In late October 2025, my wife and I found ourselves in Vigo, Spain, looking for a glass of Albariño to pass the time while we waited for the rain to ease. A quick online search led us to Sibarita, a wine and tapas bar situated just above the city’s main square. The name “Sibarita” is fitting. It’s a Spanish word for someone who relishes the finer things in life and this little spot certainly lives up to it.
Sibarita is run by the affable and knowledgeable Gus García, who brings a unique energy to the place, being a DJ by night and wine guide by day. His enthusiasm for wine is infectious, and he takes real care to match guests with the right glass. One particularly thoughtful touch is that he always checks if the price is agreeable before pouring anything on the pricier side.
We began with an Albariño and a Godello, fuller and crisper respectively, before moving on to a Rioja. As with most wine bars, it’s best not to go in with fixed ideas. Instead, ask what’s open or recommended on the day. Gus knows his bottles and his suggestions are spot on. He even opened a bottle of Exopto Rioja for me, which turned out to be a real treat. Coincidentally, I’d previously picked out a different vintage of that wine at Tim Atkin’s Best of Rioja 2025, so it was great to experience it again.
To accompany the wines, we had a cheese platter that was excellent, full of variety and flavour, paired with quality bread and Altanza olive oil. The atmosphere is relaxed but attentive, with the kind of charm that invites lingering. At one point, we overheard a group of tourists ask for Chardonnay. Gus tactfully redirected them toward local Spanish varietals. ‘When in Rome,’ I thought, though in this case, Spain.
If you find yourself in Vigo, Sibarita is well worth a visit. It’s the kind of place that feels both personal and well-curated, where the wine is excellent, the food is honest and the host genuinely cares that you enjoy both.
