As the holiday season approaches so do the dinner parties and gift obligations that come along with the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, attending a party or going home for the holidays, chances are you’ll need to bring a gift. Luckily, Madrid is home to loads of amazing shops<\/a>, boutiques and galleries. And our\u00a0favorite type of shop in Madrid? The gourmet one!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We’ve never been a big fan of the word gourmet (it sounds a bit stuffy doesn’t it?) so we’re using it here to mean absolutely delicious, high-quality food and drink.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Any of these gourmet shops in Madrid will be able to provide you with a lovely (and edible) gift<\/a> (for yourself or for others!) and have definitely helped make my holiday shopping much easier!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Cacao Sampaka<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Chocolates<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why?<\/strong> Cacao Sampaka<\/a> is undoubtedly one of the city’s best chocolate shops.\u00a0Offering\u00a0only the best quality chocolates, everything here uses authentic cocoa and no preservatives. Visit their shop for one of their melt-in-your-mouth truffles (try fun flavors like saffron or violet!), or take home a whole box\u00a0for the perfect gift.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where: <\/strong>Calle Orellana, 4<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Casa Gonzalez<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Wine and cheese<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why?<\/strong> Casa Gonzalez<\/a> is arguably the prettiest deli in all of Spain (and that’s why it’s a stop on our Huertas Neighborhood Food and Market Tour!). The cozy shop sells excellent, lesser known wines from all over Spain, and a small selection of top quality cheeses. They can whip you up a cheese platter in no time, and pair it with a wine or two (this will quickly make you the most popular dinner guest in town so watch out!).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where: <\/strong>Calle Le\u00f3n, 12<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Spicy Yuli<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Exotic spices and teas<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why?<\/strong> True gourmands in Madrid know all about Spicy Yuli<\/a>. This tiny shop hidden away on Calle Valverde specializes in spices and teas, and the owner, Yuli, knows her stuff! Whether you’re looking to spice up the holidays with a Jamaican curry, or cure your winter cold with a hot cup of green tea, Yuli will take care of you and her prices are great.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where:\u00a0<\/strong>Calle Valverde, 42<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Bodega Santa Cecilia<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Wonderful Spanish cava at all\u00a0price ranges<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

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Why?<\/strong> Get ready to fall in love with some of Spain’s best sparkling wines. The team at Bodega Santa Cecilia<\/a> is extremely passionate about cava, and will be happy to let you sample some for yourself, or give you as many details as you need to make a decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. D\u00f3nde S\u00e1nchez<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Lesser known wines and craft beers, craft beers, Spanish cheeses, and more!<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Photo by our lovely social media intern (and blogger\/photographer) Courtney Likkel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why?<\/strong> Located on the bottom floor of the constantly evolving Mercado Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn, D\u00f3nde S\u00e1nchez<\/a> is one of the city’s best shops for a selection of locally produced Spanish products. Wines, cheeses, pat\u00e9s, jams and much more grace the shelves of owner Paz’s display. This is another stop on our Huertas tour, so make sure to sign up for the full experience!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where:<\/strong> Mercado Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn, Calle\u00a0Santa\u00a0Isabel, 5<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

6. Torrons Vicens<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For: Classic and modern styles of Spanish turr\u00f3n<\/em><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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