Barcelona: Sailing and Alella Winery Tour with Wine Tasting

Barcelona: Sailing and Alella Winery Tour with Wine Tasting — An Authentic Day Out in Catalonia

If you’re looking to blend the glamour of sailing with the charm of wine tasting in one seamless experience, this tour from Barcelona might just be your answer. It promises a luxurious cruise along the coast, a visit to a historic family winery in Alella, and the chance to taste exceptional local wines — all wrapped in a small-group setting for a more intimate experience.

One thing we really love about this tour is how it balances relaxation with cultural insight. The boat ride offers stunning views of Barcelona’s coastline, while the winery visit provides a deep dive into the region’s winemaking traditions. The only thing to consider is that the tour spans around four hours, so it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule and a love for combining water-based adventures with land-based cultural experiences.

This tour fits travelers who enjoy luxury experiences, scenic landscapes, and authentic local flavors. If you’re curious about Catalonia’s wine history or want a refined day out that combines the sea and the vineyards, this experience is likely a perfect choice.

Key Points

• Elegant sailing experience with stunning coastal views of Barcelona.
• Visit a 14th-century family winery in Alella with a guided vineyard tour.
• Taste three wines produced by the winery, with a snack of cheese and fruit.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes transportation from the port to the winery and back, adding convenience.
• Suitable for those who want a balanced mix of leisure, culture, and wine education.

A Close Look at the Experience

This tour offers a well-structured blend of sea, wine, and history, with a detailed itinerary that maximizes your four hours without feeling rushed. It begins at Moll de Mestral, inside Port Olímpic, where you’ll meet your boat – a chance to start with some sailboat luxury. The boat ride to Masnou takes about 1.5 hours, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of Barcelona’s coastline. The boat’s courtesy drinks and snack service — cheese, sausage, nuts, fruit, and beverages — elevate this from a simple cruise to a true luxury experience.

Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery as a highlight. One traveler mentioned, “Traveling with nature I wish my stay at the winery had been longer,” which echoes how relaxing and visually pleasing the sail is. The boat is private for your group, ensuring you won’t be stuck with strangers, adding a layer of exclusivity.

Once docked at Masnou, a short 15-minute bus transfer takes you to Alella, a renowned wine region. Known since Roman times, Alella’s wines were favored in medieval Barcelona and still hold a special place in the area’s heritage. This historical depth is part of what makes the visit so meaningful. The winery itself is a beautiful 14th-century farmhouse, surrounded by organic vineyards and views of the Mediterranean.

Exploring the Vineyards and the Winery

The core of the tour is the visit to the family-run winery, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. The vineyards have been cultivated for over 25 years with organic and modern techniques, which adds a layer of authenticity and sustainability.

Guest reviews echo this, with one saying, “We got to walk around the vineyard and learn about the process,” highlighting how the experience isn’t just tasting but also educational. The winery’s history is fascinating — from Roman times through the Middle Ages, Alella wines played a significant role in local trade and culture. That sense of tradition adds value, especially for those interested in wine heritage.

After the tour, the tasting is a highlight. You’ll sample three exclusive wines produced by the winery, paired with a snack of cheese and fruit. These tastings are more than just sipping; they’re an insight into regional flavors and craftsmanship. Many guests have celebrated the quality, noting the “yummy wines” and the personal touch of the family-run operation.

Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere

After the wine tasting, a private minivan whisks you back to Barcelona, completing the loop of this well-rounded experience. The transportation is smooth and ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics — a big plus when you’re trying to relax.

The small-group nature of the tour (limited to 11 participants) ensures a cozy, chatty atmosphere, perfect for learning and enjoying without feeling crowded. The bilingual guides are professional and knowledgeable, offering insights into both the sail and the wine.

Practical Details and What to Keep in Mind

The tour lasts around 4 hours, but the actual timing depends on availability and your chosen starting time. It’s advisable to bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes, especially considering you’ll be outdoors on the boat and in the vineyards. Towels aren’t provided, and pets, bikes, and alcohol onboard are not allowed, so plan accordingly.

Cost-wise, at $135 per person, it offers good value considering the combination of luxury sailing, wine tasting, private transport, and guided tours. The inclusion of drinks, snacks, and a small group size makes this more than just a tasting or a boat ride — it’s a genuinely curated experience.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Reviewers have shared positive impressions, like the person who said, “The winery was really nice, and we got to walk around the vineyard,” and appreciated the private boat, which enhanced the feeling of exclusivity. They also loved the scenery, with one noting that their stay at the winery was “short but sweet,” highlighting the peaceful, picturesque setting.

One reviewer mentioned that the boat ride felt like a “relaxing day of sailing,” emphasizing how the experience balances scenic beauty with educational value. The fact that it’s designed for small groups allows for a more personalized experience, which many travelers seek when exploring wine regions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for luxury travelers, wine enthusiasts, or those looking for a unique way to see the Catalonia coast. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group outings, want to learn about regional wines, or simply prefer a day that combines sea and land in a relaxed manner.

It also appeals to travelers who appreciate history and authenticity, since the winery dates back to the 14th century and the vineyards have been cultivated for centuries. But if you’re prone to seasickness or have back problems, it might be worth considering, as the boat ride is about 1.5 hours and involves some outdoor movement.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking an elegant, multi-sensory experience, this tour combines the best of both worlds — the scenic beauty of sailing and the rich tradition of Catalan winemaking. It’s a well-balanced outing that offers stunning views, educational insights, and a taste of local heritage without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

The small-group setting, private transport, and attention to detail make it ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience that’s both relaxing and enriching. Whether you’re a wine lover, a sea enthusiast, or simply in search of a special day out, this tour provides a memorable taste of Catalonia’s coastal and vinicultural treasures.

FAQ

How long is the sailing portion of the tour?
The boat ride from Barcelona to Masnou lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and relax on the water.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the sailboat rental, courtesy drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, wine, cava), snacks (cheese, sausage, crackers, nuts, fruit), port services, insurance, the transfer to the winery, the winery visit, vineyard tour, wine tasting of three wines, and private transportation back to Barcelona.

Can I join if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes, the guides are professional bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is designed for small groups and adults. It’s important to note that it’s not suitable for pets or bikes, and children should be comfortable on a boat and walking in vineyards.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring a camera for the stunning views, sunscreen for outdoor protection, water to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities. Towels are not provided.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The snacks and tastings are standard, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the provider in advance, though this isn’t explicitly mentioned.

This sailing and winery tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, education, and indulgence, making it a standout choice for a memorable day exploring Catalonia’s coastal beauty and wine heritage.