Cantabria: Wine and Liquor Tasting Guided Tour with Snacks

A Friendly Guide to Cantabria’s Wine and Liquor Tasting Tour

If you’re into exploring local flavors and learning about traditional distillation, this Cantabria: Wine and Liquor Tasting Guided Tour with Snacks might just be your cup of (or shot of) something stronger. We’ve looked into this experience, and it offers a chance to dive into the craft of artisanal spirits while enjoying some tasty bites. It’s a solid pick if you want a relaxed, educational experience that balances culture, drinks, and good food.

What really catches the eye are two standout features: the variety of tastings—ranging from wines to gins and aguardiente—and the chance to sample local delicacies like cheeses, jams, and cold meats. Plus, the tour’s price—around $22 per person—is appealing for what you get, especially considering the inclusion of a bottle of wine as a gift. One thing to bear in mind is the brief duration—just about an hour—so if you’re craving a deep dive into the region’s wine scene, this might be more of an overview than an immersive experience.

This tour is likely best suited for curious travelers who enjoy tasting different drinks and want a taste of Cantabria’s local craftsmanship without committing a whole day. It’s also a nice, casual way to learn about the distillation process—especially since the distillery uses the ancient “Alquitara” method—and to pick up some local food souvenirs. If you’re after a laid-back, informative experience that combines drinks with bites, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Affordable at $22, offering a solid tasting experience.
• Includes multiple types of beverages—wines, gins, aguardiente—and local snacks.
• Learn about traditional distillation methods, including their upcoming whisky.
• Tasting of 3 wines, 6 liquors, and specialty malts provides variety.
• Guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible.
• Limited to around an hour, ideal for a quick but memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a snapshot of Cantabria’s artisanal distillery scene, led by knowledgeable guides who are praised for their clarity and friendliness. We’ve seen reviews mentioning how well the guides explain each product, giving just enough detail without overloading you. The entire experience is built around learning the process of distilling, tasting the products, and sampling local delicacies.

The tour begins in the distillery itself, where you’ll see the “Alquitara” distillation process—a centuries-old method that’s still used here for crafting some of Spain’s most acclaimed spirits. It’s fascinating to hear about their innovative approach, especially since they’re working towards launching the world’s first whisky made using this traditional technique.

Next, you’ll visit the wine deposit and barrels room, where you get an inside look at how their wines are stored and aged. The highlight, of course, is the tasting session. You’ll sample three different wines (red, white, sweet), along with six types of liquors, including the classic gin, tropical pink gin, and aguardiente de Malata. Each tasting is paired with local snacks like cheeses, jams, chorizo, and cold meats, which enhances the overall experience.

The tasting isn’t rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to savor each sip and chat with your guide about the flavors and production methods. Many reviews highlight the quality of the liquors—“a fantastic selection, especially the gins,” one reviewer mentions—and the overall friendly, relaxed vibe.

Afterward, there’s often the opportunity to purchase products directly from the shop, which carries not only the distillery’s offerings but also a nice selection of regional products. As a little bonus, each participant leaves with a bottle of wine as a gift, making it a memorable keepsake of the experience.

The Flavors and Products

The variety of drinks on offer is quite impressive considering the short duration. The hard liquors, especially, are praised for their quality and flavor profile. The aguardiente de Malata, for instance, is noted for its smoothness, and the gins have garnered international awards, which speaks to their craftsmanship.

The tasting of Malts is particularly special, especially since the distillery is working towards creating their first whisky in the “Alquitara” soon—an exciting tidbit for spirits lovers. The tropical pink gin adds a modern twist to a traditional craft, appealing to those who enjoy more colorful, contemporary spirits.

Pairing these drinks with local cheeses, jams, and meats turns the tasting into a mini feast, giving you a real taste of Cantabria’s gastronomic culture. Many reviews emphasize how well the snacks complement the drinks, making each sip even more enjoyable.

Practical Details and Considerations

Cost-wise, this experience hits a sweet spot. For just $22, you get a guided tour, multiple tastings, snacks, and a gift bottle—an excellent value, especially given the quality of the products and the friendly guidance. Keep in mind, the tour only lasts about an hour, so it’s a quick but packed experience.

You’ll want to check availability beforehand, as the starting times can vary. The tour is available in English and Spanish, making it accessible for most visitors. The group sizes tend to be small enough for personal interaction but large enough to keep the atmosphere lively.

Since cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, you have some flexibility if your plans change. The reserve and pay later option adds a layer of convenience, especially if you’re finalizing your itinerary.

One possible downside is the short duration—if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration of Spanish spirits or extensive wine tastings, this might feel a bit brief. However, for those seeking a quick, enjoyable introduction with good value, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a genuine glimpse into Cantabria’s artisanal spirits scene, with a good mix of tasting, learning, and local flavor. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate discovering regional drinks and nice food pairings without spending hours on a single activity. The knowledgeable guides, the quality of the liquors, and the chance to buy regional products make it a memorable little experience.

If you’re after an authentic, educational, and tasty stop during your trip to Cantabria, this tour could be just the thing. It’s relaxed enough for beginners but still rewarding for those more familiar with spirits. The fact that it’s priced reasonably, includes a variety of drinks, and offers a friendly local vibe makes it worth considering.

For anyone interested in spirits, local food, and a taste of Cantabria’s craftsmanship, this guided tour promises a pleasant hour with plenty to enjoy and remember.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour focuses on alcohol tastings, so it’s generally aimed at adults. Kids might enjoy the look at the distillery process and the local snacks, but the tastings are adult-oriented.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts around 1 hour, making it a quick but engaging activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if needed.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, accommodating most travelers.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get a guided visit to the distillery, tastings of 3 wines and 6 liquors, a tasting of special malts, local food delicacies, and a bottle of wine as a gift.

Where can I buy products after the tour?
There’s a shop on-site where you can purchase the distillery’s drinks and other regional products, perfect for bringing home a taste of Cantabria.

If you’re curious about local spirits, enjoy tasting sessions, or just want a relaxed way to get a taste of Cantabria’s craftsmanship, this tour is worth considering. It’s simple, friendly, and offers a nice blend of education and indulgence—an enjoyable pause in your travels.

You can check availability for your dates here: