The Rest is Vino

There’s something magical about Barcelona that goes beyond its sun-soaked streets and Gaudí’s architectural wonders. On my recent city break, I discovered that this vibrant Catalan capital is as much about flavour as it is about flair. From bustling tapas bars tucked into narrow alleyways to chic wine spots overlooking the Mediterranean, every sip and bite told a story of tradition and innovation. Join me as I uncork a few of the wines I discovered on my trip, where the glasses were never empty, and the plates were always full.

Tucked away near Plaça Sant Agustí Vell in the Gothic Quarter, Santagustina is a gastro-tapas haven that blends rustic charm with modern creativity. Its a great little bar which we found by accident, but very pleased we did! It a great old building with exposed brick walls and warm lighting setting the tone for leisurely dining. The menu celebrates local, organic ingredients, offering both traditional favourites and inventive twists such as braised calamari, burrata with roasted cauliflower, and prawn tempura kissed by smoky notes from the charcoal oven. Pair these with a glass from their curated wine list or a cava cocktail, and you’ll understand why this spot has earned a loyal following among locals and travellers alike. It’s not just a meal; it’s a sensory experience rooted in Catalan authenticity and culinary artistry.

Saiaz Rioja, crafted by Bodegas Puente del Ea in the picturesque village of Sajazarra, is exactly that. This 100% Tempranillo is a love letter to Rioja Alta’s terroir, aged for 12 months in French oak and another year in bottle, striking a balance between elegance and approachability.

In the glass, it gleams ruby with a hint of cherry at the rim, with bright and limpid, promising freshness. The nose is a layered affair: ripe red fruit leads the way, joined by whispers of French oak, spice, and a subtle lactic note that adds creaminess. On the palate, Saiaz is vibrant yet composed, with polished tannins and a savoury undertone that lingers like a well-told story. There’s a gentle toastiness in the background, never overpowering, just enough to frame the fruit.

Saiaz Rioja is proof that value and character can coexist. It’s a wine that feels rooted in place yet ready for the global stage! Authentic, expressive, and quietly confident if you’re a wine bore. If you’re looking for a bottle that brings Rioja’s soul to your table without fuss, this is it. If this was the first on my city break, we were in for a treat!

Next up, we find ourselves at Babula! Babula Bar 1937 is a stylish fusion tapas restaurant in Barcelona’s Eixample district at Carrer de Pau Claris, 139, 08009 Barcelona, right in the bustling Eixample neighbourhood. offering a heartfelt culinary experience inspired by global traditions and grandmotherly love. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with a focus on personalized service and genuine hospitality. If you’re looking for a place that combines culinary innovation with heartfelt hospitality, Babula Bar 1937 is a must when in Barcelona. Here we were served up with a great wine! Añares Crianza is a well-balanced, approachable Rioja red that blends tradition with a touch of modern flair—perfect for casual sipping or pairing with hearty meals. Produced by Grupo Bodegas Olarra in Spain’s famed Rioja region, Añares Crianza is a classic red wine made primarily from Tempranillo, with supporting roles from Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. It’s aged for 12–14 months in oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging, which gives it a refined structure without overpowering the fruit.

Aroma & Bouquet On the nose, Añares Crianza offers a vivid cherry and plum profile, layered with spicy, smoky notes and a hint of balsamic freshness. Some vintages, like the 2021, also reveal subtle touches of dark chocolate, eucalyptus, and mint, adding complexity without being too bold.

Taste & Texture The palate is soft, friendly, and easy-drinking, with flavors of red currant, pomegranate, and dried thyme. It’s medium-bodied with robust tannins that provide structure but don’t overwhelm. The finish is long and fresh, making it a versatile companion for grilled meats, tapas, or even roasted vegetables. The wine has received recognition such as a Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, affirming its quality among international peers.

Añares Crianza is a reliable, flavorful Rioja that delivers quality and character without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just dipping your toes into Spanish reds, it’s a bottle worth uncorking.

Finally, in the post, we stopped off at a lovely little Tappas bar, Denassus a vibrant enogastronomic bar in Barcelona’s Poble Sec neighbourhood, offering inventive Mediterranean cuisine and an exceptional wine list curated from small producers.

Located on Carrer de Blai, 53, Denassus blends the soul of traditional Spanish cooking with a modern, dynamic approach to gastronomy. The restaurant’s philosophy centres on “chup-chup”, slow, soulful cooking and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients. Dishes like duck croquettes, Asturian octopus, and trinxat de la Cerdanya showcase regional flavours with creative flair. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, making it a favourite among locals and visitors seeking a more personal, off-the-beaten-path dining experience.

What truly sets Denassus apart is its passion for wine. With 90% of its wine list sourced from small, independent producers, the selection is both adventurous and thoughtful. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just curious, the staff is eager to guide you through pairings that elevate each dish. Denassus isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and culinary storytelling in one of Barcelona’s most charming districts.

Conde San Cristóbal Ribera del Duero is a bold, high-altitude Tempranillo blend that punches above its weight, layered, expressive, and unapologetically modern.

This wine doesn’t whisper; it speaks in full sentences. Sourced from two distinct vineyards, Pago de Valdestremero and a windswept plateau near Peñafie. Conde San Cristóbal is a study in elevation and elegance. The blend leans heavily on Tempranillo, but the subtle inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot adds a cosmopolitan edge. Aged in a mix of French, American, and Russian oak, it’s a wine that wears its structure like a tailored jacket: firm, stylish, and built to impress.

On the nose, it’s a riot of black cherry, plum, and currant, with dried rose petals and a whisper of balsamic. But give it time, blueberries, raisins, and a touch of eucalyptus emerge, like a second act that deepens the plot. The palate is equally compelling: pomegranate, raspberry, chocolate-covered caramel, and a savory streak of herbes de Provence that keeps things grounded. It’s bright on the attack, with a long, mineral finish that feels like a slow fade on vinyl.

This is Ribera del Duero with a passport rooted in tradition but fluent in complexity. At around €15–€30 depending on vintage, it’s a bottle that delivers serious QPR (quality-price ratio) and deserves a spot in your rotation, whether you’re pairing it with grilled lamb or sipping solo while contemplating your next move.

So, this was a snapshot of a recent trip to Barcelona, which I recommend to anybody as a wine-based based city break. I hope you enjoyed it.