Warm summer nights with a cool breeze coming in from the Atlantic, rapturous flamenco performed live and rumbling from the stage of an age-old bar with a reverberant and heartfelt wallop, irresistible tapas after irresistible tapas devoured al fresco with ample sherry to wash it all down – Jerez de la Frontera is a dream.
To be sure, I revelled in my visit to this far south Spanish city. Hosted by the good folks from sherry brand, Tio Pepe, I was there in mid June for a tour of the town and the countryside. Before and after that trip though, I was amazed by how often I had to explain to others why getting to go there was such a pleasure for me.
Too many Brits think of sherry as a drink for grandmothers only, to stow away and sip once a year during Christmas. If that’s the case, then jingle my bells and call me Granny, ‘cause I love the stuff! But more than something sweet for a Yuletide treat, I reckon a dry sherry – such as Tio Pepe – is as refreshing a beverage as can be had on a sunny summer’s day. But between a dry fino and a treacle-like sweet sherry, there’s a lot of variation. Seriously if know what you’re after, this potent quaff offers some of the best value for flavour on the market.
Coupled with the learning curve on what sherry is – and why it’s so delicious – there seems to be a general lack of knowledge about where it comes from – and why it’s such an amazing place. I was completely surprised by how many people here in London had no idea where I was talking about when I excitedly told them about my trip to Jerez.
I hope through a short series of Feeling Fino posts, I can share my love of this versatile wine and its fascinating home. Also, to further win you all over the wonders of sherry, I’m going to give away some related goodies to one lucky reader. The prize will include a bottle of Tio Pepe of course. So be sure to keep an eye out for that!
Until then, take a gander at the basics tips on visiting Jerez.
Fly
I reached Jerez via Gatwick with an outbound flight to Sevilla (with BA) and returned to Gatwick via Gibraltar (with easyJet). Both Sevilla and Gibraltar are under an hour and half drive from Jerez. The city has its own airport as well, located just outside of town and serviced by a number of airlines including Ryanair and Iberia.
Sleep
During my visit, I stayed at Hotel Jerez & Spa, situated conveniently within walking distance of the historic section of town. My room was spacious and comfy with a lovely private veranda. Taking a dip in the hotel’s giant pool on a sunny and hot afternoon was a delight. Breakfast buffet was full on laden with fresh fruits, breads, cheeses, plenty of local charcuterie and more. Go to hoteljerezspa.spainhotels.it for further details.
More
Check out tiopepe.co.uk for all sorts of extra info about fino and the fine city where it’s made.
More to come in my series about Feeling Fino in Jerez.
