You’ll taste Alella wine after a proper sea cruise. This small-group outing pairs Barcelona coast sailing with a focused wine tasting in Alella, plus snacks and drinks along the way. It’s a nice change of pace from the city.

I like that the day is built around a real wine region, not a quick stop. You get a guided vineyard and cellar visit at a family-run place in a 14th-century house, then you taste 4 local wines with traditional Catalan food.

My only heads-up: the sailing part depends on conditions. If the water is rough, the boat can feel choppy, and a few people have reported motion-related discomfort.

Key highlights at a glance

• Port Olímpic sail time with snacks and drinks along the coast (not just photo stops)
• Family-run Alella winery in a 14th-century setting, with a guided vineyard-and-cellar tour
• Four wine tasting pours paired with traditional Catalan products and a brunch spread
• Premium small-group cap (max 22 total, max 11 per boat) for a more personal pace
• Return to Barcelona by luxury mini-bus, with the route order sometimes adjusted for weather

Why Alella feels worth the short trip from Barcelona

Alella is just outside Barcelona, but it feels a world away. It’s one of Spain’s older wine areas, and the story of the region includes Roman-era interest and medieval ties to Barcelona.

What makes this tour work is the combo. You don’t just “go drink wine and leave.” You also get a coastal sail that frames the vineyards and the Mediterranean air in a way a land-only tour can’t match.

If you’re curious about how wines develop in a coastal climate, Alella is a smart target. The winery here is described as using organic and modern techniques in its vineyards, including vines cultivated for 25+ years.

Port Olímpic to the coast: what the sailing section really delivers

You start at Port Olímpic, meeting your skipper at Moll de Mestral, 1546. From there you head down the coast area toward El Masnou, with views of the Barcelona skyline and the sea in front of you.

Along the way, you get snacks and drinks on board. The included list is clear: olives, chips and crackers, plus soft drinks, beer, water, and wine or champagne. This matters because it keeps the sail from feeling like “just sitting there until the next stop.”

You also pass iconic spots like Playa de la Mar Bella and Port Masnou. Expect a relaxing pace rather than a sprint-style tour—this portion is best enjoyed when you keep your phone in your pocket and watch the coastline slide by.

A quick word on boat conditions

Most people can participate, but sea state is real. Some reviews mention the ride being rocky or choppy, and at least one person reported feeling sick on the return when conditions worsened. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring a way to manage it (like motion sickness meds) and wear something comfortable with grippy shoes.

Alella’s winery visit: a family house, vineyards, and cellars

The Alella part is the core of the “wine day” experience. You transfer to the highest-rated winery in Alella for a guided visit at a family-run property in a 14th-century house surrounded by vineyards with Mediterranean views.

What I like here is that the tour isn’t just a lecture in a tasting room. You’re set up for a walkthrough that includes time in the vineyards and then the cellar. That vineyard walk is where you can connect the setting to what you’ll taste next.

The winery approach is also part of the appeal. The vines are described as being cultivated for 25 years, using organic and modern techniques. Even if you don’t nerd out on viticulture, you’ll likely appreciate the care that goes into farming in this coastal area.

You might meet a guide like Susanna or Teresa

The guided tasting experience is led by winery staff and is described as guided by expert sommelier teams. In real-world groups, names like Susanna and Teresa show up, so you may get a lively host who can explain the family and the process at human scale.

The tasting and Catalan brunch: what you’re actually eating

After the vineyard-and-cellar tour, you move into tasting mode. The tasting includes 4 local wines—described as Mediterranean wines from the area—and the session is paired with a selection of traditional Catalan products.

The food setup is one of the best parts for me because it feels like a regional meal, not a token snack tray. In the tastings, you can expect items like fresh bread, tomatoes, olive oil, sausage, and Manchego (mentioned specifically by people who did the tour). Those pair naturally with white wines and lighter pours.

The tour also includes a traditional Catalan brunch paired with the tasting. That pairing style matters: it helps you taste wine in context, with salt, fat, and savory flavors around you. If you’re used to wine with nothing but bread, this format can make the tasting feel more complete.

Is it enough wine?

You’ll get 4 pours in the tasting, which is a solid count for a half-day excursion. One review noted feeling like the amount of wine could have been more inside the winery, but the boat section includes extra wine/champagne with the onboard snacks. So in practice, it’s a mix: tasting pours at the winery plus casual drinks on the sail.

How the schedule works: order changes, and the group is kept small

This is a short tour, about 4 hours total. The timing breaks down into roughly:

• Sailing portion from Port Olímpic area (around 2 hours)
• Winery time in Alella (around 1 hour 30 minutes)
• Return ride to the starting point (around 30 minutes)

One important detail: the departure order (sailing vs. minibus) can change depending on weather and how operations run. The company may swap which part happens first, so don’t build your day around a rigid sequence you saw online.

Group size and splitting (max 11 per boat)

The whole tour caps at 22 travelers. If the group is larger than what one boat can handle, the tour splits into two groups, with participants alternating the order of the activity.

This is a big deal for comfort. A maximum of 11 per boat keeps the sail from feeling cramped, and the winery visit also tends to stay controlled because it’s a guided experience rather than a free-for-all tasting.

Practical comfort tips for a day at sea and in a winery

Dress for two different environments. On the water, it can feel cooler and windier than you expect, even on a sunny day. The tour recommends comfortable clothing and shoes, and you’ll be walking at the winery area.

If you get motion-sensitive, treat the sailing like the main variable. Use a jacket you can handle in shifting breeze, and wear shoes with good grip for any boarding or uneven surfaces.

It’s also smart to plan for sun and shade. You’ll likely spend time outdoors during the vineyard stroll, then sit for brunch and tasting. Bringing sunglasses and sunscreen won’t hurt.

Meeting point reality check: Port Olímpic and the boat slip

This tour runs from a working marina area, and finding the exact spot can be the trick. The start is at Moll de Mestral, 1546 (Sant Martí). You should arrive about 15 minutes early for check-in.

Here’s the non-negotiable part: bring a valid ID or passport. The check-in desk requires it for entry to the private sailing club.

Also, don’t rely on a vague “near the water” description. One practical tip from past participants: the number on the address often lines up with the boat slip, and directions can be easier once you know you’re looking for slips rather than a beach-style landmark. Another tip: go down the stairs to the area with the boats, not the beach-side area to the left of the casino.

Finally, be ready for small operational changes. The sailing order can reverse depending on weather, and on at least one occasion there was confusion due to itinerary changes and meeting-point setup.

Price and value: is $132.93 a fair deal for this mix?

At $132.93 per person, you’re paying for three things that normally cost separately: coastal sailing, winery guiding, and a food-and-tasting pairing.

Here’s what’s included that supports the price:

• Round-trip transportation back to Port Olímpic via luxury mini-bus
• Guided visit (vineyards + cellar)
• Wine tasting of 4 wines
• Traditional Catalan brunch paired with the tasting
• Snacks and drinks on the boat (including beer, wine or champagne, water, plus snacks)

What’s not included is hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the Port Olímpic meeting point. That’s the main “value tradeoff” to plan for.

If you enjoy both sea time and wine time, this is the kind of half-day that feels efficient. You’re not spending the whole day in transit, and you’re not choosing between the coast and the cellar.

Who should book this Alella sail and tasting, and who might skip it

This tour is a great match if you want:

• Wine tasting with a real winery setting rather than just a pour-and-go stop
• A calm, small-group feel (max 22 total, max 11 per boat)
• A memorable Barcelona day that isn’t museum-heavy

It can also suit people who like a guided regional story. Alella’s setting plus the vineyard-and-cellar tour helps you understand what you’re tasting, not just which bottle you liked best.

I’d think twice if you:

• Are very sensitive to motion on water
• Need a super rigid schedule with no changes in order
• Prefer tasting at multiple wineries (this focuses on one top Alella winery)

If you’re the type who loves a coastal morning and wants a structured wine-and-food experience, you’re in the sweet spot.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want an easy, good-value day that combines sailing from Port Olímpic with a serious Alella winery visit and a brunch pairing. The included onboard snacks and drinks help the sail feel like part of the experience, not dead time.

If weather can make you nervous, go anyway—but come prepared. Bring comfortable shoes, plan for outdoor walking, and protect yourself if you’re prone to sea sickness.

One last practical thought: arrive early and be confident finding Moll de Mestral 1546. When the meeting point goes smoothly, the whole day flows.

FAQ

How long is the Barcelona sailing and Alella winery tour?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Moll de Mestral, 1546, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the sailing portion?

You’ll have a sailing trip along the coast, with snacks on board (olives, chips & crackers) and drinks such as soft drinks, beer, water, and wine or champagne.

What happens at the winery in Alella?

You get a guided visit to the vineyards and cellar, then a wine tasting of 4 local wines paired with traditional Catalan products and a brunch.

Is the group actually small?

Yes. The maximum is 22 travelers, and the boat capacity is max 11. If needed, the group splits into two groups with alternating activity order.

Do I need to bring an ID or passport?

Yes. All passengers must show a valid ID or passport at the check-in desk to enter the private sailing club.

Do I get hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to reach the meeting point on your own.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, since you’ll be on the boat and walking around vineyard areas.

What if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather, and it can be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. If that happens, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What if the tour doesn’t meet the minimum number of travelers?

If the minimum number of people isn’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative date, another tour of equal or superior value, or a full refund.