Vermouth time

If you’re strolling through Madrid and want a taste of local tradition, a vermouth tasting at Wecook might be just the thing. This experience is designed for those curious about Spain’s iconic aperitif, offering a relaxed, hands-on way to enjoy the city’s convivial drinking culture. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we gather, it’s a charming mix of tasting, learning, and creating your very own gildas — a classic vermouth pairing.

What we love about this experience is how approachable it feels. First, the variety of vermouths you’ll get to try ensures you’re not just sipping the same thing over and over. Second, the personalized gildas—those tasty little skewers—let you customize your snack, pairing flavors to suit your palate. That said, some might see this as a niche activity, especially if you’re not a fan of vermouth or are looking for a more extensive tour. But for anyone wanting a light, authentic glimpse into Madrid’s aperitivo culture, this could be perfect.

This tour isn’t designed for children under 18, so it’s more suited for adults who enjoy food, drinks, or unique local traditions. If you’re after a fun, intimate outing that combines tasting with a little creative flair, this likely hits the mark. Now, let’s dig into the details that can help you decide if this fits into your Madrid plans.

Key Points

• Authentic Madrid tradition: Vermouth is an integral part of local social life, and this experience offers a genuine taste of that.
• Tasting three vermouths: You’ll sample different varieties, each with unique grape and production backgrounds, providing a well-rounded introduction.
• Create your gildas: The hands-on part allows you to customize your snack, pairing flavors with guidance from the hosts.
• Small, friendly group: Limited to 10 participants, making it an intimate and relaxed setting.
• Duration and flexibility: About an hour and a half, with the chance to enjoy a personalized, memorable experience.
• Practical and inclusive: The experience is wheelchair accessible, and offered in both Spanish and English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Vermouth Experience at Wecook Madrid

Setting and Atmosphere
The experience takes place at Wecook Madrid, a well-regarded culinary spot. While the exact ambiance isn’t described in detail, the limited group size suggests an intimate, relaxed environment ideal for socializing and learning. You can expect a friendly, approachable vibe where the focus is on enjoying good flavors and good company.

The Tasting of Three Vermouths
One of the biggest draws is the chance to taste three different vermouths—each distinguished by their grape varieties and production methods. This is not just about drinking; it’s about understanding what makes each vermouth unique. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, the tasting helps you appreciate the nuances involved in these fortified wines.

Several reviews note the quality and diversity of the vermouths. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way the guides explained the differences between each vermouth, making it easy to pick what we liked best.” The opportunity to compare different styles in one sitting really elevates this experience from a typical tasting.

Creating Your Gilda
The highlight for many participants is crafting their own gildas. These skewers—traditionally made with anchovies, olives, and peppers—are a staple of Madrid’s aperitivo scene. At Wecook, you’ll be guided in pairing your chosen ingredients with your vermouth, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures.

This hands-on activity isn’t just fun; it also deepens your understanding of flavor pairing and how certain ingredients complement different types of vermouth. One attendee remarked, “I never realized how much the ingredients can change the whole experience of the drink. It’s like being a chef for a moment.”

Variety and Seasonality
Wecook changes the wineries they feature each month, so returning participants can expect to try something new throughout the year. This approach keeps the experience fresh and encourages repeat visits for those who want to expand their knowledge. Plus, all the vermouths tasted are available for purchase in their shop, making it easy to continue the journey at home.

Value for Money
At $41 per person, the experience offers a decent value, considering you get to taste three different vermouths, create gildas, and enjoy a specially crafted cookie called a “weCookie.” The price covers the guided tasting, the ingredients for gildas, and a personalized experience in a small group setting—components that make it more than just a casual drink at a bar.

Accessibility and Practical Details
Being wheelchair accessible and offered in both Spanish and English makes this experience inclusive. The duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes fits well into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Who Is This Best For?
This tour is perfect for food and drink lovers who want to understand a quintessential Madrid tradition in an engaging, relaxed setting. It’s also suited for those interested in learning about the different styles of vermouth, or for travelers seeking a culturally immersive activity that’s a bit different from the usual tours.

What Could Be Improved?

While the experience sounds delightful, it’s worth noting that it’s relatively short and focused solely on vermouth and gildas. If you’re looking for a comprehensive tour of Madrid’s culinary scene or a larger-scale tasting event, you might find this a bit niche. Also, as it’s priced per person for a 1.5-hour session, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth food and drink tour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re into trying local drinks, enjoy creating your own snacks, or simply want to experience Madrid’s social drinking culture firsthand, Vermouth Time at Wecook can be surprisingly rewarding. It offers a friendly, intimate environment where knowledgeable guides help you appreciate the variety and craft of vermouth, all while giving you a chance to customize your snack pairing.

This experience works best for those who prefer small group settings over large tours, and for travelers eager to add a touch of local flavor to their Madrid trip. It’s a solid choice if you want a relaxed way to learn about one of Spain’s most beloved aperitifs in a fun, interactive way.

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FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, it is offered in both Spanish and English, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.

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

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely, the tour is designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

How long does the activity last?
The tasting and gildas creation take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Are children allowed to participate?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 18.

What’s included in the price?
You get to taste three vermouths, create gildas, and enjoy a WeCookie.

Will I learn about vermouth production?
While the main focus is tasting and pairing, guides do explain the differences between the vermouth varieties.

Can I buy the vermouths I taste?
Yes, all the vermouths featured are available for purchase in their shop.

Is the experience good for groups?
Yes, it’s limited to 10 participants, making it ideal for small, friendly groups.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual attire is fine; dress for a relaxed tasting session.

If you’re looking to enjoy a true Madrid tradition in a friendly, relaxed setting and learn a bit along the way, Vermouth Time at Wecook is worth considering. It’s a charming way to connect with the city’s social fabric — one glass and gildas at a time.

You can check availability for your dates here: