A Neighbourhood Wine Bar: GOTA
Housed in the Justicia neighborhood in Madrid, a historical ‘barrio’ full of modern boutiques and young artists, lies GOTA—a cozy natural wine bar that elevates food, music, and wine with passion and dedication founded by Fede Graciano.
Where is it located? Is it a historical site or is it a new neighbourhood? Talk to us about the surrounding area and what kind of people live and visit the space.
GOTA is located in the Justicia neighborhood—a historical 'barrio' that has evolved quickly in the last decades. During the 90's, it became the epicenter for the LGTBQ movements, making it trendy and very lively. Now it's full of modern boutiques and young artists.
What are the architectural features of the space?
The project seeks to preserve and enhance the dark, stony, secluded atmosphere, enveloped by the thick load-bearing walls of a fine classical building in Madrid. This austere ambiance is completed and 'elevated' by furniture and lighting pieces, which tend to either nuance or reinforce it. The rough structure of the building envelops soft and refined elements, in dim and vibrant light and sound, where seclusion, solidity, and permanence are balanced with activity, spontaneity, and constant change. The music, very well selected and played from the counter on vinyl, completes the atmosphere in the whole space.
Could you tell us a few of the characteristics of GOTA?
The first thing you do at GOTA is ring the bell, just like in a house. As soon as you enter, you encounter yourself with the warm wooden bar. The light at GOTA makes it very intimate and homie. But at the same time, it is a lively place thanks to the music, the friendly service, and the vibe in general generated by the young and passionate customers. An open kitchen allows customers and chefs to meet and interact, creating an atmosphere where everyone is the same.
How ample is the space, and what type of furniture do you envision having?
The space is 70square meters, making it the perfect size for a cozy wine bar. The furniture was essential from the beginning since I wanted to create a cave-looking place. That's why we used a lot of wood, with light chairs and stools. Moreover, bright stainless steel furniture and objects work like little sparkles in the dark and intimate space, enhancing the dining sets and the wine bottles.
Why did you include FRAMA in GOTA?
FRAMA is the perfect match to create that magical atmosphere in GOTA. The Tasca pieces offer a surface that vibrates in the stony and austere ambiance, giving lightness. The 01 Seating Collection provides warmth to the space, and with its clean rectangular lines, it adds a contrast to the rounded counter and tables.
What is your relationship with FRAMA?
I was first introduced to FRAMA in 2017 when I first visited Copenhagen. I travel to Denmark several times a year due to my good relationship with my coffee partners from La Cabra. After visiting a couple of bakeries and cafés in the city, I realized that my favorite ones had a connection: FRAMA's unique shelves, stools, and tables... At the end of 2020, I was about to open ACID Bakehouse (our second shop focusing more on baked goods), and I went to Copenhagen in search of inspiration. As soon as I entered FRAMA's Studio Store, I fell in love and knew I wanted all my future projects to have the brand involved.
ACID Bakehouse opened with FRAMA furniture, and after that, GOTA was created with Madrid-based architectural and interior design studio Plantea, where FRAMA played a main role. A new project is on the horizon for us, and we hope to continue working together.
Photography by Salva Lopez
