Jerez, Spain is a center of winemaking, after which one of the varieties of the noble drink was named. Numerous bodegas that operate in the city today offer tourists excursions with tastings.
General information
Jerez de la Frontera is a Spanish city in the southern part of the country. It is part of the autonomous community of Andalusia and is part of the province of Cadiz . The total area of the city of Jerez in Spain is 1188.14 km². The population is just over 200,000 people.
Jerez de la Frontera is the most populated city in the Andalusian province of Cadiz. It is also the largest tourist center in southern Spain, popular thanks to Formula 1 racing.
The city of Jerez de la Frontera in Spain is the name of the sherry wine, which has been produced there for several hundred years. Today, more than 30 varieties of this alcoholic beverage are known.
Attractions and entertainment
Jerez Cathedral (Catedral de Jerez de la Frontera)
The Cathedral of Jerez is a huge Christian temple built on the ruins of a mosque. The landmark has been rebuilt and reconstructed several times, but now it looks like this: a baroque façade, a huge dome in the central part of the temple and many stone statues on the towers.
The interior decoration of the landmark is quite modest – yellowish sandstone walls, small diamond-shaped windows and wooden benches. There are almost no marble or gold items.
- Attraction address: Plaza Encarnación, s/n, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain.
- Opening hours: 10.00-18.30.
- Official website: www.catedraldejerez.es
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Fundacion Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre)
The Royal School of Equestrian Art is one of the few places in the region where you can see Andalusian horses performing. This breed is distinguished by its beauty and grace, which is not typical of other breeds.
At the school you can see a horse dance. This show includes elements of classical dressage and horse riding. Horses perform tricks of varying difficulty, and the action is complemented by traditional Spanish motifs. Tourists say that even the training (not to mention the performance itself!) makes an indelible impression.
- Address: Av. Duque de Abrantes, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain.
- Show time: Thursday and Tuesday at 11:00.
- Ticket price for the show: 25 euros for adults, 15 for pensioners and children.
- Official website: www.realescuela.org
Horse Show (Feria del Caballo)
Many tourists call the Feria del Caballo the most spectacular and fun festival in Jerez de la Frontera. In the largest city park, Parque González Hontoria, you can see horses for a whole week: they participate in races, ride people in carriages and simply walk around the park.
The festive atmosphere is created by the Spanish, who dress up in national costumes (girls in chic multi-colored dresses) and perform traditional songs. In the evening, the park lights up with festive illuminations, and hundreds of bikers ride along the garden with lit lanterns. In general, this is a traditional Spanish entertainment, which has changed somewhat under the influence of time.
It is worth noting that the holiday is really celebrated on a grand scale. Already a month before the festival, work on its improvement begins in the park – summer cafes are opened, decorations are installed and a huge number of flowers are planted.
Alcazar Jerez de la Frontera
The Alcazar of Jerez de la Frontera is a huge complex on the territory of the city, which includes a mosque, the main palace, a park and Arab baths. This landmark of Jerez was built at the time when Spain was ruled by Muslims.
On the territory of the Alcazar, it is worth paying attention to:
- Church of Santa Maria la Real. This is the only church built by Muslims that has survived to this day in Jerez. It is distinguished by its similarity to a mosque: the presence of a prayer hall, a room for ritual ablution, a mihrab and a minaret. Interestingly, Christians, who usually completely destroyed Muslim buildings, left this landmark of Jerez de la Frontera intact.
- The Arab baths are one of the most interesting and atmospheric buildings on the territory of the complex. Three halls where members of the royal family rested are well preserved. Pay attention to the ceiling – there are holes in the shape of stars.
- Octagonal tower.
- Armory yard.
Don’t forget to visit the gardens – cypresses, tea roses, palms and olive trees grow here. Small ponds with goldfish serve as decoration.
- Address of the attraction: Calle Alameda Vieja, s/n, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain.
- Opening hours: 09.30-17.30 (weekdays), 09.30-14.30 (weekends).
- Price: 5 euros for adults and 1.80 for children.
Palace of the Viceroy of Laserna (Palacio del Virrey Laserna)
The Palace of the Viceroy of Lasern is the only museum in Jerez that is still inhabited. It is a small but very atmospheric building in the city center, the interior of which looks no worse than the halls of the best palaces in Spain.
Unfortunately, only the most beautiful, ceremonial rooms are open to visitors. You won’t be able to get into the rest – the descendants of the owners of this palace live in them.
Tourists say that it is the communication with the owner of the house (he usually conducts tours) and the love with which he speaks of every thing in the palace that makes the visit to the attraction very memorable.
- Address: de la, Calle Pozuelo, 8, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain.
- Opening hours: 10.00-14.00, 16.00-19.00.
- Price: 7 euros.
- Official website: www.palaciodelvirreylaserna.com
Church of San Miguel
San Miguel is the oldest church in Jerez, built in 1484. According to legend, the money for its construction was collected by old monks who were passing through the city.
This landmark of Jerez is built in the Gothic style: graceful stone statues of the Virgin Mary, carved columns and high pointed arches. The church has the shape of a tower.
The interior of the landmark reminds many of an Orthodox cathedral – an abundance of gold on the walls and ceiling, high stone columns and elegant candelabra. The gilded altar and ceiling vaults, painted by the best Spanish masters, attract attention.
- Address: Plaza San Miguel 4, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
- Opening hours: 9.30-13.30, 16.30-18.30 (Monday-Friday).
Wineries of Jerez
Since it was in Jerez that one of the most popular varieties of wine was invented, dozens of wineries continue to operate here today, having already developed more than 30 variations of this drink.
Unlike classic wine varieties, sherry has a more complex and tart taste, and its strength ranges from 15 to 22˚. The production process is significantly different – it is longer and more complex.
Below you will find information about the best wineries according to tourists.
Bodega Sandeman (The House of Sandeman Jerez)
Bodega Sandeman is one of the oldest in the city. It was founded in 1790, and the sixth generation of this family has been working on the creation of sherry. You can only get into the winery with a guide, with whom you need to book a meeting in advance.
The walk lasts half an hour. The guide speaks Russian, German, French and English. During the excursion, tourists will visit wine cellars, visit the exhibition hall, where they will tell and show the technology of making real sherry.
At the end, guests will be invited to a tasting of the noble drink (they will be offered to try 4 types of wine).
Price:
| Tour name | Price (Euro) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 10 | Tasting of three sherry wines + half-hour tour |
| Standard+ | 15 | Tasting of four old sherries + walk |
| 1790 tour | 25 | Tasting of 4 premium sherries + 4 old + 2 cognacs. Excursion |
Official website: www.sandeman.com
Bodegas Tradicion
Tradición is a bodega that looks more like a museum than a winery. In addition to a rich collection of wines, you can see old paintings (for example, works by Goya, Velázquez and Zurbarán) and interior items. The building itself attracts no less attention – it is an old wine cellar, which was restored several years ago.
There is no need to sign up for the tour – you can find the schedule on the website and come at a convenient time. The walk begins in the art gallery and continues in the wine cellar, where the guide will tell you all about the processes of making quality sherry and the history of the enterprise. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a wine tasting – 4 types of sherry + brandy. The tour lasts 90 minutes.
- Price: 30 euros.
- Official website: https://bodegastradicion.es/en/
Tio Pepe (Bodegas Tio Pepe)
This is the most advertised winery, whose logo can be seen on many city brochures and banners. It is also the largest and most authentic bodega in Jerez – several decades ago the territory of the enterprise was part of the city, but later it was bought out and an atmospheric tourist route was created.
Interestingly, the buildings still bear the names of old streets and alleys, and the winery grounds are so large that tourists are taken on a small train from one building to another.
The tour starts at the central entrance, where the guide gives general information about the plant and its history. Afterwards, tourists board a steam locomotive, and the group sets off to inspect all of the family’s holdings. At the end, guests inspect the cellars and have lunch. Duration: about 1 hour. There is no need to book in advance – you must arrive at the winery at 12:00, 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.
- Price: 15 euros (entrance) + 20 euros (lunch with tasting).
- Official website: https://www.tiopepe.es
Luis Perez (Bodegas Luis Perez)
Bodega Luis Perez is one of the best if you are interested in the wine making process. There are not many tourists here, as this winery does not make sherry – only classic wines.
The tour lasts 2.5 hours. During this time, tourists will walk around all the production workshops, go down to the cellar, and also walk around the vineyard plantation. At the end of the walk, tourists will be invited to the tasting room – there guests can try 4 varieties of red wine and one rose.
There is no need to book in advance – excursions start daily at 10:00, 11:30 and 12:00. You can follow changes in the schedule on the official website.
- Price: 20 euros for adults and 8 euros for students. Additional charge of 10 euros for tasting of additional four types of wine.
- Official website: https://bodegasluisperez.com
Fundador (Bodegas Fundador)
Fundador is the largest sherry producer in the town. It is at this winery that you can see the largest cellars and visit the most atmospheric production facilities. As for excursions, tourists’ opinions are contradictory – many note that the guide’s story is not very informative and boring, so it is not worth going here for new historical facts.
But if you are interested in tasting, this is a great place. At the end of the tour, you will be treated to three types of sherry and wine.
- Price: 12 euros.
- Official website: https://www.grupoemperadorspain.com/es/bodegasfundador/
Accommodation
Jerez has about 100 hotels and just over 250 apartments for rent. Bookings should be made in advance as the city is popular with tourists.
The cost per night in a 3* hotel in a double room will cost 40-60 euros (this is cheaper than in most Spanish cities) in high season. This price includes a spacious room with a balcony, a delicious breakfast and free parking on site.
A 4* hotel will cost a little more in high season – prices for a double room start from 60 euros. Such hotels have a good location and a cafe on the ground floor.
It is also worth considering renting an apartment – it is cheaper, and sometimes even more convenient. Prices for a one-room apartment in the center start from 30 euros. As a rule, the apartments have everything you need for comfortable living: household appliances and essential items. Many owners, whose apartments are located on the outskirts, also guarantee a beautiful view of the mountains.
Useful tips
- If you are interested in sightseeing rather than beach holidays, come to the southern part of Spain in spring or autumn – prices for accommodation and food are significantly lower.
- To make your visit to the winery interesting and educational, read the tour program in advance – it varies significantly in different bodegas.
- The best quality and most delicious sherry can be found in shops near wineries.
- The Strait of Gibraltar is located 100 km from the city of Jerez (Spain).
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