Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing

If you’ve ever dreamed of making authentic Spanish paella from scratch, this highly-rated cooking experience in Madrid might just be what you’re looking for. Topping the charts with a perfect 5.0 rating from over 800 reviews, the class offers a lively, hands-on way to learn one of Spain’s most iconic dishes—paired with unlimited wine and a full tasting menu.

What we love most about this experience is its social vibe. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Cava and immediately find yourself at a custom-made cooking station, working side-by-side with other foodies. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about making friends, tasting excellent wines, and sharing a traditional meal in a relaxed, fun environment.

A potential snag? The class runs for about two and a half hours, which can feel a bit condensed if you’re looking for a slow-paced, extensive culinary exploration. But if you’re after a spirited, interactive experience full of laughs, learning, and good wine, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic local cuisine, enjoy social dining, and want to take home new cooking skills—whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate chef. Food lovers, wine aficionados, and those eager to connect with fellow travelers will find this class especially rewarding.

Key Points

Authentic Cooking Experience: You’ll learn how to prepare traditional paella from scratch, guided by professional chefs, in a friendly, engaging setting.
Social Atmosphere: Small groups (up to 20 people) encourage interaction and sharing of culinary tips and stories.
Tasting & Pairings: The class includes a 5-course tasting menu with appetizers, desserts, and five different Spanish wines, including sparkling, whites, and reds.
Valuable Skills: The hands-on approach means you’ll leave with practical knowledge on making paella, plus recipes to replicate at home.
Authentic Flavors: The meal features classic Spanish dishes like gazpacho, cheese, charcuterie, and churros with chocolate, elevating the whole experience.
Great Value: For around $138 per person, you get a multi-course meal, unlimited wine, and a memorable cultural activity.

Discovering the Heart of Madrid Through Food and Wine

This paella cooking class isn’t just about the food—it’s an experience that captures the lively spirit of Madrid. Located conveniently in the city center at The Cooking Clubhouse, it’s easily accessible by public transportation, making it a practical choice for travelers exploring Madrid’s vibrant streets.

What sets this experience apart is the engaging and professional guidance. Based on reviews, Benny, Vasco, and Danny, the instructors, are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep everyone on task while maintaining a fun, laid-back atmosphere. One guest described Benny as making the class a “blast,” emphasizing how approachable and helpful the guides are, which is crucial when you’re handling ingredients and cooking techniques for the first time.

The setup at custom-made stations allows guests to actively participate, which is a significant plus. Instead of passively watching a demonstration, you’re actually involved in every step—cracking open ingredients, stirring the saffron-infused rice, and learning about regional variations of paella. This kind of engagement makes the experience more memorable and ensures you’ll learn techniques to recreate your favorite dish back home.

The Itinerary—What’s on the Menu?

The class kicks off with a warm welcome and a glass of Cava. From there, the professional chefs lead you through the process of making paella from scratch—covering everything from selecting the right rice to mastering the perfect socarrat, the crispy bottom layer everyone loves. You’ll work in pairs, which is ideal for sharing tips and breaking the ice with fellow travelers.

While the focus is on paella, the experience includes an appetizer selection of traditional Spanish foods like gazpacho, cheese, and charcuterie. These bite-sized starters set the tone and introduce you to Spain’s flavorful, simple ingredients.

Once your paella is simmering, it’s time for the accompanying courses. Guests are invited into a private dining room where everyone gathers around a communal table. Here, you’ll enjoy your homemade paella alongside two desserts, including churros with rich chocolate—an absolute highlight for many reviewers.

The meal is served family-style, which encourages conversation and sharing. True to the reviews, the wine flows freely—bottomless is no exaggeration—offering five different Spanish wines: a sparkling cava, two whites, and two reds. Some guests noted that the wine was truly “bottomless,” so come prepared to sip away without worry.

The Quality of Food and Drink

The food is consistently praised. Guests rave about the delicious paellas—with some trying seafood, calamari, and ink variations—each made with care and authentic ingredients. One review called it the “best-ever Madrid paella class,” emphasizing how well-organized and flavorful the dishes are.

The wine selection is another standout. With five different wines, including sparkling and reds, there’s enough variety to suit different palates. Reviewers often mention how the staff keeps the glasses topped up, ensuring a festive, relaxed vibe.

The desserts, particularly churros with chocolate, receive high marks as a sweet finish. The appetizers—gazpacho and cheese—are described as fresh and flavorful, giving you a well-rounded taste of Spanish cuisine.

Learning, Laughs, and Making New Friends

The instructors are praised for their friendliness and expertise. Many reviewers highlight how engaging and approachable Benny, Vasco, and Danny are, making the class feel more like a fun gathering than a formal lesson. The social aspect seems to be a big part of the appeal, with guests forming connections over shared dishes and glasses of wine.

Some guests mentioned slightly loud background music, which made hearing instructions a bit challenging at times. However, this didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment, as the instructors are attentive and quick to help.

The shared experience—cooking together, feasting, and sampling wines—creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. One guest described the group as a “United Nations of cooking classes,” noting the diverse backgrounds of fellow participants and the sense of camaraderie that develops naturally.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Considering the cost of approximately $137.87 per person, this class offers excellent value. It’s not just a cooking lesson—it’s an all-encompassing cultural experience with food, wine, and social bonding. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the generous portions and unlimited wine make it feel like an indulgent, festive afternoon.

While some might find the pace slightly brisk for a slow, leisurely meal, the lively environment, clear instructions, and high-quality food and wine make it a memorable activity. Plus, you walk away with new skills and recipes to impress your friends back home.

Who Will Love This?

This class is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and travelers eager to learn about authentic Spanish cuisine in a lively, social setting. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hands-on activities, want to meet fellow travelers, or simply look for a fun, engaging way to spend an afternoon in Madrid.

If you’re a beginner or even an intermediate cook, you’ll appreciate the clear guidance and supportive atmosphere. It’s also a fantastic choice for couples or small groups wanting a shared experience filled with good food and laughter.

FAQs

Is the class suitable for vegetarians?
The class primarily focuses on traditional paella, which often includes seafood or meat. You might find vegetarian options are not explicitly offered, so it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

How long does the class last?
The experience runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, enough time to learn, cook, eat, and enjoy the wines.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the wine truly bottomless?
According to reviews, guests can enjoy as much wine as they like during the class, making it a very relaxed and festive experience.

What’s included in the meal?
You’ll get four appetizers, your own handmade paella, two desserts (like churros with chocolate), and a variety of five Spanish wines.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?
Not at all. The class is designed to be fun and accessible for all skill levels, guided by professional chefs.

Is the location easy to reach?
Yes, the class takes place at The Cooking Clubhouse in Madrid’s city center, near public transportation.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
It’s best to contact the provider directly to discuss any dietary needs. The focus is on traditional Spanish dishes, but accommodations may be possible.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, maximum of 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and interactive.

Do I receive a recipe to take home?
While not explicitly mentioned, many guests leave with new skills and recipes, so you might want to ask the staff during the class.

Final Thoughts

This paella cooking class offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Madrid’s culinary heart. You’ll learn to cook a signature dish, taste a variety of Spanish wines, and enjoy a convivial meal with new friends—all in a modern, welcoming setting.

It’s perfect for travelers eager to deepen their appreciation of Spanish cuisine, enjoy a fun social activity, and take home new culinary skills. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, this experience delivers flavor, laughter, and lasting memories.

If you’re visiting Madrid and want a taste of local life through food and wine, this class should definitely be on your list. Just arrive ready to cook, sip, and share—your taste buds and new friends will thank you!