La Baignoire Wine Bar

Gràcia, Barcelona –

Flying in the face of the earthy vibe of most of Gràcia’s drinking and eating dens, La Baignoire is a distinctly ritzy wine bar much loved by the chatty denizens of this charismatic neighborhood and a sign of the district’s ongoing gentrification.

The bar’s black, chocolate, and gold color scheme, Baroque-patterned wallpaper, and low-hanging chandeliers set an appropriately refined tone for sampling from La Baignoire’s extensive wine list, written up in white pen on sleek black marble.

A large selection of cheeses from around the world is available to accompany Spanish vintages such as Rioja and Penedès, and many of the bar’s customers eagerly devour these and other tapas along with their drinks.

Despite the upscale setting, La Baignoire is surprisingly affordable and relaxed, and though some older guests may be decked out in evening wear, an equal number of patrons sport the shabby chic look of the wealthy urban hippies so typical of Gràcia’s Catalan population.

A small space with just enough room for thirty or forty wine enthusiasts, La Baignoire has an intimate vibe where the emphasis is on good taste and refined conversation.