About this tour
Spend two hours in a traditional Madrid tavern learning to distinguish between cuts of Iberian ham whilst tasting chorizo, salchichón, lomo and aged jamón alongside Manchego cheese and classic tapas. A sommelier-trained guide walks you through four Spanish wines, explaining the production methods and regional differences that shape each variety. You'll pick up how locals shop for these products and understand what separates quality ham from the rest.
Highlights
- Taste five different Iberian meat cuts and aged ham varieties
- Sample four Spanish wines with expert pairing guidance
- Learn ham grading, sourcing and selection tips from locals
- Explore a working traditional tavern in central Madrid
- Small group setting with gastronomy-focused guide
What to expect
The tour meets at a neighbourhood tavern where your guide—knowledgeable in Spanish food culture—sets out an array of cured meats and cheeses on the counter. You'll taste your way through different jamón cuts, noticing how colour and texture shift with age and breed. Between bites, the guide explains production regions, climate effects on curing and what the price tags mean. Four wines arrive alongside the food; you'll learn why each pairing works. Expect standing and moving between small plates, roughly two hours of tasting, chatting and note-taking.
Good to know
Wear comfortable shoes; the tavern may have uneven floors. Arrive early if using public transport. Vegetarian options aren't available—the tour centres entirely on cured meats. Not suitable for pregnant travellers. Minimum age 18; you must book with at least one other person.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.