Madrid: Tapas Cooking Class & Bottomless Spanish Wine

Summary

Cook classic spanish tapas in madrid with endless wine and laughter

You’ll cook classic Spanish tapas side-by-side with new friends in Madrid’s heart, guided by a local chef who keeps your glass full and spirits high. Taste your way through six courses (yes, including dessert) paired with endless Spanish wines at a shared table. Expect laughter, hands-on learning, and maybe a new favorite recipe to take home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the clatter — knives tapping, glasses clinking, someone laughing in Spanish near the doorway. I barely had time to finish my welcome glass of cava before our chef, Marta, waved us over to these bright cooking stations. She had this way of making everyone feel like we’d known each other for ages, even though I still couldn’t remember half the group’s names (sorry, Tomás-from-Bristol). The smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil drifted over from the next counter and honestly, it made me forget about jet lag for a second.

We started with gambas al ajillo — prawns tossed in garlic and parsley. Marta showed us how to get that snap just right without turning them rubbery (I failed on my first try; she grinned and said “más vino!” which seemed like solid advice). There was chistorra sausage bubbling away in cider too — Basque style, she said. I tried saying it in Spanish and got a round of good-natured teasing from Li and Ana. It all felt easy, like a family kitchen but with better wine — bottomless pours of verdejo and tempranillo kept appearing whenever someone’s glass looked lonely.

I didn’t expect to care so much about stuffing piquillo peppers or getting mussels open without flinging one across the room (almost happened). The main course came out from the back kitchen — something seasonal with fish tonight — and we all squeezed around this big wooden table under soft lights. Marta poured another round and told stories about her grandmother’s recipes. It was loud and messy in the best way. By dessert (Catalan cream mousse), I’d lost track of time completely.

Walking out into Madrid’s night air later, I realized how rare it is to feel so welcome so quickly. If you’re looking for a cooking class in Madrid that actually feels social — not just a demo — this is it. I still think about those peppers sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tapas cooking class with wine pairing

• Arrive at cooking class venue
• Receive welcome glass of Cava
• Go to personalized cooking stations
• Cook 4 traditional tapas in pairs
• Ask chef questions during class
• Enjoy bottomless wine pairing
• Share tapas with all guests
• Eat main course prepared by chefs
• Have Catalan cream mousse dessert

Top questions

Is this tapas cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, the chef guides everyone step by step—no experience needed.

How many tapas will we make during the class?

You’ll prepare four traditional tapas yourself as part of the workshop.

Is unlimited wine really included?

Yes—bottomless pours of five different Spanish wines are served throughout.

Are dietary restrictions or allergies accommodated?

Yes—contact them beforehand to ensure they can cater to your needs.

What dishes are on the menu for this Madrid cooking class?

You’ll make garlic prawns, chistorra sausage in cider, stuffed piquillo peppers, mussels (or alternatives), plus enjoy a main dish and Catalan cream mousse.

Is dinner included after the cooking session?

Yes—a full six-course meal is served at a communal table after cooking.

Where does the class take place in Madrid?

The class is held at The Cooking Clubhouse in central Madrid.

Are children allowed at this activity?

Infants can attend if seated on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your evening includes a hands-on tapas cooking class led by a professional chef in central Madrid, all ingredients provided at personal stations, unlimited pairing of five different Spanish wines throughout the experience, plus a six-course dinner featuring your own creations alongside main dishes and dessert—all wrapped up around one big communal table before you wander back into the city night.