I’m Mireia Pascual, from Barcelona. I studied tourism and have a Sommelier Certificate. I travelled and worked in world-class restaurants such as El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca, and also worked as a wine assessor in Vila Viniteca.
I started this new journey as a private tour guide, specialised in gastronomy experiences in Barcelona. I offer tailor-made, wine, vermouth and gastronomic tours in Barcelona. We can arrange wine tasting in wineries and restaurant reservations.
The objective is to take you to the corners and spaces that I have known, so you can learn, discover and live the city and from another point of view, the wines and the gastronomy.
GET TO KNOW MIREIA
When did you discover your passion for wine?
While I was working in El Celler de Can Roca I had the chance to try many wines every day. The sommelier told me that I had a special gift of recognising them, and he inspired me to study the Sommelier Degree. After that, I worked as a wine assessor in a Barcelona company and I had the opportunity to have many restaurants and wine bars as clients. I want you to discover all of them!
What are your key highlights of Barcelona?
Barcelona can be your headquarter base during your stay in Catalunya. From the city all the wine regions are near (less than 2 hours for Priorat, Penedès and Empordà), and in the afternoon you can discover the restaurants and wine bars.
Do you have a personal favourite winery in the region and if so why?
I have many friends working in wineries, in Penedès, Empordà, Priorat or Montsant, and I can’t say only one, I think the best way to discover a wine region is walking through the vineyard, talking to the winemakers and trying wines.
As the saying goes “in the little pot you will find the best jam”, try to avoid the massive wineries and look for those who are starting new wineries or with a limited production.
Which wine region in the world would you like to visit next?
As I live near France (less than 3 hours), I have been to Rhone Valley, Provence and Burgundy, but I would love to go to Germany and tour around the bank of the Rhin river and discover the Riesling grape and soil and their behavior of ripening.
What is a traditional local wine and food pairing dish?
A typical Catalan dessert is a simply dish called Postre de Músic (musician dessert) which is said was given to the musicians who played in towns to inspire the habitants.
We pair the Postre de Music, which is a mix of dried fruits like almonds and walnuts, with a dessert wine, a sweet Moscatell or sweet Garnacha aged in barrel.
JOIN MIREIA’S TOURS
Mireia offers a selection of amazing guided walking tours including Barcelona Speciality Shops Gourmet Food Tour, Barcelona Wine Tasting Tour or La Boqueria Market Tour.
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For information about where to go, when to go and what to visit while you’re in Barcelona, enjoy your free, expert Travel Guide.
