Barcelona: Submarine Winery Wine Tasting and Sailing Tour

Imagine sailing along the shimmering Mediterranean coast, sipping on wines that have undergone an extraordinary aging process beneath the sea. This 2-hour luxury experience combines the thrill of a scenic boat ride with the intrigue of tasting wines that have matured underwater—something truly different from your typical wine tasting. Limited to just 10 guests, this intimate tour promises personalized attention and an authentic glimpse into innovative winemaking methods.

What we really love about this experience is how it elevates the simple pleasure of wine tasting into something memorable and educational. Plus, the stunning views of Barcelona’s skyline from the deck—paired with the salty sea air—make it a sensory delight. On the flip side, a key consideration is that it’s a relatively short tour, so those looking for a full-day activity might want to combine it with other experiences.

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to try something beyond the usual vineyard visit, travelers who enjoy scenic sailing, or anyone curious about how the ocean’s environment influences wine. If you’re seeking a relaxing, exclusive way to enjoy Barcelona’s coast while exploring the innovative side of winemaking, this experience is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Unique underwater wine aging offers a different flavor profile compared to traditional terrestrial methods.
• Small-group setting ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Scenic sailing along Barcelona’s coastline provides breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Tasting four premium wines, including two from Priorat and their underwater-aged counterparts, enhances your appreciation of winemaking.
• Delicious snacks and appetizers complement the wines perfectly.
• Additional activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and water toys add extra fun.
• Sustainable focus highlights the eco-friendly aspect of the underwater winery, acting as an artificial reef.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: Starting at Sailing Tours Barcelona

The tour kicks off just in front of the Marina Vela Port Office, where a sleek sailboat awaits. The crew, led by knowledgeable guides, introduces you to the plan for the next two hours—an elegant blend of sailing, tasting, and learning. The small group format (max 10 participants) means you get lots of interaction and personalized commentary.

The Sailing & Views

Once underway, the boat glides smoothly along Barcelona’s coastline. The views of the city’s iconic skyline against the shimmering Mediterranean are truly striking. As you relax on deck, the gentle sway of the boat combined with sea breezes creates a peaceful setting. It’s an ideal environment to unwind while sipping on your first glass of sparkling cava or soft drink.

The Wine Tasting: From Land to Sea

This is the heart of the tour. The guide introduces you to four wines: two from a trusted winery in the Priorat region and the same two after they’ve been aged underwater. The contrast is fascinating. We loved the way the underwater environment accelerates the aging process, resulting in a wine with a more complex, layered flavor profile—think hints of minerality and a subtle saltiness that land-based wines just can’t replicate.

Guests on the tour have commented that the underwater wines are “surprisingly smooth” and “full of character,” with one reviewer noting, “You can definitely taste the ocean in every sip.” The terrestrial wines serve as a perfect baseline for comparison, highlighting the transformative power of the underwater environment.

Food & Snacks

Complementing the wine, a selection of delicious snacks—chips, olives, nuts, and chargers—are served. These bites help elevate the tasting experience, offering a balance of salty, savory flavors to match the wines. Many guests appreciated the quality and freshness of the snacks, which, combined with the natural surroundings, created a relaxed, almost luxurious vibe.

Additional Activities & Eco-Consciousness

Beyond wine and sailing, the tour offers opportunities to swim or snorkel, adding an adventurous touch. Water toys like stand-up paddleboards are available for those who want to stretch their legs or explore the nearby waters more actively. Towels are provided, so no need to pack your own.

An aspect that stood out is the focus on sustainability. The underwater winery doubles as an artificial reef, supporting marine life and promoting conservation efforts. Many participants appreciated this eco-friendly approach, knowing their fun was also helping protect the local ecosystem.

Duration & Group Size

At just about 2.5 hours, this tour offers a perfect escape without feeling rushed. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, where questions are welcomed, and everyone feels involved. The experience is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, catering well to curious travelers who love tasting and learning.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Sailing Tours Barcelona: Meet your guide and crew at the marina.
• Scenic sailing: Glide past Barcelona’s coastline, soaking up views and sea air.
• Wine tasting session: Sample four wines, two terrestrial, two underwater-aged, with commentary on their differences.
• Snacks and drinks: Enjoy local bites and beverages, including cava, beer, and soft drinks.
• Optional swimming or paddling: Dip into the sea or try out the water toys.
• End back at the marina: Return with new wine knowledge and fresh memories.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included are the small-group tour, 2.5 hours of sailing, wine tastings, snacks, water, soft drinks, cava, wine, beer, water toys, towels, and stand-up paddleboards. Extras such as additional food or transport are not included, so plan accordingly.

Meeting Point & Timing

The tour starts just in front of the Marina Vela Port Office, with flexible start times based on availability. Since booking can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, travelers can secure their spot without immediate commitment, adding flexibility to their plans.

Price & Value

At $146 per person, the tour offers a curated experience that combines sailing, education, and tasting. Considering the small group size, personalized attention, and unique underwater wine aging process, many will find this price justified. It’s a premium experience that goes beyond a simple tasting—offering insights into innovative winemaking and scenic adventure rolled into one.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore something offbeat, especially those curious about how environment affects flavor. It’s also great for sailing enthusiasts or anyone wanting a luxurious, intimate escape from the city. The eco-conscious angle adds depth for travelers interested in sustainability, while the inclusion of water activities makes it attractive for those seeking a bit of adventure.

It might be less ideal for travelers seeking a long, full-day tour or those with mobility issues, as it’s a relatively short, boat-based experience. The mix of education, scenery, and fun makes it a worthwhile highlight of any Barcelona itinerary.

The Sum Up

This Submarine Winery Wine Tasting and Sailing Tour in Barcelona offers a rare blend of nature, innovation, and relaxation. The chance to taste wines that have matured beneath the sea, coupled with scenic sailing and delicious local snacks, makes for an experience that’s both memorable and educational. The small group setting ensures a personal touch, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the journey.

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for something genuinely different, or simply seeking a peaceful yet engaging way to enjoy Barcelona’s coastline, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a luxurious, eco-friendly experience that elevates the typical wine tasting into something extraordinary.

While it’s not the longest or cheapest activity available, the unique nature of underwater wine aging and the scenic sailing make it a valuable and distinctive addition to your Barcelona trip. Perfect for those who appreciate quality, intimacy, and a touch of adventure, this tour will likely leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including sailing, tasting, and optional water activities.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just in front of the Marina Vela Port Office and concludes back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a small group of up to 10 people, 2.5 hours of sailing, tasting four premium wines (two terrestrial and two underwater-aged), snacks, beverages like cava, soft drinks, beer, water, water toys, towels, and paddleboards.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No, outside food and beverages are not included in the tour price, but the provided snacks and drinks are ample for the experience.

Is swimming or snorkeling available?
Yes, there’s time for swimming or snorkeling, and equipment like water toys and towels are provided.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just a passport or ID for check-in, and perhaps sun protection or sunglasses for comfort on the deck.

Are there any discounts or flexible booking options?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.