Wine

About our wine program

The Barcelona Wine Bar wine program is a living, growing, ever-changing collection of wines of the highest quality from around the world– focused most specifically on Spain and South America. The list spans over 70 regions, hundreds of makers, and over 400 selections at any given time. There is a focus on makers that put quality and craft at the forefront– we do not chase brands or trends, but rather: patience, art, genius and dedication. Biodynamic winemaking, women winemakers, small-producers, iconic wines of provenance and craft — whether 3 hectares or 3000, the vein that runs through ALL of our wines is a true love of earth and excellence. 

The first Barcelona Wine Bar was opened by partners Andy Pforzheimer and Sasa Mahr-Batuz in Norwalk, CT in 1996, making it one of the first authentic Spanish restaurants in the US. Aiming to be a casual, eclectic and a truly fun dining experience, the restaurant began expanding its dining room and kitchen over the years to meet the demand.

In 2007, Barcelona Wine Bar earned its first Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator. By 2012, the award was upgraded to our first “Best Of” Award of Excellence, a notable honor for the Barcelona wine program and beverage team. Today, all eligible Barcelona Wine Bars have this highest honor. 

Every restaurant shares the same name and culture, but unique to most “chains,” each location has its own Executive Chef that writes his/her menu nightly. We consider the concept chef driven, and the food inspired by simply prepared market fresh cuisine, like you would find in the food stalls of the Boqueria Market in Barcelona or Central Market in Valencia.

The wine list is widely the same company wide, with some variations based on market availability.

• • • • •   Approximately 500 selections in each location
        •   75% of the list is Old World, 25% New World
        •   50% of the wines are from Spain. 15% are from South America.
        •   Heavy emphasis on sustainable, organic, biodynamic and natural wine-making.
        •   Over 40 wines by the glass. All wines offered in 6oz and 3oz portions.
        •   Extensive Sherry and Port wine offering.
        •   50% of the selections are under $50 per bottle, one of our proudest wine list features.
        •   Every location features temperature controlled storage for the upwards of 4,000 bottles in inventory.

Gretchen Thomas and Emily Nevin-Giannini are responsible for the expansive program: 

Gretchen Thomas

Gretchen Thomas has obtained various levels of certifications from WSET, CMS, CSW and NOSA as well as being a certified Spanish Wine Educator from the Wine Academy of Spain, where she scored in the top 15 in the world. She is an award-winning beverage program authority, creator of several small production and custom wines, blender of Libélula Tequila, and currently the VP of Food & Beverage Innovations for Barcelona Wine Bars.

Emily Nevin-Giannini

Emily Nevin-Giannini is an accomplished wine educator and professional, focused on Spanish and South-American wines. She has earned an Advanced Certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, is a Certified Wine Specialist, has a Master Certification in Rioja Wines and is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist in partnership with the Regulatory Council of Jerez. As Beverage Director, she travels extensively to procure wines for Barcelona Wine Bar, focusing on small producers who are using the highest quality methods.

With the wine program as a banner, Barcelona Wine Bar is committed to not only showcasing the best of what Spain and South America have to offer, but simply giving our guests a sincerely fun experience. We believe that casual dining does not have to be a mediocre experience. We take the typical, traditional tapas bars in Spain and transplant their style and energy into our restaurants, preserving its casual tradition.