14 wine bars in Madrid for great food and drink

Bendito is located in the San Fernando Market, and its name clearly captures its essence: wine and vinyl. At this wine bar, they aim to shed the snobbish (and slightly old-fashioned) image often associated with wine experts, and instead highlight the more fun-loving and relaxed side—which, of course, goes hand in hand with music, though in this case, it’s vinyl. For their selection, they rely on wine experts and influencers like Ilan Saltzman, ensuring that Bendito’s crowd is typically made up of young people with an interest in wine.

La Alquimia was founded in 2022, and as co-founder Julieta Pasella explained to Madrid Secreto, they started “in a completely unexpected and clandestine way (…) with wine, beer, and some leftover cheese from my wedding.”

The wine list has been established thanks to partnerships with Bendito, Vinos y Vinilos, Chapi Wines, and others. Although they started out in Chamberí, their location on Calle San Lucas still checks all the boxes for a charming wine bar: the feel of a small Parisian bistro with a traditional twist, natural wines from small-production wineries, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and great cheese and olives.

Bocanada is a wine bar that seats only 20 people, and this physical intimacy creates an atmosphere almost like a spontaneous party, but that’s not its only charm. This small spot is also a culinary pop-up; its owner, sommelier Amanda Leite, oversees the wine selection and invites distinguished chefs to take the reins of the kitchen from time to time. Its kitchen has hosted everyone from Michelin-starred chefs (such as the team from Gofio) to rising stars on the national scene.

Vinology is the project of sommelier Pilar Oltra, who grew up among the vineyards in Mendoza (Argentina). When she first started out 12 years ago, she wanted to delve deeper into wine culture, a goal she realized by opening her own space in 2022 in the Salamanca neighborhood. In addition to being a leading wine bar, her venue is an educational hub where workshops, themed tastings, and her now-famous wine sessions with live music are held.

Batch is located in the Vallehermoso Market and moves away from the strict concept of a wine bar. Here, in addition to natural wines, they produce their own fermented beverages; it’s both a shop and a small restaurant with a tasting menu. Fermenter Nacho García and chef Daniel Vare decided to include a wide variety of natural wines from the moment they opened their market stall, anticipating a trend that now floods Madrid. The truth is that, in addition to those packs of fermented beverages and wines (which they also sell online), their cuisine has gained undeniable prominence.

Cedrón is a wine bar where you can eat heartily, perfect for balancing out the alcohol. Its food menu is brief and has two clear influences: Mediterranean and Argentine. The milanesa is the star of the show, and they make it both Argentine-style and Neapolitan-style; that said, if you order the Italian version, it’s best to share it. The wine list is, as you’d expect, longer and focused on natural wines, one of the venue’s main draws.

Masa Vins has established itself on Trafalgar Street as the meeting place for natural wine lovers who fill its small space daily. This project, which originated in Barcelona, offers a menu focused on minimally processed wines from small producers and beautifully executed seasonal dishes, perfect for enjoying between glasses. All in a casual and veryInstagram-worthy atmosphere.

Gota was born at Acid Bakehouse, a café with an on-site bakery that, when it closed for the night, would secretly transform into a wine bar with a DJ. That concept was so popular that it eventually moved into its own independent space, where you still have to ring a bell to get in. They mainly serve natural wines and small, unique dishes, such as their now-iconic polenta fritters with spicy sauce and grated cheese.

Cuenllas started as a grocery store in 1939, near Paseo de Pintor Rosales, but is now a delicatessen with a bar, where you can shop and enjoy something special. In 2021, they opened a small wine bar on one of the most pleasant streets for strolling in Salesas, Calle Orellana.

Here you can buy a bottle of wine or enjoy it on the spot along with a bite to eat. The menu always features signature dishes like cod tripe with fava beans, razor clams with beurre noisette, or their tuna sandwich.

Propaganda distributes, serves, and sells Italian wines. In addition to showcasing the wine culture of Italy with 365 wines on the menu and 30 wines by the glass that change each season, it also offers an immersion in Italian cuisine: truffled mortadella from Bologna, smoked meat from Trentino, bresaola, or porchetta di Ariccia. Its Italian cheese boards are always on the menu. At night, the lights dim, the music turns up, and signature cocktails take center stage.

Corchito isn’t just a bar serving natural wines from micro-producers; it’s a space where something is happening almost every weekend. From collaborations with chefs to drawing and pottery workshops. If you don’t have a clear plan but want to surprise someone, this place will likely do the trick.

Berria is one of the wine bars highlighted by Eric Asimov in a New York Times article about the best places to drink wine in Madrid. And although he doesn’t mention the famous croquettes at this establishment, he says that Berria is an ideal restaurant for enjoying its views of the Puerta de Alcalá. It also highlights its impressive wine list, which now features over 3,500 wine selections and includes more than 500 sparkling wine labels.

The American newspaper also includes this wine bar in its selection, describing it as a comfortable and elegant spot with a great selection of bottles at good prices. Its menu features a variety of casual yet carefully crafted dishes made with quality ingredients, such as the anchovy and tomato toast, the salmon tartare, or the duck breast.