Madrid Old Town Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour

Explore Madrid’s Old Town through a culinary lens with the Madrid Old Town Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour offered by Walks of Spain. Priced at $97.32 per person, this 3-hour experience takes you through the heart of La Latina, Madrid’s oldest neighborhood, renowned for its atmospheric streets and authentic tapas. Limited to just 8 participants, the tour promises an intimate setting where you can savor top-quality wines and carefully curated local bites. Led by a Spanish Wine Tasting Association-certified guide, this tour shines in its focus on authenticity, expert storytelling, and high-caliber food and wine.

While the tour is ideal for lovers of food, wine, and Madrid history, it’s best suited for adults aged 21 and over who appreciate small-group intimacy and are comfortable with walking. The tour does not include hotel transfers but starts at Plaza de la Villa, a central and accessible location. The overall reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 366 reviews, emphasize the knowledge and warmth of the guide, as well as the quality of the food and wines sampled.

Key Points

• Limited group size capped at 8 travelers ensures a personal experience.
• Authentic Madrid bites include jamón ibérico, Madrid-style omelette, and Iberico pork.
• High-quality wines from Rioja, Priorato, Ribera del Duro, and Toro, including award-winning selections.
• Expert guidance from a Spanish Wine Tasting Association-certified host with detailed local knowledge.
• Diverse tasting stops inside historic venues, including an 18th-century mansion.
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, meeting directly at Plaza de la Villa.

Starting in Madrid’s Historic Plaza with a Classic Aperitif

The tour begins in the Plaza de la Villa, a picturesque square in Madrid’s Centro. Here, you’re greeted with a glass of vermut de grifo, a local aperitif served on tap, paired with olives and a Madrid-style tapa called Soldaditos de Pavía. This opening sets a relaxed, convivial tone and introduces you to Madrid’s casual yet sophisticated food culture. The 19th-century tavern where it’s served offers a charming glimpse of the city’s past, making it an ideal starting point.

This first stop emphasizes authenticity and local flavor, connecting you immediately with Madrid’s culinary traditions. The small-group size makes it easy to chat with the guide and fellow participants, fostering an inviting atmosphere right from the start.

Tasting Spain’s Finest Ham at a Traditional Jamón Bar

Next, the guide leads you to a renowned ham bar, a perfect spot to indulge in Jamón Ibérico de bellota, Spain’s most prized cured ham. This high-quality Iberico is paired with Victoria 2, a white wine celebrated by the Gourmets Wine Guide for its intense melon aromas. The pairing highlights the delicate balance between savory ham and refreshing wine, showcasing Spain’s mastery in cold cuts and wine pairings.

Alongside the ham, you’ll sample other Iberico cold cuts such as chorizo, lomo, and salchichón. The focus on premium ingredients and well-curated wine pairings makes this stop stand out. The venue’s authentic ambiance and the guide’s detailed explanations deepen your appreciation for each bite.

Madrid’s Iconic Omelette Paired with Manzanilla

A visit to Madrid would be incomplete without tasting the Spanish omelette, or tortilla española. This dish is known for its onion content, which can be challenging to pair with wine. Fortunately, the tour introduces Manzanilla, a classic Spanish wine that pairs beautifully with onion-based dishes. The Manzanilla Solear Pasada en Rama, awarded a Gold Medal from the International Wine Challenge in 2013, delivers delicate floral and saline notes that complement the omelette’s richness.

This pairing exemplifies the tour’s attention to detail and respect for regional wine and food traditions, offering a genuine taste of Madrid’s culinary soul.

Exploring La Latina’s Narrow Streets and Historic Venues

Walking through narrow cobblestone lanes, the guide reveals Madrid’s oldest neighborhood’s secrets. These alleyways are lined with original taverns and family-run establishments that have served residents for generations. The tour’s route takes you into an 18th-century mansion converted into a restaurant, adding a historic flavor to your tasting experience.

This part of the tour immerses you in Madrid’s atmosphere and local character, while the guide shares stories about the district’s history and architecture, enriching your understanding of the city beyond just food and wine.

Tasting Iberico Presa in an Elegant Historic Setting

Inside the mansion, you sit down for a signature tasting of Presa Iberica, a prized cut of Iberico pork. This cut, representing only five pounds of the pig’s weight, is renowned for its juiciness, tenderness, and savory flavor. The guide emphasizes its premium quality and regional popularity.

Along With the pork, the group samples premium red wines such as Rioja Viña Ardanza, celebrated as one of the best wines in Spain by Wine Spectator. Depending on group size, the guide may also open bottles from other top Spanish regions like Priorato, Ribera del Duero, and Toro, offering a broad taste of Spain’s diverse wine landscape.

Sparkling Cava and Fresh Paella at a Local Eatery

One of the tour stops features a sparkling cava, paired with freshly cooked paella straight from the oven. The crunchy rice, tender chicken, and peppers highlight Madrid’s casual yet high-quality dining scene. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the freshness and balance of flavors, making this a memorable culinary highlight.

This stop combines delicious food with lively atmosphere, showcasing Madrid’s culinary versatility from traditional tapas to hearty rice dishes.

Premium Red Wines in an 18th-Century Mansion

In a beautifully preserved historic venue, the group samples several reds, beginning with Rioja Viña Ardanza. The guide may also introduce more exclusive wines from regions like Priorato, Ribera del Duero, and Toro, depending on the day. These selections go beyond typical offerings, providing insight into Spain’s most celebrated wine regions.

Each sip is paired with stories about the wines’ characteristics and regional origins, transforming the tasting into an educational experience that deepens your appreciation for Spain’s wine diversity.

Decadent Dessert Wines to End the Night

The tour’s finale features two remarkable dessert wines: a 25-year-old PX La Cañada and an Alvear PX de Añada that has achieved a perfect Robert Parker score of 100 points. The PX La Cañada acts as a miracle with vanilla ice cream, turning it into a rum & raisins ice-cream with caramel and toffee notes.

The Alvear PX is presented with a mysterious pairing, keeping the details a surprise. These sweet wines close the evening on a luxurious and unforgettable note, showcasing Spain’s mastery in dessert wine craftsmanship.

The Guide’s Expertise and Personal Touch

Throughout the tour, the guide’s extensive knowledge shines. Reviews highlight Andres’ storytelling skills, friendliness, and ability to share personal anecdotes about Madrid’s food, wine, and history. The guide learns participants’ names, personalizes tastings, and ensures everyone feels engaged.

The guide’s passion for authenticity and quality is evident in the handpicked venues, carefully selected wines, and top-notch tapas, making this experience both educational and convivial.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, fostering an intimate atmosphere. The meeting point is at Plaza de la Villa, a central spot near public transportation, making it easy to access. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so participants should plan accordingly.

The duration of approximately 3 hours ensures a relaxed pace, with plenty of tasting opportunities and storytelling. The tour is suitable for most adults 21 years and older, but not recommended for those with mobility issues due to walking on cobblestone streets and historic venues.

Why This Tour Stands Out Among Madrid Food Experiences

What truly makes this tour exceptional is its combination of authentic food, high-quality wines, and engaging storytelling. The handpicked venues include some of Madrid’s best family-run bars, historic mansions, and top wine cellars. The focus on premium ingredients like Iberico pork, and carefully curated wine pairings, elevate this experience above typical tapas tours.

The reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guide, and the excellent quality of both food and drink. The tour is especially recommended for those eager to learn about Madrid’s culinary traditions in an intimate setting.

Madrid Old Town Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rich, authentic taste of Madrid’s culinary scene, paired with insightful stories and expert guidance. The small-group format ensures a relaxed and personal experience, ideal for lovers of good food, fine wines, and local history. The high-quality ingredients and wines are a clear highlight, with notable stops inside historic venues that add a special charm.

While not suited for young children or travelers with mobility issues, this tour appeals most to adults who appreciate curated tastings and a personal connection with their guide. For those seeking an upmarket, educational, and delicious introduction to Madrid’s gastronomy, this experience is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at Plaza de la Villa; there is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is the maximum group size?
The group is limited to 8 travelers to maintain intimacy.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the minimum age is 21 years old.

What types of wines are sampled?
Participants taste premium Spanish wines from regions like Rioja, Priorato, Ribera del Duero, and Toro, including award-winning varieties.

Are vegetarian or special dietary requests accommodated?
The reviews note customized tastings based on food restrictions, though specific details are not provided.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to walking on cobblestone streets.

Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour unique?
The tour combines authentic local eateries, top-quality wines, and a personal guide committed to delivering an immersive Madrid culinary experience.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are made online, and the tour is typically booked 48 days in advance on average.

This Madrid Old Town Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour offers a genuine taste of Madrid’s heritage, flavors, and convivial spirit, making it a standout choice for anyone eager to explore the city’s culinary heart.