Sherry lovers unite. Jerez de la Frontera is the capital of sherry production. Area soil’s high chalk content and long spells of hot sun help sweeten the Palomino grapes that are eventually turned into one of the world’s finest wines.

 

With the beautiful scenery, historic buildings, attractions, and sunny location, Jerez de la Frontera thrives with activity. Only in Jerez de la Frontera can one indulge in exquisite sherry, tour ancient buildings, and see a dazzling flamenco dancing exhibition all in one day.

Named Jerez de la Frontera because it was the frontier separating Moorish and Christian cultures, this city has seen many cultures - Moors, Romans, and Jews mold its architecture and history. In the 11th century, Alfonso X conquered the land but lost control to the Moors. Alfonso teamed up with the commander of Christian forces and won control back permanently.

 

On thing never changes, Jerez de la Frontera has produced incredible sherry for over 3,000 years. Now the fifth most populated city in Andalucia, Jerez de la Frontera is growing quickly.

Horse fanatics populate the area thanks to the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art - home of the famed dancing horses. On Thursday mornings, the school puts on a special show displaying the students’ dressage skills.

 

As wine and sherry are produced in large quantities, there are many bodegas awaiting visitors. González Byass and Pedro Domecq are two of the best-known bodegas. These wine producers offer tours of their wineries and offer free samples at the end of the tour. Bodega tours typically open at 10.30 am and then close at 2.30 pm. Do not expect to find bodegas open in the month of August. Due to September’s Wine Festival, the area bodegas close down in preparation of the celebration.

 

Built in the 11th century, Alcázar is an ancient mosque now used as a church. The architecture is incredible, and the baths should not be missed. Inside the mosque walls are incredibly fragrant gardens where visitors can enjoy the tranquility. Admission is cheap.  Tourists have access to binocular machines that offer exquisite views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

 

North of Alcázar is La Colgieta, a cathedral adorned with both baroque and renaissance architectural styles. Also called Cathedral of San Salvador, the stunning cathedral houses Zubarán’s painting titled The Sleeping Girl. Alcázar La Colgieta is open to the public at no charge. 

 

It is essential to take in the sights at Palacio de Penmartin. Built in the 18th century, Palacio de Penmartin houses Centro Andaluz de Flamenco, a museum dedicated to Flamenco dancing. Admission is free, and the museum is open five days per week.

 

History buffs will want to tour Plaza del Mercado and stop at the Archaeological Museum to see ancient artifacts from the third century on. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from June to August, and then Tuesday to Friday during the rest of the year.

 

Formula 1 fans will love the Circuito de Jerez. Formula One motorcycle and automobile races are held regularly. Tickets for many events are reasonably priced.

While sherry and wine production provides much of the area’s economic revenue, tourism, and agriculture are also important. Currently, Jerez de la Frontera is working on expanding the city to provide a strong manufacturing base. For now, the country does well with their superb sherry exportation business.

Many area residents and tourist guides guarantee that the tapas at Las Botas is the best in the area. Las Botas local sherry and succulent area dishes ranging from potato omelets to delicate bull meat.

 

Restaurant el Gallo Azul is the brainchild of the Domecq Sherry Company. The restaurant has received numerous awards for their imaginative cuisine. Burgers made from langoustines and monkfish reign supreme. No visit to Jerez de la Frontera is complete without a trip to Restaurant el Gallo Azul.

 

La Mesa Redonda caters to parents and their children. This small, family run restaurant offers innovative cuisine ranging from cured fresh tuna, cured using the family’s secret recipe, to local beef with blood sausages.

 

Winner of the 2002 International Award for Gastronomy, Tendido 6 is located just inside an old, remodeled bullring. The brilliant chef uses local ingredients to prepare fresh chicken, beef, and seafood dishes that are classic examples of Andalusian cuisine.

El Lagá de Tió Parrilla, located on Plaza del Mercado is one of the area’s greatest Flamenco clubs. There is a cover charge, but patrons receive one drink free while being entertained by incredible Flamenco dancers. Shows start at 10.30 pm Monday through Saturday.

 

Bar Alegría caters to the younger crowd. Open Monday through Friday, tapas and drinks are reasonable. The staff are extremely friendly and work hard to please the clientele.

Jerez de la Frontera is a worthy addition to any travel itinerary. The remarkable culture, huge selection of bodegas, and immense number of sunny days makes it a traveller’s delight. Do not miss Jerez de la Frontera during your Spanish vacation.