⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Barcelona’s natural wine movement now thrives in Santa Monica, with Bar Xuntos offering over 30 by-the-glass natural wines and a menu rooted in Spanish culinary traditions. The bar fosters connection through curated flights and a focus on underrepresented voices in the wine world.
Real talk: Barcelona’s natural wine ethos is now a stone’s throw from the 101. Bar Xuntos — Vinos Naturales & Pintxos — isn’t just a bar; it’s a cultural crossroads. The space, led by Wine Director Scott Baker and Chef Sandra Cordero, fuses Spanish minimal-intervention winemaking with Barcelona’s culinary energy. Baker’s 20-year obsession with natural wines isn’t just a trend; it’s the foundation of the menu. Over 30 by-the-glass selections and 200+ bottles, including women-led producers, transform the bar into a gathering point for underrepresented voices in the industry.
The smoky aroma isn’t a flaw — it’s a fingerprint of its journey.
A Barcelona Blueprint for Natural Wine
The wine program isn’t a gimmick — it’s a declaration. Think Albariño Cepas Vellas, made from vines older than most grandparents. The smoky notes aren’t a flaw — they’re a fingerprint of terroir and time. Baker’s curation leans into authenticity, not trends, pairing these wines with dishes like Jamón Ibérico and croquetas that feel like they’ve been plucked from La Rambla. The result? A space where wine isn’t just poured — it’s engaged with.
The Rhythm of a Shared Glass
The opening event isn’t just a launch; it’s a lesson in connection. Manuel and Encarna Méndez of Do Ferreiro will pour their Galician pride, while José Mas Barberá of Costers del Priorat brings Catalan depth. No reservations, no pretense — just a glass priced from $11 to $24, flights at $49, and a vibe that feels less like a bar and more like a shared moment. Bar Xuntos also supports local artisans in Santa Monica, creating a bridge between the region’s natural wine movement and its own craft community.
The smoky aroma isn’t a flaw — it’s a fingerprint of its journey.
What’s your take on natural wine’s role in redefining the bar scene?
Questions & Answers
How does Bar Xuntos reflect Barcelona’s natural wine ethos?
Bar Xuntos embodies Barcelona’s natural wine ethos through its focus on minimal-intervention winemaking and curated selections from women-led producers. The bar’s wine program emphasizes authenticity, featuring wines like Albariño Cepas Vellas, paired with Spanish-inspired dishes that mirror the culinary energy of La Rambla.
What makes Bar Xuntos a cultural crossroads?
Bar Xuntos is a cultural crossroads by blending Spanish natural wine traditions with Santa Monica’s local craft community. It hosts events with Spanish winemakers like Manuel and Encarna Méndez, while supporting local artisans, creating a space where global and local influences converge.
Why is natural wine significant at Bar Xuntos?
Natural wine is significant at Bar Xuntos because it represents a commitment to authenticity and underrepresented voices in the industry. The bar offers over 30 by-the-glass selections and 200+ bottles, including women-led producers, fostering a community around sustainable and small-batch winemaking.
How does Bar Xuntos engage with its patrons?
Bar Xuntos engages patrons through an open, inclusive atmosphere with no reservations or pretense. It offers a range of wine prices, from $11 to $24, and flights at $49, encouraging shared moments over glasses of natural wine. The vibe feels more like a gathering than a typical bar experience.
Originally reported by Santa Monica Daily Press.
