A sail by Barcelona’s coast feels like a reset. This tour pairs luxury sailing to El Masnou with a real, guided day in Alella wine country.

I really like that you get both sides: a hands-on vineyard walk at a family estate and a structured wine tasting of 3 wines, explained with a bilingual guide.

One heads-up: it’s not a great fit if you’re prone to seasickness or have back problems, since there’s time out on the water and you’ll be transferred by van.

Key highlights at a glance

• Sailing from Barcelona to El Masnou with onboard drinks and a snack service
• Alella’s family winery setting in a beautiful 14th-century farmhouse surrounded by vines
• Vineyard walk (over 25 years of cultivation) with organic and modern growing techniques
• Guided winery tour plus tasting of 3 wines
• Cheese-and-fruit style snack served on the boat
• Small-group feel (limited to 11) with a professional bilingual guide

Why this Alella wine day starts with a sail

There’s something about reaching wine country from the sea that makes the whole day feel less like a checklist. You begin in Barcelona’s port area, then trade city views for a slower rhythm along the coast. Even if you’ve visited Barcelona before, arriving at the same region by boat gives you a completely different angle on the shoreline and the surrounding towns.

On the Alella side, the tour avoids the usual “look, taste, leave” vibe. You walk vineyards, see how they’re cultivated, and then taste wines that are tied to the local story of Alella—Roman-era references, Middle Ages mentions, and the way Catalan communities helped spread the reputation overseas.

It’s also a format that’s easy to understand: you’re not bouncing between multiple stops with long waits. Most of the time is spent either on the water or in one focused winery visit.

Meet at Moll de Mestral: where the day actually begins

The meeting point is in the port area of Olimpic, at the BDA Sailing Experience sales tent inside Moll de Mestral, mooring 1547. If you’ve never sailed out of a busy working port, give yourself a few extra minutes to find the exact spot and get settled before boarding.

You’ll want the basics ready: sunscreen, camera, comfortable clothes, and water. Towels aren’t listed as being provided, so plan around that. Also note what’s not allowed: no pets, and no bikes.

Once you’re aboard, the tour starts in “vacation mode.” Courtesy drinks are served (water, soft drinks, beer, wine or cava), and there’s a snack service on board (cheese, sausage, crackers, nuts, and fruit). That matters because you’re likely to be out for part of the morning or early afternoon without a separate meal stop.

The sailing portion to El Masnou: scenic time with real comfort

You’ll sail to El Masnou for about 1.5 hours. This isn’t described as a rough, back-to-nature boat day; it’s a luxury excursion, with mooring and insurance handled as part of the service. In plain terms: you spend your energy enjoying the water views, not worrying about logistics.

What’s especially useful for you as a decision-maker: sailing time is built into a total 4-hour experience, so it’s not a full-day commitment. You still get the sea views, but the day is short enough that you can fit it alongside other Barcelona plans.

The tradeoff is also clear. If you’re prone to seasickness, this portion may be unpleasant. There’s also a mention that it’s not suitable for people with back problems, which suggests you should take the seating and boat movement seriously rather than hope it’ll be fine.

If you’re generally okay on boats, you’ll enjoy the change of scenery. You get to see Barcelona from a coastline perspective instead of just rooftops and streets.

Two possible day orders: sail first or winery first

The tour runs in an either/or order depending on how your day is arranged. You may start with the sail to Masnou and then switch to a van for the winery visit, returning to Barcelona by van. The other option flips it: you go first to the winery by van and then return to Barcelona by sailboat.

Why this matters for you: the order can change your “energy level” for the vineyard walk. If you sail first, you’ll arrive at the winery with the sea-winds still in your system—great if you like relaxed pacing, but less ideal if you get tired easily. If you go winery first, the sailing becomes a calm finish.

Either way, the itinerary stays focused: you’ll still get the guided vineyard tour, the winery visit, the 3-wine tasting, and the return to Barcelona.

Alella’s 14th-century farmhouse: the kind of winery visit that feels real

When you reach Alella, you’re not just stepping into a tasting room. The winery is described as a beautiful 14th-century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea. That setting isn’t a decoration detail; it helps explain why a family-run estate experience can feel different from a large, industrial operation.

You’ll also have a guided tour that connects what you’re seeing to why Alella matters. The guide discusses the history of Alella wines and how they’ve been recognized far beyond modern day tourism. If you like wine explanations that don’t sound like a lecture, this part is designed around story plus process: where the grapes come from, how the land is treated, and what makes the wine style.

There’s also a clear “family winery” emphasis. This is not positioned as a quick tasting at a storefront. It’s a guided visit to a working estate environment.

Vineyard walk: over 25 years of cultivation, with organic and modern techniques

After arrival, you’ll walk the vineyards with a guide. The vines are described as having been cultivated for more than 25 years, and grown with organic and modern techniques now. That combination is worth paying attention to.

Here’s why: organic growing isn’t just a label; it changes how the vineyard is managed. “Modern techniques” also implies they’re not relying solely on tradition. Your walk should help you connect what you learn about cultivation choices to how grapes can be influenced—then later, those choices show up in the wines you taste.

The practical benefit: this vineyard time gives you something tangible to remember when you swirl a glass back in the tasting room. Instead of tasting in a vacuum, you’re linking flavors to rows you actually walked through.

Also, the guided pace tends to be manageable. That said, the tour isn’t listed as suitable for back problems, so if walking uneven ground is an issue for you, take that seriously.

The guided winery tour: learn the process, not just the brand

The winery visit includes a guided tour that leads into the tasting. This is one of the most valuable parts for you if you want more than a quick sampling. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and how the winery approaches its wines.

You’ll also hear the Alella story in a way that’s more specific than generic “they’ve been making wine for centuries.” The guide references Roman times and cites Pliny and Martial in connection with Alella wines as Laietan wines. Then you’ll learn that Alella wines were a favorite in the Middle Ages at the Seu de Barcelona, and later became a quality export from Catalonia worldwide—especially during periods when Catalans had a strong presence in overseas colonies.

That context matters because it helps you taste with a sense of place. Alella isn’t just “near Barcelona.” It’s tied to long-running cultural routes and trade patterns.

Wine tasting of 3 wines, plus cheese-and-fruit on the boat

The tasting includes 3 wines produced by the winery. This keeps things focused: you get enough variety to compare, but you’re not overwhelmed with a long flight.

To make the day smoother, the boat portion includes a snack service and drinks. On board, you can expect cheese, sausage, crackers, nuts, and fruit, plus water and soft drinks. Courtesy alcohol options are also part of the drink service (beer and wine or cava), so you’ll want to take it at a comfortable pace.

One practical tip: bring your palate “reset” mindset. With wine tasting and onboard drinks in the same day, you’ll taste best if you drink water, take breaks between sips, and don’t rush the tasting portion.

Also, if you’re sensitive to alcohol timing, it’s worth remembering this tour is only 4 hours total. You’re likely to feel the day moves quickly, even though it’s relaxed.

Getting back to Barcelona: private van return after the sea

After the winery time, you return to Barcelona. The tour includes a private van (and the sailing portion is paired with transfers depending on the day order). The idea is simple: the travel time is handled for you so you’re not figuring out logistics after a tasting.

From a comfort standpoint, this matters because wine days can get tiring. You want transportation that’s direct and predictable, especially when you’ve spent time walking in the vineyards and sitting on the boat.

You’ll finish back at the port area near the starting point in Moll de Mestral, where the day connects back to Barcelona.

What the $152 price buys you (and where it’s worth it)

At $152 per person for a 4-hour small-group tour, you’re paying for a bundle, not just a tasting.

Here’s what’s included in a way that actually affects your day:

• Luxury sailboat time (about 1.5 hours) from Barcelona to El Masnou
• Onboard courtesy drinks and a snack service
• Guided vineyard walk and winery tour
• Bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish)
• Wine tasting of 3 wines
• Transfers by van between the port and Alella, plus return to Barcelona
• Premium small-group setup (limited to 11)

The value angle for you: if you tried to piece this together yourself, you’d likely spend time coordinating transport and timing. Here, the day is structured so you get sea views, a vineyard experience, and a tasting in one ticket.

Is it “cheap”? No. But it’s priced like a day that includes sailing + a guided estate visit + tasting + transfers, all without the hassle.

Who should book this tour

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a break from city-only sightseeing and like mixing experiences (sea + vineyards)
• Enjoy guided wine context, especially the local Alella story tied to Roman references and Barcelona-era connections
• Appreciate small-group pacing (max 11)

It’s also a good choice if you want a short day. Four hours is long enough to feel like you left the city, but not so long that it eats your entire afternoon.

Skip it or rethink if you:

• Have back problems
• Are prone to seasickness

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a smooth, guided “two-world” experience: sailing on Barcelona’s coast and then a focused winery visit in Alella. The combination of vineyard walk, winemaking process explanations, and a 3-wine tasting makes the day feel purposeful, not just scenic.

If you’re sensitive to boat motion or walking is hard on your back, be cautious. In that case, you’d probably enjoy a land-based winery tour more.

If you’re flexible on the order (sail first or winery first), you’re likely to enjoy the pacing either way.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What is included in the wine tasting?

You’ll taste 3 wines produced by the winery, with a guided tasting led by a professional bilingual guide.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet inside the port Olimpic at the BDA Sailing Experience sales tent in Moll de Mestral, mooring 1547.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 11 participants.

Do you provide drinks and food during the sail?

Yes. There are courtesy drinks on board (water, soft drinks, beer, wine or cava) and a snack service (cheese, sausage, crackers, nuts and fruit).

What languages is the guide?

The guide is bilingual: English and Spanish.

Do I need to bring my own towels?

Towels are not mentioned as being provided.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Is there a refund if plans change?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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