Madrid for Wine Lovers

Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world, with more vineyards than any other country. Its capital, Madrid, is a wonderful place to explore wine from its many different regions. Whether your venue of choice is the oldest restaurant in the world or the rooftop lounge of a hip boutique hotel, your palate is sure to be pleased by the goodness in your glass. The main red grape in Spain is Tempranillo, and you will be amazed at all the choices you have coming from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. If you are a white wine drinker, look for Albariño from Rias Baixas and Verdejo from Rueda. Rosé wines from Navarra made with the Garnacha grape are a staple on wine lists everywhere, and if you are in the mood for bubbles, you can start and end your day with a glass of Cava.

Plan to be out late for dinner, in cities, Spaniards don’t even think of sitting down for a meal until 10 PM, so take advantage of the mid-day siesta and head back to your hotel for a nap. You’re especially going to need it if late-night churros are on your itinerary. Brush up on your Spanish before you go: Una copa de vino, por favor is the Spanish translation of, “A glass of wine, please.” White wine is vino blanco, and red wine is vino tinto.

There is a lot more to Madrid than just restaurants and tapas bars. As much as we all love our culinary and vinuous adventures, you will want to reserve at least a little bit of time to visit some of Madrid’s world-class museums and parks. And in case memories alone aren’t enough for you to bring home, we have included our favorite wine shop in all of Europe. 

Next, where to eat and drink…

[ pagebreak ]

Eat and Drink:

Vinoteca Barbechera, Calle de Gravina, 6

You’re in Madrid for the wine, so jump in headfirst at this bustling tapas and wine bar. Grab a glass-topped barrel for two and order a bottle, or better yet sample a few of their 300 Spanish wines by the glass. Don’t miss the croquetas, foie gras on toast, or ultra thin jamon Serrano. Best thing, it’s a short walk back to the Oscar for siesta or a good night’s sleep.

Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza San Miguel  

You are going to wish you had rented an apartment with a kitchen once you set eyes on all the gorgeous food in this beautiful market. Satisfy your senses by coming early in the day for late breakfast or lunch. Push up to a bar, start with an Albariño or dry Sherry, and then move on to bocadillos or tapas with a couple glasses of wine. Make sure your camera is at the ready—you will want to bring home the memories of vibrant fruits and vegetables, hanging jamon and chorizo, and stalls overflowing with fresh seafood, meat, and cooking utensils.

Casa Botin, Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17

No trip to Madrid is complete without dining at Casa Botin. All hyperbole aside, it holds the Guinness record as the world’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1725. Wood beamed dining rooms with ceramic tile floors are the backdrop for a sumptuous traditional meal. House specialties are roast suckling pig and roast baby lamb, and the all-Spanish wine list features standouts from across the whole country, including a selection of Grandes Vinos Españoles.

La Tasquita de Enfrente, Calle de la Ballesta, 6

Dine on inventive, gourmet tapas in an elegant setting at La Tasquita de Enfrente. Chef Juanjo Lopez’ market-to-table approach for his stunning renditions of updated Spanish classics means that the menu changes frequently, but you are almost certain to find mussels, bacalao, and grilled setas, delectable wild mushrooms.

Chocolateria San Gines, Pasadizo de San Ginés, 11

After a late-night dinner, even later-night churros with chocolate are Madrileños’ preferred snack. Picture a delectable deep-fried “cruller” and a cup of super thick hot chocolate, meant for dipping rather than drinking. Chocolateria San Gines, located near the Puerta del Sol, has been serving up what many consider the ultimate version to locals and tourists alike since 1894. Take in the sights on a late-night stroll and take all the time you need to get there; Madrid is truly the city that never sleeps, and closing time is 6 AM.

Next, where to spend your days and where to lay your head…

[ pagebreak ]

Sightseeing:

Prado Museum, Calle Ruiz de Alarcon, 23

Take a 10 minute stroll to the Prado Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of Spanish art in the world in addition to an enormous collection of internationally acclaimed paintings, sculpture, and drawings. Open 7 days a week (a rarity in Spain) into the evening (10 AM—8 PM Monday to Saturday, 7 PM Sunday) this graceful 200 year old marble palace is filled with more treasures than you could possibly visit in an afternoon—but check out the sample 1, 2, or 3 hour visits on the well-designed website.

Templo de Debod and Teleferico de Madrid, Begin at Parque del Oeste, end at Casa de Campo

If antiquities get you going, then don’t miss this ancient Egyptian temple that has been re-assembled in its entirety in Madrid’s Parque del Oueste. It is one of only a handful outside of Egypt and the only one in all of Spain. From here, take the scenic route to the Casa de Campo. The Teleferico de Madrid is an overhead cable car that carries you above the city center to this enormous park on Madrid’s edge. El Restaurante de Teleferico offers simple lunches on a terrace with views of the park and downtown Madrid.

Lavinia, Calle José Ortega y Gasset, 16

This Spain-focused but world-spanning modern wine shop boasts almost 5,000 labels. Give yourself plenty of time to prowl the aisles, enjoy free wine tastings, and take the advice of the knowledgeable, multi-lingual staff. Lavinia is the largest wine store in Madrid, and is said to be the biggest in Europe as well. If you do not have an import license, international retailers and wineries cannot ship to you in the US, so be sure you’ve packed an empty hard sided suitcase and a stack of Wineskins. (This is a recent US regulation; even if the wine is shipped to you in good faith, you will not be able to retrieve it from US Customs.)

Sleep:

Room Mates Oscar, Plaza Vazquez de Mella, 12

Turn right and you are in trendy Chueca, Madrid’s hip neighborhood packed with tapas bars, galleries, and edgy boutiques, go left to the glamorous Gran Via for high end shopping and museums, or just head up to the rooftop bar of Room Mates Oscar, and enjoy a glass of vino tinto, a tapa, and spectacular views of downtown Madrid. This boutique Spanish chain gets it right on all counts: style, service, and price. After late nights out, sleep in and enjoy the amenities of Oscar, especially the buffet breakfast that’s served through noon.