Tapas bars tend to take center stage in food tours of Barcelona because they allow visitors to efficiently sample an array of small dishes. Though I never tire of patatas bravas, grilled Padrón peppers or pan tomate layered with thinly sliced jamón Ibérico, I sought a deeper exploration of the city’s rich culinary scene.

Our Travel Office booked me a food tour with a boutique company that prioritizes promoting local, sustainable and organic food and wine produced by family-run businesses. The founders, Cristina and Guillermo, have their fingers on the pulse of the newest and most creative gastronomic ventures in the city. 

The excursion began with a tasting of natural wines produced by small-scale organic vintners paired with artisanal cheeses at La Graciosa, an atmospheric bar in trendy Gràcia. We learned a great deal about sparkling wine made in the ancestral style as well as orange wine. Little Fluffy Clouds, a medium-bodied natural wine crafted by Fruita Analogica, was a highlight. We loved the hints of warm apricot and bright citrus in this blend of Macabeo and Muscat.