Château Colunga - A Wine Bar Where Asturian Hospitality Meets World-Class Taste
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Flavour Trails | Soul of the North | Wild Asturias | Family Explorers | Property Pulse
By Debra Rissmann
Why We Love It
One drizzly afternoon in Colunga, a local friend insisted I try a little corner bar called Château. "You'll see," she said with that knowing Asturian smile. She was right. Pablo, the owner, welcomed me like family, and within minutes I had vermouth in hand and understood why locals adore this place. This cozy wine bar combines quality local products with genuine hospitality.
What Makes Château Special
• Legendary anchovies in butter - Cantabrian anchovies preserved in clarified butter • Cozy "bar acogedor" - Specializing in wines, cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet preserves as Turismo Colunga describes • Music & good vibes - Often features great tunes, weekend vermouth sessions sometimes include live music • Km0 local sourcing - From Asturian artisan cheeses to premium canned seafood from nearby coasts • Former Bambalugas Bar - Evolved from beloved local institution while maintaining community spirit
What to Order
Anchovies in Butter - The famous specialty
Asturian Cheese Boards - Featuring local gems like nutty Afuega'l Pitu or creamy Beyos cheese, selections rotate seasonally
Gourmet Conservas - Premium canned seafood including mussels in spicy escabeche from renowned José Peña brand, tuna belly in olive oil
Vermouth & Spanish Wines - Thoughtfully curated selection, many available by the glass for sampling
The intimate stone building on Calle Dr. Grande Covián feels like a cross between wine cellar and friend's living room. The decor is personal and eclectic - vintage posters, wine bottles lining shelves, even handmade guitars on display that add to the bar's soul. Whether you sit at the small wooden bar or snag a table by the window, you're surrounded by happy conversation - mostly Spanish as Colunga locals catch up on town news or debate football.
Music is one of Château's pillars, and you'll often walk in to find great tunes playing. On weekends, midday vermouth sessions can feature live music, and there's always that infectious buen rollo (good vibes) that makes each visit feel different.
The menu follows that "pocas cosas, pero con mimo y calidad" philosophy from the original Bambalugas Bar heritage. You'll find Iberian embutidos (cured hams and sausages) perfect for pairing with reds, and those premium conservas sourced from trusted Spanish producers. There's craft beer featuring local brews like Santo Cristo, kombucha, and spritz cocktails alongside traditional Asturian cider and vermouth.
"Open Thursday-Sunday only (closed Monday-Wednesday). For the liveliest atmosphere, visit Friday-Saturday nights when locals kick off the weekend. Sunday midday offers traditional vermouth hour - you might catch live music sessions. The indoor space is intimate with just a few tables, plus small terrace for fair weather. Most wines €2-3.50, tapas €4-12 - fantastic value for the quality. Cards accepted but cash convenient for small orders."
Chateau Colunga is giving new spark to Colunga's social life by reviving the joy of the vermouth hour." As their Instagram proclaims, "En Château no solo vienes a comer o beber, vienes a disfrutar" - you don't just come to eat or drink, you come to enjoy. That philosophy creates exactly the cultural connection that makes travel meaningful.
Need to Know
Type: Cozy wine bar specializing in local products, canned snacks and aperitivo culture
Atmosphere: Intimate stone building, wine cellar meets living room vibe
Distance: Central Colunga, 15 minutes from Arcenoyu, 5 minutes from Lastres
Hours: Thu & Sun 12:00-16:00, 19:00-24:00; Fri & Sat 12:00-16:00, 19:00-01:30
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Phone: Contact via Instagram @chateau_colunga
Address: C/ Dr. Francisco Grande Covián 18, 33320 Colunga, Asturias
Reservations: Not required, casual drop-in atmosphere
Price Range: €€ (€2-3.50 wines, €4-12 tapas, €15 per person for drinks and bites)
Parking: Free street parking in town center
Payment: Cards accepted, cash convenient for small orders
Best for: Aperitivo culture, wine lovers, authentic local atmosphere, cultural immersion
Language: Spanish primary, some English possible
Map: Directions to Château Colunga
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