Vila Viniteca

I will always believe one of the most addictive tastes known to mankind is pecorino cheese with black truffle. You have to know where to find it, though, somewhere that provides an opportunity to taste the world. Why am I talking about cheese when I should be telling you about this wine bar? Because Vila Viniteca is one of those places where you can indeed taste the world: the world of fine wines, refined cheeses, and select cured meats.

Located in the shadow of Santa María del Mar church, Vila Viniteca is a miracle of taste. For the sake of your wallet, don’t go to Vila Viniteca when your stomach’s growling or you’ll need a whole suitcase to carry back the delicacies: gorgeous dark chocolate, exotic sea salts, Cantabrian anchovies, and ‘botifarra de perol’ black sausage from the nearby Empordà.

Anyone who wants to do a tasting can settle in at one of the four tables and follow the recommendations of Eva Vila. I ordered a selection of cheeses and was greeted by an excellent collection of 'taleggio di Grotta', Serrat Gros, Crozier and, my favourite, Payoyo goat’s cheese with paprika. Once I finished with the cheese, Vila recommended I try a plate of the Coppa Joselito Iberian ham. I’m not a big fan of fatty cold cuts, but the Coppa Joselito Joselito was a delicate treat.

The Pétalos del Bierzo wine was as subtle as I’ve ever had, and it paired incredibly with both the dairy and the meat products. You can circle the globe in search of unique international tastes if you’d like, or just get yourself to Vila Viniteca. Taste the world here, and take a bite home with you. My favourite purchase that day was 200 grams of pecorino with black truffle.