Madrid: Old La Latina Tapas & Fine Wine Small Group Tour

Summary

Wander La Latina’s bars tasting rare Spanish wines and tapas

You’ll walk Madrid’s oldest streets with a local wine expert, tasting vermouth on tap and olives in hidden bars before savoring cod fritters and award-winning Albariño. Dinner brings Ibérico tenderloin from a Michelin-starred butcher paired with rare reds, ending with Pedro Ximenez over ice cream. It’s intimate, lively, and full of flavors you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the sound — glasses clinking, laughter spilling from doorways, the kind of low golden light you only get in old Madrid. Our guide (he’s actually part of the Spanish Wine Tasting Association, which I didn’t know was a thing) waved us over outside a bar in La Latina. He poured vermouth straight from the tap — not too sweet, just sharp enough to wake up your tongue. We passed around these olives called chupadedos (“finger-licking,” he grinned), all slick with oil and herbs. I tried to say it in Spanish and probably mangled it, but nobody minded.

The streets here twist and narrow — cobblestones underfoot, stone walls that look like they’ve seen everything since the 12th century. At the next stop, we drank wine out of little glasses like they did in the 1800s. The cod fritters were hot and salty, almost creamy inside. Someone asked about the recipe; our guide just shrugged and said “family secret.” There was this moment when we all went quiet after the first bite — you know when food just makes everyone pause?

Later we ducked into what might be the prettiest wine bar I’ve ever seen — shelves stacked with bottles, soft chatter everywhere. We tried an Albariño that apparently won some big award last year (I’m no expert but it tasted like summer). The “tostas” came piled with things I couldn’t pronounce; one had roasted peppers so sweet they almost tasted like fruit. And then we wound deeper into La Latina for dinner at this place locals swear by — three Michelin stars on their butcher’s sign, which is wild for a neighborhood spot.

I still think about that Ibérico tenderloin — rich but somehow delicate, paired with reds from our guide’s own cellar (he opened them himself right at the table). By dessert my notes got fuzzy; there was Pedro Ximenez poured over vanilla ice cream, turning it into something boozy and raisin-y. Everyone laughed when someone tried to guess what was in it. Walking back through those old streets felt different after all that warmth and wine. Hard to explain why.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tapas and wine tour in La Latina

• Explore La Latina neighborhood
• Sip vermouth with Chupadedos olives
• Drink 19th century style wine
• Taste Madrid's best cod fritters
• Taste Altos de Torona Albariño wine
• Pair wine with tostas tapas
• Walk cobblestone streets to top restaurant
• Taste 3 Michelin Star Iberico Tenderloin
• Uncork red wines from private cellar
• Taste Pedro Ximenez dessert wine with ice cream

Top questions

How many people are in each Madrid tapas & wine tour group?

The group size is limited to 8 people maximum for a small group experience.

Is pickup included for this Old Madrid tapas tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a set location in La Latina.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available on this tour?

The reference content does not mention vegetarian or vegan options specifically.

What wines are served during the Madrid fine wine tour?

You’ll taste exclusive Spanish wines including Altos de Torona Albariño and top reds like Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2015.

Is lunch or dinner included on this tapas & wine tour?

Dinner is included—featuring Ibérico tenderloin from a Michelin-starred butcher plus various tapas throughout the evening.

Are public transportation options nearby for this Madrid food tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in La Latina.

Is this food & wine tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to walking on cobblestone streets.

What is the minimum age for joining this Madrid wine tasting tour?

The minimum age is 21 years old.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided tastings of vermouth on tap and seasoned chupadedos olives, traditional cod fritters, an award-winning Albariño white wine paired with special “tostas,” dinner featuring Ibérico tenderloin from Madrid’s only three Michelin star butcher, pours of top red wines from your guide’s private cellar like Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2015, plus Pedro Ximenez dessert wine over vanilla ice cream—all led by a professional guide in an intimate group setting.