Listening Bars and natural wines in Barcelona
November, 1st, 2024. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias
They have been with us for a long time, but not everyone knows them.
These are the so-called listening bars, a concept that was born in Japan in the 1920s (there they were called 'jazz kissa') dedicated to music lovers and those who could not afford to buy jazz records - which arrived in dribs and drabs from the United States - so they could listen to music with the best quality and in company.
For some time now, this type of bars has been traveling around the world, especially in Japan, the US and Europe, in high fidelity 'HiFi Bar' format. These are leisure establishments where music lovers can enjoy an exquisite and exclusive sound experience, as a high-quality musical refuge.
Although listening bars were born in Japan, the country of silence par excellence, they have become extraordinarily popular in the United States and London, where the venues are multiplying. In Spain, cities like Madrid (Proper Sound, Los33Madrid) and Barcelona (Obliqueo Hi-Fi Bar, Curtis Audiophile Café, Bar Manifest) already have venues of this type, which not only offer excellent quality music but also good food and even some are specialized in natural wines.
In Barcelona, we highlight Oblique Hi-Fi Bar, located at Riera de Sant Miquel 59 in Gràcia. A bar with an exquisite design and a sound system designed by maestro Giorgio Di Salvo, who has worked with Travis Scott, among others. Ivanmaria Vele and Dobrochna Giedwidz are the creators of a place inspired by 'Oblique strategies', the creative strategies devised by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt that were used, among others, by the well-known David Bowie.
In an intimate and perfectly soundproofed environment to guarantee the perfect sound experience, at Oblique Hi-Fi Bar you live a 5-star acoustic experience accompanied by a cocktail bar and a natural wine bar.
But there are also other interesting combinations in Barcelona which offer good quality music, good food and natural wines…
Mikan opened in April 2023. This great little restaurant and natural wine bar with tables and a bar specializes in the cuisine of northeastern China, Japan, and Korea. During the day they serve a €16 set menu with vegetarian and vegan options and at night it becomes a wine bar with dishes to share accompanied by great music. Where: Carrer d'Aribau, 158, 08036 Barcelona .
Bar Manifest Eric Juslen, Kaisla Laranta and Tomson Tukiainen are three young Finns living in Barcelona who share the same passion; natural wines. After 'pop up-ear' a good season in several European cities, they found the perfect place to establish Bar Manifest (on Marquès de Barberà street, 11); inside an old Irish pub in Raval. Lucas Bozzoli, is the sommelier and chef Giacomo Hassan from Bodega Bonay is responsible for the original and playful menu; with fifteen easy-to-share options.
Canvis Nous
Bars and cafes specializing in natural wines:
Flying Monkey
Canvis Nous
Bar Brutal
L’ánima del vi
Assalto
Zaza Cuina i Vi
Lulu & Flyn
Bar El Pepino
Bar 035
PetNat
Masa vins
Bar salvatge
Garage Bar
Bocanariz
La Graciosa
Contracorrent
La Violeta
Mam del bo
La vinya del senyor… the list is endless and never stops growing.
However, if you don't feel like sitting down in a bar and you prefer to drink a nice glass of wine in the confort of your house or apartment... you can also buy a bottle.
In Barcelona, the best wine stores to do so are ‘Cuvée 3000 Bottleshop’ (Aribau, 76). ‘Mon Vínic Store’(Diputació, 251), ‘La Vinícola’ (Girona, 123) y ‘10vinos.com’ (Provença, 474).
"In vino -natural- veritas."
Text and translation by Clara de Nadal Trias
More plans and people from Barcelona here