Wine blog

Have you ever tried a red wine and felt your mouth dry out? In that case you have experienced tannins. Tannins are one of the most important, and sometimes misunderstood, components of wine that gives structure. But what exactly are tannins, and where do they come from? What are tannins? Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that belong to a group called polyphenols. They are found in many plants, such as tea leaves, walnuts, and most importantly for our line of business; grapes. In wine, tannins cause the drying, slightly bitter sensation you experience on your gums and tongue when drinking certain styles. Most often when you drink full-bodied reds. Tannins are not flavours, but a texture or mouthfeel. Tannins are often described as “grippy,” “firm,” or even “velvety,” depending on the style of the wine. Where do tannins come from? In winemaking, tannins mainly come from four sources: 1. Grape skins Red wines are fermented with their skins, this actually gives them their colour. T

Barcelona may be famous for architecture, beaches, and food, but just beyond the city lies one of Spain’s most exciting wine landscapes. When people search for Wineries in Barcelona Spain, they are often surprised to learn how close world-class vineyards are to the city. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find historic cava producers, bold Priorat estates, and family-run wineries shaping the future of Spanish wine. What makes this area special is not just the quality of the wines, but the variety. Sparkling, powerful reds, and elegant terroir-driven bottlings all coexist within a compact region that’s easy to explore. Wine regions near Barcelona Barcelona sits at the crossroads of several important wine regions. The most accessible is Penedès, the heart of cava production. Travel slightly further inland and the dramatic hills of Priorat and Montsant reveal some of Spain’s most intense red wines. These regions form the backbone of wine tourism around Barcelona. If you want context before vi

What to expect from a wine tasting in Barcelona? Barcelona is famous for art museums, the beach and obviously its Mediterranean lifestyle. Did you know it also one of the best cities in Europe to explore Spanish wines? Whether you just discovered the beauty of wine or a seasoned wine enthusiast, a wine tasting in Barcelona is always a great activity to discover the country’s diverse flavours. As a certified sommelier, I held many wine tastings in Barcelona for visitors, expats and locals. They are all impressed by the quality of the wines that Spain makes and the beautiful stories behind each bottle. If you’re considering booking a wine tasting in Barcelona, here’s what to expect. A Relaxed, personal wine experience in Barcelona When you join our wine tasting in Barcelona, do not expect it to be super formal or using difficult terms (unless you want us too). Our tastings are designed to be a small social setting with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers. Don’t worry; you won’t

Tasting wine in 4 simple steps Whether you drink the occasional glass at home, visiting a restaurant or joining a wine tasting in Barcelona, knowing how to approach a glass of wine can make the experience even better. It is not about being a snob about wine but it adds a lot of fun to tasting a glass of wine. Tasting wine is not just about just drinking; it’s almost like playing a game of Cluedo; you are look for clues about the wine by observing, smelling, and tasting so you can understand what’s in your glass. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has developed an internationally acknowledged structured approach to wine tasting that professionals and enthusiast around the world use. They use different levels but for the use of this wine tasting we apply level 1. Our sommelier is certified on level 3 and working on level 4. We use the level 1 approach to tasting during our wine tasting in Barcelona to make it easier for our guests. Here’s how you can apply it yourself in four simpl

Wine making method for still wines When people join our wine tasting in Barcelona, one of the most asked questions is: “How exactly is wine made?” We’ll give you a brief overview of the wine making method in this blog, in this case we’ll leave vineyard management out of scope. While harvest is an exciting moment for any wine maker, the real transformation of fruit to the wine you enjoy happens inside the winery. This wine making process combines tradition, science, and centuries of experience. In Spain, where wine culture is deeply rooted in history, the methods vary by region and by style. Still, there are some essential steps that every winemaker follows. Let’s take a closer look at what happens once the grapes enter the winery. Sorting, de-stemming and crushing The first stage is sorting. Grapes are carefully checked to remove leaves, stems, or damaged fruit. This ensures only the best grapes make it into your wine. You can imagine that for fine wines this will be done more diligent

Sangria making class in Barcelona When you think of Barcelona, one of the first images that might come to mind is a pitcher of sangria on a sunny terrace. But what many don’t realise is that behind this colourful drink lies a fascinating history and a cultural tradition. For groups visiting the city, joining our sangria making class in Barcelona is not only a fun activity, it’s also a way to connect with Spanish history and discover the craft behind this iconic drink. What is sangria? The easy explanation is that sangria is a wine-based punch mix with fresh fruits, juice, and mostly a dash of brandy or other spirit. The result: a fruity, refreshing drink that perfectly matches Spain’s warm climate and vibrant atmosphere. But unlike what you might find pre-made in some local supermarkets, authentic sangria is carefully balanced: the right wine, fresh fruit (in season), and a balance between acidity and sweetness. Every region has its own recipe, which makes sangria as much about local c