Barcelona Wine Bar

The story

Barcelona Wine Bar in Miami: Spanish Tapas & Award-Winning Wine List

Since 1995, Barcelona Wine Bar has brought the spirit of an evening in Spain to Miami. Founders Sasa Mahr-Batuz and Andy Pforzheimer—drawing on years living in Spain and Portugal, and two decades of French, Californian, and New York kitchen experience—opened a tiny 38-seat wine bar with no compromises. The result is a space that feels more like Milan or SoHo than a typical tapas spot: sophisticated décor, simple and flavor-filled dishes redolent with olive oil, lemon, and smoky paprika.

The kitchen serves clean, rustic Spanish tapas shaped by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences. The wine list is the other star: nearly 400 labels, with an emphasis on the lesser-known regions of Spain and Portugal. The restaurant’s commitment to wine earned it a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence in 2024—a recognition that speaks to a program built on curiosity and quality.

Barcelona Wine Bar’s beverage team, led by VP of Food & Beverage Innovations Gretchen Thomas and Beverage Director Emily Nevin-Giannini, travels extensively to source wines from small producers using the highest quality methods. The list celebrates biodynamic winemaking, from the famous Cristal in Champagne to Gramona’s exceptional Cava, alongside wines from regions like Bierzo, Priorat, and Ribera del Duero. The restaurant also offers wine classes for those who want to understand why these Spanish wines taste the way they do.

Beyond the food and drink, Barcelona Wine Bar is a place for private events, catering, and community. The restaurant’s culture pages dive deep into topics like a love letter to Sherry, a Q&A on brunch paella, and mental health resources—showing a team that cares as much about the people as the plates.