Learning to taste a good wine should be on that list of things to do in life. It’s easier than writing a book or having a child, especially these days, and even more so given the wide range of wine tastings available in Madrid. A world that teaches you to understand what’s in your glass and how to drink it—which isn’t as simple as it seems. The basics are clear—red, white, rosé—but then there are the details that make all the difference. That’s why we’ve selected five places with wine tastings you shouldn’t miss in Madrid.
Madrid & Darracott is the project of Luke Darracott and Roque, two friends who have created a gathering spot centered around wine just a few steps from Plaza Mayor. Here they host wine tastings in Madrid from Monday through Thursday, with a format designed for tasting, learning, and enjoying three Spanish wines. On Wednesdays, they also add a special touch: live music featuring a cellist. And every Thursday at 8:00 p.m., they host a themed tasting presented in English. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
At La Bodega de los Reyes, it’s all about tasting: five wines, five tapas, and a theme that changes every week, so you never experience the same tasting twice. It’s a shop specializing in Spanish wines and cavas located very close to Plaza de España; it’s been open for nearly 30 years and also offers other options like signature tastings or the chance to host your own at home with their home delivery tastings.
An Idiot’s Guide to Wine
At An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, you don’t just come to taste wine; you come to laugh while you do it. This show, held at the Sala Galileo Galilei, mixes stand-up comedy with a guided tasting of six wines from around the world. The format, created by comedian Merrick Watts, has just arrived from Australia, where it has become a phenomenon by turning the classic tasting on its head to make it much more accessible (and quite a bit more fun).
Since 2010, Vino & Compañía has established itself as a leading wine shop, with over 4,000 wines in its catalog. Thanks to them, tastings at Plaza de Olavide are part of daily life: on Fridays they organize an introductory course featuring six wines designed for beginners, and on Saturdays they offer tastings paired with cheese (what better combination?). They also host smaller, guided sessions led by the team, such as those with Andrés González Sellarés, focused on the store’s own cellared wines. There’s plenty of wine to enjoy here.
At Coalla Gourmet, they’ve been working with wine since 1955, so they know what they’re doing. What began as a small shop has become a go-to spot where tastings revolve around a carefully curated selection of wines, paired with dishes sourced directly from their own shop. During the week, they offer more specific events, such as their “Tuesday Break,” where you can enjoy activities like blind tastings of reds or whites to put your palate to the test.