Valencia: Paella Cooking Class, Tapas & Sangria Evening

Summary

Evening paella class in Valencia with tapas, sangria and laughter

You’ll join locals in Valencia for an evening paella cooking class where you’ll chop, stir, laugh over tapas and homemade sangria, then share your own paella around a big table as night falls. Expect fresh market ingredients, hands-on guidance from a native chef, plenty of wine—and maybe a new favorite way to eat together.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—clattering pans and someone’s laugh echoing off the tiled walls when we walked into the kitchen near Ruzafa. The place smelled like tomato leaves and something smoky. Our chef, who everyone just called Carmen, handed me a glass of sangria before I’d even set down my bag. I tried to say “gracias” with a local accent—she grinned at my attempt and poured another splash of wine. We started with little plates—patatas bravas still sizzling, mussels that tasted like the sea, Manchego cheese softer than I expected. There was a lot of joking about who could slice jamón the thinnest (I definitely lost).

When it came time for the Valencian paella cooking class part, Carmen divided us up and showed us how to brown chicken and rabbit in this huge pan that looked older than me. She kept pointing out details—the color of the sofrito, how the rice should hiss when you add broth. The ingredients were all fresh from Ruzafa market; she even let us smell the saffron before sprinkling it in. I got nervous stirring in front of everyone but nobody cared—it was messy and fun. At one point someone asked why no chorizo, and Carmen just laughed so hard she had to wipe her eyes.

We ate together at a long table while dusk crept through the windows—paella straight from the pan with tomato salad on chipped plates, glasses clinking every few minutes. There was sweet wine after, plus this spongy Valencian cake that tasted faintly of orange blossom. Someone tried to toast in Spanish and mixed up half the words; honestly, it made it better. I still think about that first bite of paella—smoky at the edges, bright yellow from saffron—and how everyone went quiet for a second before reaching for more. You know when food just feels right because you made it together? That.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valencian paella cooking and tasting

• Meet in the kitchen
• Attend sangria workshop with tapas
• Divide into cooking groups
• Learn ingredients for Valencian paella
• Cook paella with chef guidance
• Learn about Valencian customs and culture
• Taste paella with tomato salad
• Enjoy dessert with sweet wine and coffee

Top questions

Is this Valencian paella cooking class suitable for beginners?

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

Are drinks included during the paella class?

Yes, sangria plus soft and alcoholic drinks are included throughout.

Is vegetarian or seafood paella available?

No; this class focuses on traditional meat (chicken & rabbit) Valencian paella.

Where do ingredients come from?

The fresh ingredients are bought from Ruzafa market in Valencia.

Is there wheelchair access at the venue?

Yes; all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes; children can participate if accompanied by an adult.

What else is served besides paella?

You’ll have tapas (bravas, jamón serrano, Manchego cheese), tomato salad, dessert cake, fruit, sweet wine & coffee.

How long does the cooking experience last?

The evening includes time for tapas/snacks, cooking instruction & dinner; plan for several hours total.

What’s included

Your evening includes all cooking ingredients fresh from Ruzafa market plus plenty of sangria and other drinks while you learn. You’ll snack on classic tapas before making your own Valencian paella under a local chef’s guidance. Dinner comes with tomato salad and regional wines followed by dessert cake, fruit, sweet wine and coffee—all shared around one big table before heading out into Valencia’s night air.