Barcelona: Vermouth-making workshop with aperitif

A Fun and Flavorful Journey into Vermouth in Barcelona

Imagine spending a couple of hours in the heart of Barcelona, learning the secrets behind one of Spain’s most beloved drinks—vermouth. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about this aromatic, slightly bitter elixir, the Vermouth-making workshop with aperitif promises an engaging experience. Hosted by the renowned Instituto del Vermut, this class combines history, hands-on crafting, and plenty of tasting in a lively, interactive setting.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you get to see and understand how vermouth is produced—no more mystery behind that flavorful bottle on your bar shelf. Second, the opportunity to make your own artisanal bottle is a real highlight, perfect for taking a unique souvenir home. Third, the tastings of two premium vermouths allow you to develop your palate and appreciation for different styles and botanicals. The only potential downside? The location varies, which can be a minor inconvenience if you’re mapping out your day, and since it’s not an all-you-can-drink event, those expecting an open bar might need to temper expectations. This workshop suits curious travelers who enjoy learning about food and drink, especially those who love a good tasting session along with a bit of DIY fun.

Good To Know

• Hands-on Experience: Make your own bottle of vermouth to take home.
• Educational: Discover the history and secrets behind this iconic Spanish drink.
• Tastings & Appetizers: Includes blind tasting of two premium vermouths and some delicious pica pica.
• Interactive Format: Learn like a sommelier and winemaker for a day.
• Official Institution: Organized by the trusted Instituto del Vermut, the only recognised vermouth education centre.
• Duration & Accessibility: About 1.5-2 hours, suitable for most adults except children under 18.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Heart of the Workshop: Learning About Vermouth

The journey begins with a brief introduction to vermouth’s origins, replete with stories and facts that enhance your appreciation for this age-old drink. The Instituto del Vermut, as the only official and leading educational body in the vermouth universe, takes pride in sharing authentic insights. You’ll learn about the botanicals used, the aging process, and what makes a vermouth distinct from other fortified wines.

Our previous guests, like a traveler who described it as “divertida y dinamica,” appreciated how the session masterfully balanced theory and practice. The learning environment is lively yet informative, with guides who speak Catalan and Spanish, and the experience is enriched by tasting two premium vermouths in all their sensory phases. This blind tasting isn’t just about sipping; it’s about understanding aroma, flavor, and texture, sharpening your senses in a playful way.

Making Your Own Vermouth: From Botanicals to Bottles

The most exciting part? You get to create your own artisanal vermouth using a selection of botanicals. The experience is designed to be interactive and approachable, making it perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at winemaking. The process involves selecting botanicals, mixing, and then bottling your creation—a small, travel-sized bottle that you can take home as a personalized souvenir.

This step isn’t just about fun; it’s also about understanding the craftsmanship behind the drink. As one reviewer noted, “fue una actividad divertida y dinamica que mezclaba muy bien la teoria y la práctica,” highlighting how well the workshop blends learning with hands-on activity. For many, this personal touch adds immense value, transforming a simple tasting into an educational craft.

Tasting, Pairing, and Enjoying

After making your vermouth, the session continues with sampling two premium varieties. These tastings are not just casual; they involve an in-depth sensory analysis, exploring aroma, flavor progression, and overall quality. The tasting is complemented by pica pica, a small platter of appetizers that pair nicely with the drinks, enhancing the experience without turning it into an open bar.

While no food is provided aside from these appetizers, the focus remains on the appreciation of vermouth’s complexities. As one traveler said, “fue una actividad divertida y dinamica,” showing how engaging and educational the tasting is. It’s perfect for those who enjoy discovering the nuances of wine and spirits without overindulgence.

Practical Details and Considerations

The workshop lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with scheduled sessions on weekends at 11:30 a.m.—a convenient morning option that leaves your afternoon free. The location is always in a central part of Barcelona, though the exact meeting point varies depending on your booking, so be sure to check your confirmation.

The experience is conducted in Catalan and Spanish, with guides often speaking English, making it accessible for most travelers. You’ll want to bring a charged smartphone for photos or quick notes, as the session is engaging and fast-paced. It’s not suitable for children under 18, and no smoking or vaping is allowed indoors.

For those worried about flexibility, the workshop offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Why This Experience Is Worth Considering

This vermouth-making workshop isn’t just a class; it’s a lively, authentic dive into one of Spain’s most iconic drinks. It’s ideal for food and drink lovers eager to learn more about traditional Barcelona culture in a relaxed setting. The combination of history, hands-on crafting, and tasting makes it a well-rounded experience for those looking for both education and fun.

Travelers who appreciate a personalized souvenir—a bottle they helped craft—will find this particularly memorable. Plus, the small group setting and interactive format foster a welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups wanting a unique activity.

On the flip side, if you’re expecting an all-you-can-drink experience or a large-scale tour, this workshop might be more subdued. Still, for those who value quality over quantity and want to deepen their appreciation of Catalan culture, it’s a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts

The Vermouth-making workshop with aperitif in Barcelona offers a delightful blend of education, hands-on activity, and tasting that appeals to a broad range of travelers. It’s more than just a class; it’s an engaging cultural experience that adds flavor to your trip.

You’ll come away with a new appreciation for vermouth, a personalized bottle to keep, and some fun stories to share. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a spirit enthusiast, or simply someone curious about local traditions, this experience delivers genuine value. It’s especially perfect for those who love to learn, taste, and create in a lively, authentic setting.

FAQs

Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior knowledge of vermouth is needed. The workshop is designed to be approachable and educational, making it perfect for beginners and curious travelers alike.

How long does the workshop last?
The duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing enough time for both learning and hands-on activity without feeling rushed.

What languages are spoken during the workshop?
The workshop is conducted in Catalan and Spanish, but guides typically speak English as well, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I make my own bottle of vermouth to take home?
Absolutely! You’ll make a personal artisanal bottle during the session, which you can then take with you as a souvenir.

Is food included in the experience?
The workshop includes tastings and a small appetizer platter called pica pica, but it’s not an open bar, and no additional food is provided.

Where does the workshop take place?
The location varies but is always in central Barcelona. Details are shared during your booking confirmation.

Is there a dress code or any gear I should bring?
Just bring a charged smartphone for photos. No special attire is required.

What about group sizes?
While not specified, experiences like this tend to be intimate, allowing for interaction with guides and fellow participants.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now allows you to pay later for flexibility.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s intended for adults 18 and over due to alcohol tastings and age restrictions.

This vermouth-making experience in Barcelona is perfect for those wanting a taste of local tradition, a bit of DIY fun, and new insights into Catalan culture. It combines education with entertainment, making it a memorable addition to your travels.

You can check if your dates are available here: