Wine & Tapas: A Spanish Feast at Home
The hum of a Madrid wine bar, the scent of garlic in the air, the clink of glasses… this is Spain at its best. And while there’s nothing like wandering through a sun-drenched vineyard or village on a Vine Travel wine tour, you can bring a little of that magic home. All you need are a few great bottles, some classic Spanish tapas, and a love for good food, good company, and unforgettable flavours.
1. Pan con Tomate & Cava
The simplest things are often the best - crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. It’s the taste of summer, and nothing lifts it quite like a crisp Brut Nature Cava, all bright citrus and fine bubbles.
Recipe:
- Toast slices of rustic bread.
- Rub with a clove of garlic.
- Grate ripe tomatoes, mix with a drizzle of olive oil and salt.
- Spoon onto the bread and serve immediately.
2. Jamón Ibérico & Fino Sherry
A paper-thin slice of Ibérico ham melts on your tongue, its nutty richness balanced by the bone-dry, saline sharpness of a
Fino Sherry - a classic pairing straight from Andalusia.
Serving tip:
- Buy the best Jamón Ibérico de Bellota you can find.
- Serve at room temperature, thinly sliced, with picos (small Spanish breadsticks).
3. Tortilla Española & Godello
A golden, thick Spanish omelette - soft inside, rich with slow-cooked onions and potatoes. A cool, mineral
Godello
brings freshness, balancing the richness beautifully.
Recipe:
- Slowly fry thinly sliced potatoes and onions in olive oil until soft.
- Beat eggs, mix with the potatoes, and cook gently in a pan until set.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side before slicing into wedges.
4. Gambas al Ajillo & Albariño
Sizzling prawns swimming in garlic, chilli, and olive oil - a dish that demands a fresh, briny
Albariño from Rías Baixas, with its citrus zing and Atlantic minerality.
Recipe:
- Heat olive oil in a pan, add sliced garlic and chilli flakes.
- Toss in peeled prawns and cook until pink.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped parsley.
5. Chorizo a la Sidra & Mencía
Chorizo cooked in cider is smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet - a natural match for
Mencía, a bright, red-fruited wine from Bierzo.
Recipe:
- Slice chorizo and cook in a pan until slightly crisp.
- Pour over dry Spanish cider and simmer until reduced.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega & Ribeiro
Tender octopus, smoky paprika, and olive oil, best enjoyed with a
Ribeiro white, a crisp blend of Godello, Treixadura, and Loureira, echoing the flavours of the sea.
Recipe:
- Boil an octopus in salted water until tender.
- Slice and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika and flaky salt.
7. Pimientos de Padrón & Txakoli
Blistered green peppers, some mild, some fiery - washed down with a cool glass of
Txakoli, the Basque Country’s zippy, spritzy white wine.
Recipe:
- Heat olive oil in a pan, add Padrón peppers.
- Fry until blistered, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve immediately.
8. Patatas Bravas & Garnacha
Crisp fried potatoes covered in spicy tomato sauce and creamy alioli - a classic that needs a juicy
old-vine Garnacha to keep up with its boldness.
Recipe:
- Cube potatoes, fry until golden.
- Make a sauce with sautéed garlic, tomato, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Serve with a drizzle of alioli.
9. Boquerones en Vinagre & Manzanilla Sherry
Anchovies cured in vinegar, olive oil, and garlic - an Andalusian staple that sings with the salty elegance of
Manzanilla Sherry.
Recipe:
- Marinate fresh anchovies in white wine vinegar for a few hours or you can buy them already tinned.
- Drain and cover with olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
10. Queso Manchego & Viura (White Rioja)
Aged Manchego, firm and nutty, needs a wine with freshness and depth. A barrel-aged Viura from Rioja, with its creamy texture, citrus notes, and subtle oak, stands up to the cheese beautifully.
Serving tip:
- Slice Manchego thinly, drizzle with honey, and serve with toasted almonds.
- For a more savoury pairing, serve it with marcona almonds and a drizzle of olive oil.
At
Vine Travel, we believe Spanish wine isn’t just about what’s in the bottle - it’s about the people, the food, the culture. Whether you’re sipping Txakoli in the Basque Country, exploring Rioja’s century-old cellars, or tasting fresh Albariño by the Atlantic, every region tells a story.
And if you can’t be in Spain right now, these pairings bring a taste of our tours straight to your table.
Want to experience the real thing? Join one of our
Spanish wine tours and let us take you to the heart of the vineyards, where every sip has a story.
