Since 1942

The story behind Bodega Joan

It all started with Balbina Garrido and Joan BalSells

The beginnings of “The One”. Traveling back in time to Catalonia in 1942, we must remember that, in addition to the world being in the midst of a world war, Spain was just emerging from its own civil conflict. These were times of great uncertainty and control. In this context of the History of Barcelona, Balbina -from Puertollano, Castilla La Mancha- and Joan -Catalan-, a young married couple, founded the winery “La Única” to sell liqueurs, especially wines, ice, dry food, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

locations

1942

funded

+100

EQUIPMENT

Generations

The 1950s, The Renovated Juan Winery

During the renovation of the winery, Joan and Balbina decided to convert the patio and house of the building they had bought into part of the winery, added some tables and started serving drinks on the premises. The people in the area liked the tables and the place went from the shopping bustle to being filled with card games and dominoes.

After expanding the premises, the city's workers came to eat with their own lunch boxes, which inspired Balbina to start serving the Hot first courses such as, tapas, tortillas, fried eggs and tenderloin.

60's, 70's and 80's

While the rest of the world was deeply involved in the space race, the steps of swing, Oscar de la Renta's dresses and the beginning of Rock and roll, the 60s were very busy for the Winery. After four decades of continuous service, Balbina and Joan decide to retire from managing the premises to give way to their daughter-in-law, Genoveva Herrero, and José María Vazquez -who had been working at the place since he was 13 years old, being practically another member of the family-.

More began to be included in the menu as well traditional dishes, such as calluses, snails, and Galician octopus.

The 90s - Reopening

90s' Reopening and formalization of the Barcelona player Joan Gamper. That group of colleagues that formed the first football team associated with the winery and which was considered a Barcelonist club, met after 2 decades to formalize their registration with the World Confederation of Football Club Barcelona clubs, in 1999. Since then, Bodega Joan has been established as an official meeting place to celebrate events and victories in unison with the “¡Visca Barça!”

80 years later... We're still!

Joan Winery has been consolidated over the decades as an emblem of Barcelona without fear of reinventing itself to respond to the demands of each historical moment, but remaining a close, friendly and traditional place, part of the neighborhood.

Today, in the knowledge society, is still a place to share with colleagues while watching a soccer game or enjoying hearty and delicious dishes such as Llauna snails, Galician octopus, grilled veal steak or a variety of paellas.

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