Start your Madrid tapas and wine tour at one of the most eccentric taverns in the Literary Quarter, filled to the brim with unusual antiques and even an authentic Picasso. Come evening, this aptly named bar is constantly packed with dozens of “gatos” (a local nickname for Madrid residents) beginning their nights out with vermouth and light bites. You'll do just the same, pairing your flavorsome vermouth with a selection of tostas (open-faced sandwiches with a variety of ingredients) and the famous gilda, a savoury skewer of pickled ingredients with roots in the north of Spain.

From there, you'll head to your next tapas bar: a area institution with roots in the 17th century that today is an essential stop on a Madrid-style night on the town. You’ll be treated to two white wines, crispy homemade croquettes, and a selection of Spanish cheeses while your guide shares insider knowledge on how to decode Spanish wine and read a wine label like a pro.

Last but certainly not least, you'll head to the final stop of your tapas and wine tour: a centennial tavern in the heart of the Literary Quarter. This historical landmark nearly closed down forever before three local chefs brought it back to life in recent years. It's the perfect place to end your evening with a fun wine challenge as you blind-taste two essential Spanish reds. Both pair perfectly with the shared plates you'll pass around the table: potatoes with spicy sauce and garlic aioli (patatas bravas), stuffed mushrooms, and the finest cut of Iberian pork available.