Madrid: Paella Cooking Class & Bottomless Sangria

Summary

Paella secrets, endless sangria and laughter in Madrid’s heart

You’ll jump into Madrid’s lively kitchen scene with hands-on paella making and endless sangria refills. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn real tricks behind Spain’s iconic dish, share laughs with fellow travelers, and take home recipes (plus maybe a few new friends). Expect warmth, stories, and a taste that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about burning the rice. You’d think making paella would be simple — just follow the steps, right? But when our chef (her name was Marta) handed me the giant wooden spoon, everyone watched like it was a big deal. The kitchen smelled like saffron and garlic, and there was this faint clatter from the street outside — Madrid never really goes quiet. We started with sangria first (smart move), pouring Rioja over fruit while Marta teased us about our “generous” pours.

There were people from all over — a couple from Ireland, two sisters from Chile, me trying not to mess up the sofrito. Marta told stories about her grandmother’s paella pan and why you never stir after adding the rice. She showed us how to layer chicken and seafood just so, but honestly I got distracted by the sizzling sound and almost forgot my turn. Someone asked if we could have more sangria (the answer is always yes here). That part felt less like a class and more like friends hanging out — even if we barely knew each other.

When we finally sat down around the table, I realized how proud I was of that golden crust at the bottom (socarrat — I kept repeating it so I wouldn’t forget). The flavors were warm and somehow comforting, even though it was my first time making anything close to Spanish food. We swapped WhatsApps for recipes, but what stuck with me most was Marta laughing as she tried to teach us “¡Buen provecho!” with the right accent. I still think about that afternoon sometimes when I smell paprika at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paella and sangria workshop in Madrid

• Meet local chef in central Madrid
• Learn history and ingredients of paella
• Prepare refreshing sangria together
• Cook traditional paella step by step
• Enjoy paella and sangria meal
• Receive recipes to take home

Top questions

Is this paella workshop in central Madrid?

Yes, the cooking class takes place at a venue in central Madrid.

Does the class include unlimited sangria?

Yes, bottomless sangria is included during the workshop.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available?

Vegetarian options are available; let them know in advance for allergies.

Will we get recipes to take home?

Yes, detailed recipes are provided so you can recreate the dishes later.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Can children or infants join?

Infants and small children can attend in a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the venue.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for paella and sangria, hands-on guidance from a local chef in central Madrid’s kitchen space, plenty of sangria throughout the class, your own portion of paella (with vegetarian or allergy-friendly options if needed), plus printed recipes to bring home after sharing your meal together.