Madrid Day Trip: Chinchón Village, Aranjuez Gardens & Wine Tasting

Summary

Chinchón streets, royal gardens and Madrid wine flavors in one small-group day

You’ll wander Chinchón’s lively plaza and quiet lanes, stroll through Aranjuez’s lush UNESCO-listed gardens, then taste organic Madrid wines paired with local tapas at a family-run vineyard. With an expert guide leading the way and pickup included, you’ll get a real taste of Spain beyond the city—plus a few stories you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from a day trip out of Madrid — mostly just wanted to get out of the city for a bit. But as soon as we rolled into Chinchón, I got this weirdly peaceful feeling. The Plaza Mayor isn’t even symmetrical, but it’s packed with locals having coffee and old men arguing about football. Our guide, Carmen, waved us over to try these little pastries (I forgot the name — something with anise) and I swear the smell stuck on my fingers for hours. Walking those cobblestone alleys felt like time slowed down.

Then we headed off to Aranjuez. The air changed — greener somehow, almost damp from the river. You could hear birds everywhere in the gardens, which are massive and sort of wild around the edges. Carmen told us stories about Spanish kings planting rare trees here; she pointed out one that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. I lost track of time wandering past fountains and pretending I lived there (I mean… who wouldn’t?).

The winery was last — tucked behind rows of vines just outside Aranjuez. It’s run by a family who’s been making organic wine for ages, apparently using all these biodynamic tricks that sounded half science, half magic. We tasted three wines (the Syrah was my favorite), each with its own little plate of tapas — manchego cheese that squeaked between my teeth and chorizo that left oil on my thumb. The winemaker tried to teach us how to swirl the glass properly; Li laughed when I nearly spilled mine on her shoes. On the drive back to Madrid I kept thinking about that first bite of cheese under the vines — funny how some flavors just stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore villages, gardens, and winery

• Visit Chinchón village and Plaza Mayor
• Explore cobblestone streets and monuments
• Travel to Aranjuez UNESCO city
• Stroll through Aranjuez gardens
• Visit Aranjuez Royal Palace area
• Tour organic vineyards at winery
• Enjoy wine tasting with tapas

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Madrid?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included in this Madrid wine tour?

The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation to and from Madrid.

Do we visit both Chinchón and Aranjuez?

Yes, you’ll explore Chinchón village and visit Aranjuez’s gardens before heading to the winery.

What kind of wines will we taste at the vineyard?

You’ll try several varieties including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Are food or tapas included during the wine tasting?

Yes, traditional Spanish tapas are served alongside each wine tasting at the winery.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as walking distances are moderate.

What makes Aranjuez special on this trip?

Aranjuez is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its royal palace and expansive historic gardens.

Who leads the tour? Is there a local guide?

An expert guide knowledgeable in Spain's wine history and culture leads your group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Madrid by air-conditioned transport, guided walks through Chinchón village and Aranjuez’s UNESCO gardens, entry to a family-run organic winery with several tastings paired with authentic Spanish tapas for lunch before returning comfortably back to Madrid in the evening.