Barcelona in 1 Day for Couples - Hands-on sangria crafting and tasting
In Collaboration with Gastronomic Arts Barcelona. Updated on February 2, 2026.
A relaxed, couples-focused afternoon: pre-class coffee and a short stroll near Palau Güell, a 3-hour hands-on Sangria & Tapas class at Gastronomic Arts Barcelona, then a rooftop cocktail at Hotel 1898 and a cozy wine-bar dinner to finish the evening.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Gastronomic Arts Barcelona, inspired by the tour Hands-On Sangria & Tapas Cooking Class with Local Beer Tasting. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hands-on sangria crafting and tasting
- Classic Spanish tapas paired with your sangria
- Local craft beer tasting
- Rooftop cocktail at sunset
- Cozy wine-bar dinner for two
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon itinerary built around the 15:00 — 3 hour Sangria & Tapas class at Gastronomic Arts Barcelona. Gentle pacing, romantic moments, and local tips.
Pre-class coffee at Café de l'Opera — relaxed start
Meet for a light coffee or pastry and a comfortable sit-down on La Rambla before the class. A calm, classic café to set a slow, romantic pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table for two by the window for people-watching along La Rambla — great for candid photos together.
- If you like it creamier, order 'café bombón' (espresso with condensed milk) — a sweet local treat to pair with a pastry.
- La Rambla can be breezy in spring evenings; bring a light wrap for outdoor seating or request an indoor table.
Short stroll past Palau Güell toward Carrer de Lancaster
A gentle 10–15 minute walk that passes Palau Güell and the quieter streets off La Rambla — perfect for photos and a little local architecture before the class.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause at the Palau Güell iron gates for a quick couple photo — the building's details look especially beautiful in soft afternoon light.
- Use the quieter side streets (Carrer Nou de la Rambla) to avoid La Rambla's busiest stretches — it's more intimate and less crowded.
- If you prefer a slower pace, stop at one of the small fruit stands on the corner to sample local oranges or strawberries as a pre-class nibble.
Arrive & Welcome — Gastronomic Arts Barcelona (check-in)
Arrive at Gastronomic Arts Barcelona. Settling in, meet your instructors, receive aprons and a welcome glass of chilled sangria — a warm start to your hands-on experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to store bags and choose a comfortable workstation — instructors will appreciate on-time guests.
- Ask your instructor for a photo together near the colorful entrance (look for the sangria glass sign) — a memorable keepsake.
- If you'd like an extra-romantic touch, mention it quietly to staff; they can sometimes arrange a small personalized certificate detail for couples.
The Sangria Story — short welcome talk
Instructor-led 15-minute introduction to the history and origins of sangria, offering cultural context and romantic food stories to set the mood.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit together near the front so you can hear and share tasting moments easily — holding hands is encouraged!
- Use this time to ask about local variations (Catalan vs. other regions) — the anecdotal stories make a great conversational prelude to dinner.
- If one of you prefers a specific grape or spice, flag it early — the instructor can mention pairing ideas tailored to you.
Sensory Explanation — tasting ingredients
Hands-on sampling of wines, fruits, and spices. Smell, touch, and taste the components that create sangria's profile (20 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Lean in and share tastes with your partner — swapping spoonfuls creates a playful, intimate moment.
- Ask about local citrus varieties (Valencia orange vs. local market fruit) — instructors often recommend small tweaks for at-home romance.
- If either of you has allergies or dietary preferences, remind the instructor now so they can suggest safe substitutions.
The Craft — make your own sangria
Don your aprons and craft your personal sangria blend under instructor guidance (45 minutes). This is the hands-on core of the experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Try making different proportions between you and your partner (one sweeter, one drier) and then blend a 'shared' cup — a fun tasting experiment.
- Ask for plating and garnish tips — a citrus twist or cinnamon stick makes your pitcher look especially romantic for photos.
- If you love a certain flavor, request a small extra sample to tweak and perfect — instructors frequently allow small adjustments.
Tapas Pairing — sample paired small plates
Enjoy a curated tapas spread (Patatas Bravas, Jamón Ibérico, pan con tomate and more) carefully matched to sangria and local beers (30 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Share plates and feed each other small bites — it's a classic romantic tapas ritual.
- Ask the server which tapas pair best with your specific sangria blend — personalized pairing makes the evening feel special.
- If you prefer an elevated experience, request a small extra portion of Jamón Ibérico — it pairs wonderfully with dry, citrus-forward sangrias.
Interactive Fun — sangria trivia & mini-quiz
Light-hearted sangria trivia and small competitions — a playful segment that often includes small sangria-themed prizes (15 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Play as a team with your partner to win a small prize (a keepsake recipe card upgrade) — collaborative wins feel great.
- Volunteer to lead an answer together — it’s a sweet way to be playful in front of the group and create a memory.
- If you're camera-shy, stand to the side but take photos of each other reacting to the trivia — candid shots are very romantic.
Sangria Tasting & Feedback — communal tasting
Sample your finished sangrias in a communal tasting. Receive feedback and notes from the instructor to refine your recipe (30 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Swap and taste each other's blends for a sweet comparison — make a mini 'rating' on your phones to remember which you like best.
- Ask for written notes on why a flavor works — the instructor can add little details to the recipe card for future at-home recreations.
- Take a quiet moment together after tasting to write down one thing you each loved — a small ritual to mark the experience.
Farewell & Final Toast — certificate and recipe card
Receive your personalized certificate and take-home recipe card. End with a communal toast and a short goodbye (25 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff to stamp or personalize your certificate with your names — a lovely memento for a couples' album.
- Take a slow final toast on the doorstep for a photo with the colorful entrance — golden-hour light can be flattering.
- If you plan to recreate the recipe, request their top tip for making it extra special at home (e.g., aging time or fruit choice).
Short transfer walk to Hotel 1898 rooftop (La Isabela) for sunset cocktail
A 5–10 minute stroll back toward La Rambla to Hotel 1898. Enjoy a rooftop cocktail with views — the evening 'special moment' for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk hand-in-hand along the quieter side of La Rambla to keep the moment intimate and avoid heavier crowds.
- Request a table on the terrace facing La Rambla for sunset views — ask host on arrival if you'd like the best vantage point.
- Order a signature cava cocktail or share a tasting flight — sparkling wine and sangria memories pair beautifully.
Rooftop cocktail at La Isabela (Hotel 1898) — sunset special moment
Sip cocktails or cava on the rooftop terrace with sweeping views of La Rambla and the city — a romantic golden-hour moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve the terrace in advance if possible — rooftop seating fills quickly at sunset in spring.
- Order a cava or the house cocktail to toast the evening; ask the bartender for a recommended pairing with the sangria notes you learned.
- Keep your camera ready for soft light photos; the terrace is an ideal spot for a couple portrait as daylight fades.
Romantic dinner at Monvínic — intimate wine bar
Finish the evening at Monvínic, a refined wine bar and restaurant known for an excellent wine list and attentive service — ideal for a quiet, romantic dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table in advance and request a cozy booth or quieter corner for a more intimate atmosphere.
- Let the sommelier know you just crafted sangria together — they'll recommend wines or small plates that echo the flavors you enjoyed.
- Order a shared tasting menu or several small plates to try multiple pairings — sharing is naturally romantic and relaxed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Neighborhood, Attraction, Experience, Transfer, Nightlife, Restaurant |
