Madrid City Wine Tour & Pairing

Why this experience

You'll spend three hours walking through La Latina, Madrid's oldest neighborhood, stopping at carefully chosen venues where Spanish wine, cheese, jamón, and traditional dishes come together as they were meant to be eaten. The route starts at Mercado de la Cebada, a working market where you taste local produce and street food. From there, you move to Bodegas Castañeda, a historic cellar bar where cured meats hang from the ceiling and the wines are Spanish classics you'll recognize again once you've tasted them. You'll have croquetas—proper croquetas, creamy inside and golden outside—paired with wine. Then comes a traditional dessert paired with a dessert wine.

What makes this more than a food tour is the pacing and context. Your guide isn't rushing you through checkpoints; they're explaining why Rioja pairs with this particular croqueta, how jamón quality affects flavor, what the market tells you about what Madrid actually eats versus what tourists order. You move slowly, taste intentionally, and understand Spanish food culture through the drink that accompanies it.

Best for food lovers who want to learn about Spanish wine and food simultaneously, solo travelers seeking connection through shared meals, and anyone curious about how locals actually eat in Madrid.

Before you go

• Best time: Year-round. Wine tastings work equally well in any season; spring and autumn offer the most pleasant walking weather through La Latina's narrow streets.
• Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Wine tastings, cheese, jamón, croquetas, and dessert with wine pairings are all included.
• Difficulty: Easy. Mostly standing and walking slowly through a small neighborhood. You'll taste multiple wines, so pace yourself or inform the guide if you prefer lighter pours.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (La Latina is cobblestone), a light layer, water (to alternate with wine), sunglasses and hat if it's sunny.
• Getting there: Meet in La Latina neighborhood (specific location provided upon booking). Metro: La Latina (line 5) or Sol (multiple lines), both within walking distance.
• Accessibility: La Latina's streets are narrow and cobblestoned. Inform the operator of mobility concerns; they can suggest viewing stops or seated tasting venues.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a non-alcoholic option? Spanish grape juice and non-alcoholic wine alternatives are available. Inform the operator when you book.

Can I get the names of the wines I taste so I can buy them at home? Yes. The guide provides a tasting menu with producer names, regions, and pairing notes. Many wines are readily available in other countries.

What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable tour includes a 3-hour guided wine and food tour through La Latina, tastings at Mercado de la Cebada and Bodegas Castañeda, Spanish wine pairings with cheese, jamón, croquetas, and traditional dessert, and narration on Spanish wine regions and food culture. Operator: Vine Travel.

Are these wines expensive or everyday drinking? Mix of both—approachable everyday Spanish wines alongside limited-production selections. The guide focuses on quality and value rather than exclusivity.

Complete your trip in Madrid

Extend your culinary education and balance wine-focused experiences with activity.

• Evening tapas cooking class - rooftop cocktail — Learn to prepare Spanish food yourself before (or after) tasting it expertly paired
• Traditional taste paella and sangria workshop — Cook another foundational Spanish dish and learn sangria technique
• Green Madrid - Romantic e-bike tour through parks and viewpoints — Balance food-focused exploration with Madrid's outdoor spaces and motion

Browse all Madrid itineraries at TheNextGuide.

Last updated: April 2026