Madrid
What to Expect
Madrid's natural wine scene has exploded from a single market stall in 2016 to a thriving network of bars across the capital. From Malasaña's hipster heart to Lavapiés' multicultural energy and the Literary Quarter's elegant bistros, expect Spanish varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Albillo Real alongside skin-contact Palomino and zero-sulfite Gredos wines. The city balances traditional castizo taverns with vinyl-spinning natural wine temples where orange wine flows freely.
Malasaña (Hipster Heartland)
The ground zero of Madrid's natural wine revolution. Opened in 2016 by former teacher José, Bendito was the first natural wine bar in Madrid, tucked into a former vegetable stall in the historic San Fernando Market. This is where a generation of Madrileños fell in love with "vinos naturales." The vibe is pretense-free: vinyl spinning on the turntable, fantastic charcuterie and artisan cheeses from Cultivo, and sourdough from Obrador San Francisco. The staff lets you try wines before committing to a glass, and prices are beyond fair. Weekends often feature winemakers visiting to share their latest bottles. If you want to understand Madrid's natural wine scene, start here—it's the living room where the movement was born. The market setting adds to the buzz, surrounded by fresh produce and local energy.
A liquid ode to 100% Spanish natural wine disguised as an eclectic living room. Opened in 2021 by Antonella Burton with partners from La Santoría, FUN FUN is a cozy, art-filled sanctuary dedicated exclusively to Spanish natural wines. The space feels like a cool friend's apartment—vintage furniture, contemporary art, and warm lighting. Their menu organizes wines into five categories: reds, whites, rosés, oranges (skin-contact whites), and bubbles, all from small family wineries. It's deeply committed to showcasing Spain's natural wine diversity, from Galician Albariño to Catalan Sumoll and Andalusian Palomino. The atmosphere is relaxed but energetic, attracting a young, creative crowd. Perfect for discovering indigenous varieties without leaving Madrid. They host regular tastings and winemaker meet-ups in the intimate back room.
Lavapiés (Multicultural & Bohemian)
The vibrant Galician outpost with natural wine on tap. Founded by Javier Vázquez in 2017 as an offshoot of O Pazo de Lugo, La Caníbal revolutionized Madrid's scene by introducing natural wine on tap—previously unheard of in the capital. The spacious, high-energy bar combines a massive craft beer selection with one of the city's most adventurous natural wine lists. The Galician influence runs deep: try the croquetas de lacón con grelos (pork shoulder and broccoli rabe croquettes), octopus, or Galician seafood empanadas. The wine selection includes exclusive bottles made specifically for them—like Julián Ruiz's Tempranillo from Toledo and Daniel Ramos's Sauvignon Blanc from Ávila. Prices are astonishing, with liters of wine on tap averaging €12. It's loud, lively, and unpretentious—perfect for group gatherings where some want beer, others want rare natural wine.
The wine boutique that won over The New York Times. La Fisna is a cozy, bright space in the heart of Lavapiés that feels more like a living room than a commercial bar. With over 300 references focusing on natural, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wines, it's a serious destination for wine lovers. The collection includes 600 bottles representing the philosophy of "minimum intervention for curious palates." While they stock international gems, there's special attention to sherries, Burgundies, and champagnes from small producers. The menu is simple but perfect: charcuterie, cheeses, croquettes, and standout dishes like roasted peppers with mackerel. There's a private back room for 6-8 people if you want an intimate tasting. Eric Asimov of the NYT highlighted it as one of Madrid's essential wine destinations, praising its accessibility and deep knowledge without snobbery.
Justicia (Upscale & Trendy)
The 200-reference temple of natural wine and vinyl. From Fede Graciano (creator of Acid Bakehouse), GOTA has become Madrid's most outstanding natural wine destination. The design is sleek—wooden tables, dim lights, mirrors, and metallic details—with a soundtrack spinning on vinyl (anything from The Black Keys to salsa legend Willie Colón). The wine list features 200+ references, 70% international, with bottles from Slovenia, Hungary, Czechia, and France alongside Spanish gems. They emphasize family- and female-run wineries. The seasonal menu by Italian chef Cadu evolves constantly: standout dishes include Mexican-style raw tuna on toast, pumpkin gnocchi, and sea bass crudo. It's where Madrid's fashion crowd and serious wine lovers converge. Despite the trendy vibe, the team is approachable and loves to guide you through their eclectic selection. Very popular—reservations essential or arrive exactly at opening.
The basement-to-rooftop celebration of family farming. Run by the Villalon brothers as an homage to their mother Angelita, this three-level venue is tucked behind Gran Via on a street that contrasts sharply with the kebab shops nearby. The ground floor and basement offer one of Madrid's most extensive wine lists—dozens by the glass with half-glass pours available for maximum exploration. Much of the produce comes from their family farm in Zamora. The summer tomato salad is legendary, and the charcuterie and cheese plates are flawless. After dinner, head downstairs to their cocktail bar or upstairs to the hidden rooftop. The wine list balances natural gems with classic references, making it perfect for groups with mixed preferences. It's refined but relaxed, with impeccable service that never feels stuffy. Book well ahead—this is one of Madrid's hottest tables.
Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras)
The Italian-Caribbean fusion with natural wine soul. Opened by chef Carlos Gremone and Débora Schneider (alumni of Barcelona's Bar Centro) with partner Luis Miguel Castaño, Bar-Vi is a love letter to honest cooking and minimal-intervention wines. The menu takes you on a journey through Italy with Caribbean twists—think sourdough with citrus whipped butter, Cetara anchovies on brioche with ricotta, and sweet chilli pulled pork with mint. The "v" stands for vino: the list is alive, constantly evolving, and composed entirely of biodynamic, sustainable, small-batch productions from their personal connections across Europe. No grand appellations or classic labels—just bottles that tell stories. The space is warm and homely, designed for lingering, ordering another round, and losing track of time. It's mature, personal, and avoids pretense while maintaining serious culinary standards. A short menu "as finely tuned as a great album."
The micro-tavern with rotating chefs and rare gems. Amanda Leite worked at various Madrid wine bars before opening this tiny, dynamic space on Calle León. Bocanada (meaning "a gulp") features rotating guest chefs, a minuscule dining room, and a wine list focused on hard-to-find bottles from small producers. It's been featured in countless newspapers and on Eva Longoria's Searching for Spain series. The concept is simple: Amanda curates wines she believes in, brings in different chefs to keep the menu fresh, and creates an inevitable communal atmosphere where you'll make friends with neighboring tables. Given the size, you invariably end up sharing stories and glasses. The food ranges from refined tapas to experimental small plates depending on who's cooking that week. It's intimate, bustling, and always surprising—a true wine lover's hideaway where discovery is guaranteed.
Chamberí (Upscale Residential)
The Barcelona import that brought Brooklyn to Chamberí. After launching Masa Vins in Barcelona to great success, Antonella Tignanelli opened this Madrid outpost in trendy Plaza de Olavide. The aesthetic screams Brooklyn or London—white brick, mirrors, metallic details, and the city's most Instagrammable bathroom. Natural wine is the undisputed star, with a rotating list emphasizing family- and female-run wineries from Eastern Europe (Slovenia, Hungary, Czechia) alongside Spanish producers. The soundtrack spins on vinyl (The Black Keys to Willie Colón) curated by sommelier-DJ Santi. The menu features seasonal small plates with international flair: Mexican-style raw tuna on toast is the permanent star, while pumpkin gnocchi and Argentinian fainá (chickpea flatbread) showcase the kitchen's range. They marinate their own olives and serve some of Madrid's most unique wines. It's where the cool kids of Chamberí gather for chilled-out afternoons that turn into buzzing evenings.
The fermentation laboratory in a local market. Co-directed by Nacho García and Daniel Vare since December 2020, Batch occupies a corner of the Vallehermoso Market, democratizing natural wines alongside house-made kimchis, chucruts, and fermented goods. The Parisian-influenced menu by Daniel Varea showcases seasonal, local products in playful, experimental dishes—Galician scallops cooked to perfection, delicate vegetables, and surprising textures. The wine list is as unique as the food: Slovenian reds, Georgian amber wines, French pet-nats, and Sierra de Madrid rarities. Everything is beautiful and simple, from the plates to the glassware. It's informal yet refined, with an emphasis on education and discovery. They regularly host tastings and producer meet-ups. The market setting gives it authentic neighborhood energy—locals shopping for produce while you discover an orange wine from Kakheti. A true foodie's paradise where fermentation is king.
