The History of Tapas – A Virtual Evening in Spain

The History of Tapas – A Virtual Evening in Spain – March 26, 2021

Are you a pragmatist and believe the theory that covering the top of the wine glass with a piece of bread or meat to protect it from flies was the inception of tapas? Or are you a monarchist and believe the story that while recovering from an illness, King Alfonse X of Castile drank wine with small dishes between meals? Or are you a bit cheeky and believe the theory that King Philip III imposed a law requiring alcohol be served with food in an effort to curb the behavior of rowdy Spanish sailors and soldiers?

These origin stories and others were discussed as chapter member Jim Henry hosted a Virtual Evening in Spain. Our goal was to explore Spain’s various wine regions, enjoying succulent tapas, as we sampled Spanish wines beyond the most well-known Rioja and Cava. Tapas was provided by Burlington-based local restaurant Barra Fion