There are still days in August to enjoy a good wine in the middle of the afternoon in the capital. We visit some of the best spaces in which to discover new references or the most outstanding from select wineries.

PALACE OF THE DUKES GRAN MELIA

In an enviable enclave overlooking the Opera and the Royal Palace, this quiet and select rooftop has created an ideal plan to enjoy the last days of summer in Madrid, combining food, drink and pool. On the one hand, there is its Pool Experience, which includes a day pass with refreshing swims in the pool, a bottle of champagne and an aperitif based on caviar or scallops. For the sunset they are inclined to the Sunset Experience plan that combines a cocktail menu, a snack and good music enjoying the views of the most traditional Madrid.

Where: Cuesta de Sto. Domingo, 5. Tel.: 91 541 6700.

THE TERRACE OF SANTO MAURO

Perhaps it is one of the most elegant and quiet gardens in Madrid, where gastronomy, cocktails, music and, important at this time, a lot of shade are combined. As they tell us from the hotel, in their menu there is no shortage of anchovy toasts; the Russian egg egg white and crab salad; shrimp and jerky croquettes; its saam of matured eel or its bikini of Iberian loin and comte cheese, which already enjoys national fame. Of course, all accompanied by a delicious glass of wine to choose from its long menu of wineries and if you do not feel like one, its renewed cocktail menu is an exquisite option.

Where: Zurbano, 36. Phone: 91 319 69 00.

GANZ VINE BAR

In the heart of the Barrio de las Letras, it is a very French space both in recipes and decoration, which offers delicious market cuisine and an infinite and tasty wine list. As they themselves describe, "it usually contains around 400 references. It's easy to find options for proper drinking in summer, especially if you let yourself be advised by someone on the team." In addition, their mission is to train about wine culture, since "there are people who still do not know that you can drink something more than cool whites in summer, and it is our job to make them discover that there are many more options, such as Galician reds of low grade and good acidity or, for example, reds from the Jura, one of our favorite regions", Add.

Where: Almadén, 9. Tel.: 91 042 29 13.

ARZÁBAL RETIREMENT

A success every summer if you are looking for a cool place where there is always a good atmosphere. They define themselves as a tavern of the XXI century, which pays great attention to the product in a memory kitchen. Its owners, Iván Morales and Álvaro Castellanos, reveal that, "this summer, some of our wines can be accompanied by some of our classic tapas such as Iberian ham croquettes with latxa sheep's milk, or Russian salad with tuna belly. If we already talk about dinner, we must not lose sight of the potatoes to the importance with crayfish; the tripe casserole; the pan of free-range eggs with truffle; the bluefin tuna tartare or the tomato salmorejo with grated egg and Iberian ham mince, among others".

Where: Av. de Menéndez Pelayo, 13. Phone: 91 409 5661.

TOTEM HOTEL

This hotel in the heart of the Salamanca district is a haven of peace, and the perfect place to have a mid-afternoon wine. It is a simple and pleasant space, with a striking French air in which to enjoy a tasty glass of wine or a cocktail. As they explain "we have created a unique wine experience for our guests. From robust reds to fresh whites, our cellar houses a collection of exceptional wines." A good suggestion if you want an original cocktail is the Bloody Sherry that changes the traditional formula and incorporates sherry wine.

Where: Hermosilla, 23. Phone: 91 426 00 35.

ST. GERMAIN WINE BAR

In a small street near the Potosí market is located this wine bar with bistro spirit, which enjoys a French-style decoration. Its partners wanted to create a place in which wine is the real protagonist, paying special attention to the wineries of small French producers. Lovers of this drink should know that they have more than 20 references by the glass, which they recommend accompanying with some delicatessen from the neighboring country, such as oysters, foie gras or cheese board from the area.

Where: Cochabamba, 21. Phone: 91 93 53 839.

THE HEAVEN OF SONS OF THOMAS

With views of Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, it is the last rooftop to arrive, but it has gained positions for the nights of this month. It is a cocktail bar of Familia La Ancha, with chef Nino Redruello in charge, which unlike its other premises, focuses more on good cocktails, -attention to the Madroño with Bacardi Superior, madrono liqueur, lemongrass cordial, ginger beer and bay leaf essence-; In addition to an extensive wine list and a small, but very select offer of tapas to share, among which guacamole with pickled onions stand out; Andalusian ham or squid croquettes with lime mayonnaise.

Where: Thompson Madrid, Pl. del Carmen, 8th floor.

BERRIA VINE BAR

Its name comes from a beach in Santoña, and it is one of the favorite places for wine lovers as it has an extensive menu, as well as curious, varied and very interesting. The creators of the project are Gabriela Alcorta and Tomás Ucha, who change the concept of gastronomy by reversing the roles, giving special importance to wine and then asking what dishes you want to accompany. Whether you are an expert in the field or if you start in the sector, you will enjoy the best recommendations for each level by the professionals of the place.

Where: Plaza de la Independencia, 6. Tel.: 664 86 43 22.

SALMON GURU

With more than seven years of success, this cocktail bar in the Barrio de las Letras is still one of the most visited. Recently renovated, its new menu has gained prominence, and part of the decoration is a nod to salmon and its life cycle. Its creator is the Argentine Diego Cabrera, who holds number 15 on The World's 50 Best Bars list and explains that "now everything is within reach of people's sight." The new menu, with 28 signature cocktails, is divided into categories: Fruity, Refreshing, Bittersweet or Sours, Strong, Untouchable, For Drivers (non-alcoholic), and What The Fuck? Specifically in this section is one of the most special and demanding, the Panthera Jackson, inspired by a dish discovered during a trip to Malaysia. A mix of pisco, mango, coconut milk and fish sauce.

Where: Echegaray, 21. Phone: 91 0006185.

THE CASTILIAN EMBERS

Your terrace at the Rosewood Villa Magna hotel is perfect for refreshing your August evenings. It has an extensive wine list from all regions of Spain and many abroad, which you can accompany with some of the recommendations of chef Sanabria. Taking into account the high summer temperatures, now the lightness and freshness of proposals such as White Garlic, Cantabrian anchovy and figs, or grilled vegetables with soft coconut milk curry prevail.

Where: Paseo de la Castellana, 22. Tel.: 91 587 12 34.

  • Summer