negra: Serious cocktail bar serving creative drinks in pottery vessels.

L'Anima del Vi: Chill, unpretentious, natural wine. Very European.

Pet Nat: Super cool natural wine bar, but best to go with a group due to table arrangement.

Xampanet: Traditional tapas and pintxos served by old school pros. Worth the wait.

Viblioteca: Modern wine bar with an Asian-Catalan fusion menu that paired well with the mainly natural selection.

Bar Salvatge: Super hip natural wine bar with a young local crowd and simple tapas. Felt like Brooklyn.

Tattoo artist: @Fervescentattoo (on IG) did an incredible job (oh, yes I did)

Wineries:

Bouquet d’Alella: Boutique, family-owned winery in a stunning, hillside setting near the ocean.

Llopart: A Corpinnat winery in Penedes. Essentially one of 12 organic producers with more production requirements than your average Cava. Mainly Sparkling, loved everything.

Albet I Noya: Boutique Penedes winery with a breathtaking mountain view. Several still and sparkling wines and blends, would have sat here all day.

Café Jordana: This is a wine shop and tapas restaurant in Alella. Phenomenal bread, meat, truffles, cheese (a bit pricey, so worth it)

 Alta Alella Winery: Closest winery to Barcelona (20 minutes) with vineyards located on the Serralada de Marina’s Natural Park. Based solely on organic farming, they have a wide range of sparkling and still wines. Unforgettable tasting experience, book well in advance.