When tourists and visitors come to Spain one of the first things they want to do is go out for tapas (small appetizers served when you order a drink) because it is a Spanish tradition known around that world.  Spaniards are a very social people and they love to talk, socialize, be with their friends and neighbors, and, of course, to eat and drink.  

It has been said that tapas are perfect for encouraging conversation because you are not focused on eating an entire meal, but rather you stick a tapa in your mouth between sentences or paragraphs.  Having tapas is also normally done standing up and moving around as you greet and engage in social discourse with the other patrons of the bar.  It's a great way to eat without having to put much thought into it because with every little glass of wine or caña (small glass of beer), along comes another tapa.  How wonderful. 

 

Wine and tapas in Spain.  What a great combination, what a great way to past the time, cherished by both locals and visitors; eating great tapas and washing them down with incredible Spanish wine and, of course, all accompanied with great conversation. You can do wine tasting and go on tapa tours but when you combine them together, you'll think you've died on gone to heaven.  

 

There is a tour we recommend for those who want to discover a few of Madrid's great tapas bars and try out some excellent Spanish wine that leaves from the Plaza Santa Ana every Wednesday and Sunday at 8:00 pm.  It lasts approximately two and a half hours and costs around 70 Euros.  This tour includes visiting three or four bars in the old part of Madrid and enough food and wine to fill you up.  On this wine and tapas tour you'll discover hidden spots with great atmosphere.