Discovering the Best of Coastal Barcelona and Alella Vineyards
Imagine starting your day with the gentle sway of a sailing boat along Barcelona’s glittering shoreline, then winding your way into one of Catalonia’s oldest wine regions for a taste of history and locally crafted wines. This Barcelona: Sailing and Alella Winery Tour with Wine Tasting offers just that—a four-hour journey blending scenic sailing, cultural exploration, and wine appreciation. For $135, you get to enjoy a private sailboat ride from the vibrant Port Olimpic, followed by a guided tour of a historic family-run winery and a sampling of their premium wines.
Two things we particularly love about this tour are the stunning coastal views during the sail—an alternative perspective on Barcelona’s skyline—and the personalized winery experience with knowledgeable guides who walk you through the vineyards and wine-making process. The small group setting ensures a relaxed, intimate experience, free from the crowds that can dilute the charm of such authentic activities.
One possible consideration is the seasickness or back problems, as the tour involves being on a boat for about 1.5 hours and walking through vineyards. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with gentle boat rides and moderate walking. This tour fits well for those eager to combine luxurious, scenic adventures with cultural and culinary discoveries, especially if you appreciate picturesque landscapes and history-rich wineries.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Elegant voyage: A luxury sailboat takes you from Barcelona to Masnou, providing scenic views of the coastline.
- Rich heritage: The Alella winery, dating back to the 14th century, offers a glimpse into Catalonia’s viticultural past.
- Authentic tasting: Sampling three of the winery’s exclusive wines, complemented by cheese and fruit, makes for a delicious cultural experience.
- Personalized experience: Small groups and guided vineyard tours mean you get personalized insights.
- Flexible options: The itinerary can start with the boat or the winery, offering some flexibility depending on your preferences.
- Balanced journey: Combines relaxing sailing, historical exploration, and tasting for a well-rounded day.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Starting Point and First Impressions
The tour begins at Moll de Mestral, inside the Port Olimpic area—a lively, well-connected spot perfect for those staying in Barcelona. As we arrived, the atmosphere was relaxed but eager, with the crew welcoming us aboard their comfortable sailboat. The boat itself is well-maintained, offering a smooth ride and plenty of space to admire the views while enjoying courtesy drinks—water, soft drinks, beer, wine, or cava—set us in a refined, carefree mood.
The Sailing Adventure to Masnou
For about 1.5 hours, we cruised along the coast, passing by some of Barcelona’s iconic beaches and looking back at the city’s skyline. The scenery was breathtaking—waves gently lapping against the boat, the sun casting a warm glow, and the distant outline of Montjuïc Hill. This is a highlight for anyone who loves the sea or simply wants a different perspective on Barcelona. The crew kept us comfortable, and the relaxed pace meant we could take photos, chat, or just soak in the views.
More Great Tours NearbyTransition to the Winery Visit
After disembarking at Port of Masnou, we transferred in a private minivan to Alella. The 15-minute drive is scenic, passing vineyards and coastal landscapes—setting the tone for the wine experience ahead. The winery is a beautiful 14th-century farmhouse, surrounded by vineyards stretching towards the Mediterranean Sea. This provides an authentic, historical backdrop for the tasting.
Exploring Alella’s Vineyards
Once at the winery, we took a guided walk through the vineyards, cultivated for over 25 years using organic and modern techniques. Our guide explained how Alella wines, loved since Roman times, were historically exported all over the world, including to the overseas colonies of Catalonia. We learned about the significance of the region’s long-standing wine tradition and how it continues today.
The vineyards are notable not just for their history but for their unique approach—small-scale, sustainable, and deeply connected to the land. We loved the way the guide highlighted the long lineage and special qualities of Alella wines, making the tasting session not just about drinking but understanding the story behind each glass.
The Winetasting and Light Bites
The tasting featured three different wines—each with distinct characteristics, crafted by passionate family vintners. We enjoyed a snack of cheese, fruit, crackers, and nuts, which complemented the wines perfectly. One reviewer mentioned, “We got to taste yummy wines, walk around the vineyard and learn about the process,” which captures the essence well. The small size of the group—limited to 11—made it easy to ask questions and get detailed explanations, adding to the appreciation of each sip.
Returning to Barcelona
After about 1.5 hours at the winery, we traveled back to Barcelona in a private van, enjoying the relaxed vibe and reflecting on a day full of scenic beauty and cultural richness. The entire experience was seamless, with transportation included and a professional bilingual guide to keep the experience engaging.
Why This Tour Works for Travelers
This experience is perfect for those who want a luxurious yet authentic day blending outdoor adventure with cultural history. It’s ideal if you’re interested in small-group settings where you can ask questions and connect with guides. The combination of scenic sailing and wine tasting means you get both a visual feast and a taste of local tradition—something that appeals especially to lovers of nature, history, and good wine.
The tour is also flexible—offering options to start with either the boat or the winery—making it adaptable to different schedules or preferences. However, keep in mind that the boat ride isn’t suited for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues, and the entire day calls for comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views.
Comparing Value and Experience
At $135 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience. The sailboat ride alone provides scenic views that are hard to beat, and the winery visit offers an in-depth look at Alella’s viticultural heritage. Including wine tastings, snacks, transportation, and guided tours, it’s an efficient use of time and money for travelers seeking a more personal, cultural adventure outside the typical tourist crowds.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for small groups, couples, or friends eager for a relaxed day of sightseeing, wine, and sea views. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy authentic, history-rich activities and want to avoid cookie-cutter tours. Wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Barcelona’s surroundings will find this a memorable way to spend part of their trip.
The Sum Up
The Barcelona: Sailing and Alella Winery Tour with Wine Tasting combines the pleasures of luxurious sailing, historic vineyards, and local wines into a memorable four-hour experience. It offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and relaxed indulgence for travelers looking to escape the city’s bustle without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.
What makes this tour stand out is its ability to deliver stunning coastal views and a personalized wine experience—all within a manageable timeframe and at a fair price. It’s especially well-suited for those who value small groups, expert guides, and authentic stories behind the wines they taste.
If you’re after a relaxed, engaging, and beautifully curated experience, this tour fits the bill. Expect to come away with not just photos but a deeper appreciation of Alella’s winemaking heritage and a fresh perspective on Barcelona’s seaside charm.
FAQ
Is the sailing part suitable for people prone to seasickness?
The boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours and involves gentle sailing along the coast. If you’re prone to seasickness, you might find it manageable, but it’s best to be prepared with motion sickness remedies if needed.
What should I bring on this tour?
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery, sunscreen for protection against the sun, water to stay hydrated, and comfortable clothes suitable for both sailing and walking through vineyards.
Are the winery tours accessible for everyone?
While the vineyard walk is guided and generally manageable, it involves some walking on uneven terrain. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and standing.
Can I choose to start either with the boat or the winery?
Yes, the tour offers two options: beginning with the sailing trip or starting at the winery in Alella, providing flexibility based on your schedule or preferences.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the sailboat rental, courtesy drinks, snacks on board, port and insurance services, the winery visit, vineyard tour, wine tastings, private transfer to the winery, and return transportation to Barcelona.
Is there any age restriction for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves boat sailing and wine tasting, so it is best suited for adults. Those with back problems or who are prone to seasickness should consider their health before booking.
Whether you’re seeking scenic beauty, cultural discovery, or a fine wine experience, this tour offers a well-balanced, authentic adventure. It’s a day that’s relaxing yet enriching—an excellent choice for travelers craving a taste of Catalonia’s coast and vineyards.
You can check availability for your dates here: