JOVANI & VINS (Sant Antoni)

Like many good stories, this one starts with three young siblings, Robert, Marta and Sergi Jovani, with a burning desire make their mark on the (wine) world. Not content with merely producing their well-liked Origami wines and Berdié Cavas, in 2015 they took over an old bodega in Sant Antoni to house their new wine shop and office space named Jovani & Vins.

Naturally, the family’s Bertié Cavas and their selection of Origami wines which use grapes sourced from the Penedès, Montsant and Priorat wine regions are key priorities, but the shelves also offer around two hundred reasonably-priced wines from all over Catalunya and Spain. At the back of the shop there’s also a cosy little nook where the team offer regular events and tasting sessions with local wine producers.

Best of all, though, is the big fridge just inside the door which is stuffed full of creamy delights from local cheese heroes Xerigots. A nice touch is the fact the cheeses are pre-sliced into small portions, allowing hungry dairy fiends to pick up a couple of different varieties for an impromptu picnic in one of the lovely parks on nearby Montjuic.

Top picks include their nutty 24 month cured Manchegos, cave-aged Garrotxa and, reserved for their very bravest customers, the mighty Blau del Net blue cheese made from unpasteurised sheep’s milk. Don't hesitate to ask the staff to recommend a favourite cheese-friendly bottle - they really know their stuff, no matter how stinky the cheese!

Fancy learning more about Catalan wines? Why not join me on one of my Barcelona wine tastings or request your very own Barcelona wine tour to visit boutique family-run Catalan wineries with a sommelier as your guide!

#SantAntoni