Profile of Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera was one of the "Frontier" towns between areas ruled by the Moorish Caliphs and by
the Christian Monarchs. "De la Frontera" (on the border) was attached to many of the town names who
existed on this fuzzy border, including Chiclana, Arcos, Conil and Vejer. Jerez was reconquered from
the Moors by Fernando III in 1251, only to be lost again, and on and on it went for centuries.
Jerez is the capital of Sherry country. "Jerez" is actually "Sherry" mispronounced, centuries ago by
British wine importers. It is home to many of the big names (González Byass, Emilio Lustau, Garvey,
Emilio Hidalgo, John Harvey, etc). The town has an aristocratic air, with wide avenues linked with
palms, and many lovely squares. The two most interesting architectural monuments are the Cathedral of
Salvador (boasting a masterpiece painting by Zurbarán, "The Sleeping Girl", in the Sacristy) and the
remains of an 11th century Moorish fortress (called the Alcazaba, it contains a maintained mosque).
Jerez came onto the world scene with the huge increase of demand for its local fortified wine, sherry.
The story goes that Sir Francis Drake sacked the town of Cádiz, making off with barrel after barrel of
the sweet tipple. England got a taste for the wine, including Shakespeare, one of Sherry's biggest fans.
Sherry has an ancient history, with a wine history dating back thousands of years to the Phoenicians.
Even before Sir Francis Drake brought the wine back to England, other wineries had been making sherry
commercially for centuries. The history of Valdespino winery in Jerez, for example, dates back to the
year 1264 when the King of Spain granted one of his knights, Alonso Valdespino, 30 acres of vineyards.
More than 700 years later Valdespino is still selling wine and is one of the oldest bodegas in the
Sherry Region. Visiting the ancient bodegas (the wineries) is certainly a "must do" for wine lovers visiting Jerez de
la Frontera.
Gastronomy and Wine
Sherry is quite obviously the most identifiable wine from the region. Made from Palomino grapes
(along with Pedro Ximenez), sherry comes in a variety of styles. (Learn more about Sherry wine in the
"Wine Regions" section of this website). It is considered by many to be the perfect aperitif and it is
served in all of the bars with the "Tapas", like olives, strong cheeses, "Chorizo" cured sausage
slices, salted almonds, etc.
The "Gastronomia Gaditana" (meaning food from the region of Cadiz, to which Jerez belongs) is varied
and delicious. You'll find freshly caught seafood (Flounder, Sea bass, Plaice, Mahi Mahi, Hake, etc),
and a variety of shellfish; Oxtail soup (made fresh after the bullfights), lovely cold soups
(gazpacho, almond, Tomato with mint, pureed melon with bacon, etc); Braised quail; tender beef, etc.
Typical dishes include: "Langostinos al ajillo" (giant prawns in a garlic sauce), "Urta a la Rotena"
(Perch sautéed with sherry, tomatoes and onions), and "Dorada a la sal" (Mahi Mahi cooked in a salt
crust).
Highlights
The Bodegas:
Many of the historic bodegas in Jerez, in Sanlucar del Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria
(the Sherry Triangle) are open to the general public. González Byass is an exquisite winery, with an
impressive dome designed by Gustav Eiffel (of the Eiffel Tower). Pedro Domecq, is another exceptional
winery with graceful arches resembling a mosque (and called "la Mezquita"), which was in fact inspired
by Cordoba's superb Mosque. On our wine tours guests receive special private tours with the winemakers
(not tour guides) where we can taste "the good stuff" (not on offer for the general tours), hear their
stories and anecdotes and get a closer look at the passion and dedication behind the wine.
The Royal Equestrian Academy, "Real Escuela de Arte Equestre":
This elegant 19th century mansion, designed by the architect of the Opera House in Paris, is home to
one of Spain's most unique art forms, the "Dancing Horses". Apart from scheduled shows (accompanied by
flamenco dancers and guitar players), the training sessions are interesting as well. The show is
called "Symphony on Horseback, an Equestrian ballet".
Arab Baths
The Arabic baths date back to a time when Jerez was part of the Caliphate of Cordoba, under Moorish
rule. The mosque in Cordoba (12 centuries old) was at one point the biggest in the Muslim world.
The Clock Museum
Perhaps the most bizarre tourist attraction is the "Museo de Reloj". It's collection of over 300
clocks, many from the 16th-19th centuries, is one of the biggest in Europe. The museum is located in a
palace, famous for its wandering peacocks.
Museo de Arte Flamenco
This 18th century building houses a vast collection of historical musical instruments made for
Andalusia's unique performing art form, Flamenco.
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Food & Wine Tours Jerez
This is a wonderful luxury tour, tailored just for 2, focusing on Wine and Gourmet dining, Andalucia's historic and most beautiful towns, fantastic accommodation, and on the famous "Cartujano" horses. You will be collected in Málaga by your personal Chauffeur Guide (Mercedes or similiar) and whisked off to the famous sherry town of El Puerto De Santa Maria...