From Barcelona: Sailing and Wine Tasting Experience

If you’re dreaming of combining sailing along the coast of Barcelona with savoring exquisite wines and exploring a historic vineyard, this tour might just tick those boxes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a pretty inviting picture, especially for those who love a laid-back but engaging day out.

What really stands out is the chance to cruise on a 12-meter yacht with drinks and snacks onboard, and then step ashore into a family-run winery that’s been around since the 14th century. However, as with any experience, there are some nuances to keep in mind, like the fact that this tour is somewhat tailored for small groups and wine lovers who appreciate a mix of relaxation and education.

This experience tends to suit travelers who enjoy scenic ocean views, quality wine tastings, and the chance to learn about local wine-making techniques. If that sounds like your kind of day, you’ll likely find this tour offers both fun and a bit of insight into Catalonia’s wine heritage.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal sailing on a well-sized yacht with drinks and snacks included
• Insightful wine tasting led by a knowledgeable sommelier at a historic vineyard
• Small group setting (limited to 8 people), perfect for personalized attention
• Flexible transportation options: boat, car, or e-bike, depending on what you prefer
• Includes a Mediterranean swim, adding a refreshing break during the cruise
• A well-reviewed experience with an impressive rating of 4.8/5 based on 30 reviews

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a pretty balanced mix of sailing, wine education, and scenic exploration—making it a solid choice if you want to enjoy both the sea and vineyards without spending a whole day traveling. The total duration is about 5 hours, which makes it manageable even if you’re on a tight schedule.

Starting Point and Transportation Options

You’ll meet at a designated spot in Barcelona, where the boats are marked by red and blue flags. The flexibility of transportation is a definite plus: if you prefer not to walk, you can opt for a transfer by car or e-bike to the winery. During the boat cruise, you’ll enjoy a relaxed sail from Barcelona to Alella Harbor, with the chance to spot the city skyline fading behind you.

The Sailing Cruise

Once aboard the 12-meter sailing yacht, you’re in for about 2 hours of gentle cruising. It’s a relaxed ride with plenty of opportunities to take photos or just sit back and enjoy the views. You’ll be served olives, cheese, crackers, and salami along with drinks like beer, wine, cava, sangria, or soft drinks. One of the reviews notes that the crew was enthusiastic and welcoming, with plenty of champagne and wine flowing, making the cruise feel festive and comfortable.

A noteworthy highlight is the chance to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea—refreshing and perfect for cooling off after some time on the water.

The Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting

After the sail, you’ll arrive at Alella, where a short ride takes you to a 14th-century estate surrounded by vineyards. The estate is family-run, and the winery’s history and organic cultivation techniques give it a warm, authentic feel. The reviews highlight that the guides at the winery are super friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.

Once there, you’ll participate in a wine tasting led by a sommelier, sampling three carefully selected wines—paired with bread, cheeses, and sausages. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the wines, with some guests purchasing bottles to take home, like the popular Pansa Blanca.

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The Overall Flow

The itinerary flows smoothly: sail, swim, visit the winery, taste wines, and then return to Barcelona. The small group setting ensures a more intimate experience where guides can give personalized insights, and everyone can ask questions comfortably.

Why People Love This Tour

Based on reviews, the guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and enthusiasm. The stunning views during the sail and the beautiful setting of the winery are often mentioned as highlights. Guests appreciate the balance of activities, offering both relaxation and learning, with many describing it as one of their favorite travel experiences.

Many reviewers mention how the wine tasting was engaging, with detailed explanations that made the wines all the more enjoyable. The scenic drive or e-bike ride to the winery adds an active element for those who want it, but it’s entirely optional.

Criticisms and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few guests note that the weather can impact the day—less than ideal weather might limit the sailing or outdoor activities. Also, since the tour is limited to 8 participants, it’s quite intimate, but this could mean limited availability or less flexibility for larger groups.

As for cost, at $123 per person, it offers a reasonable value considering the inclusions: sailing, drinks, snacks, and a guided wine tasting. For those who appreciate small-group excursions with personalized attention, it’s a worthwhile investment.

What’s Missing or Could Be Better?

One thing to keep in mind is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to reach the meeting point independently. If you’re not staying nearby, consider this when planning your day.

Also, for those who aren’t keen on wine, this tour might feel a bit centered on tasting, but the sailing aspect and scenic views still make it worthwhile. For families or travelers seeking more active or diverse experiences, this might not be the best fit.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a fan of wine and coastal scenery and want a laid-back yet engaging way to experience Catalonia outside the city, this tour offers a pretty charming package. It’s perfect for small groups wanting a more personal touch, and those who enjoy sailing and wine equally.

It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of a slower pace, and who appreciate learning from guides while enjoying good drinks and beautiful vistas. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and educational experience that combines water and wine without overdoing it, this one’s worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this experience. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point in Barcelona.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including sailing, wine tasting, and transportation to and from the winery.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for sailing and walking around vineyards is recommended. If you plan to swim, bring a swimsuit and towel.

Can I choose my drinks?
During the cruise, your drinks options include beer, wine, cava, sangria, or soft drinks, with typically 2-3 drinks per person included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, especially since it involves wine tasting. Children might not be the best fit unless they are very interested in the scenery and are accompanied by adults.

What if the weather isn’t great?
If weather conditions aren’t favorable, the crew may modify or reschedule the sailing portion, but the wine tasting at the vineyard will still likely happen.

Final Thoughts

This sailing and wine tasting tour from Barcelona offers a lovely way to unwind, enjoy the coast, and learn about local wines in a relaxed setting. The combination of scenic sailing, authentic vineyard visits, and engaging guides makes it a memorable experience. It’s especially appealing if you value small-group intimacy and are keen on tasting some of Catalonia’s best wines while soaking in beautiful views.

While it’s not the most active or varied day out, it excels at providing a calm, enjoyable escape from the city with a touch of sophistication and local flavor. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful way to see the coast, this trip is well worth considering.

Remember: Check availability in advance, as small group sizes fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. And keep an eye on the weather forecast if you’re hoping for that perfect sailing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: