Discovering Jerez de la Frontera – Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’

Together with Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chiclana, and Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez forms what is known as the “sherry triangle”. The area is positioned midway between the sea and the mountains, and is perfect for growing white grapes.

For anyone who likes a good Sherry, in the traditional tulip shaped glass (Copita), or in any glass for that matter, this may be just the place for you. Jerez de la Frontera has had a reputation for producing incredible sherry right back to the days of the Phoenicians in 1100BC. Later the Moors introduced distillation, which produced brandy and other types of fortified wines.

With over 300 days of sun each year, plus predictable rainfall, the region has an excellent climate for growing grapes. Sherry, once uncorked, is best drunk within two or three weeks, but ‘hey’, you are on holiday, so that’s not going to be a problem! Visit the famous vineyards and taste free samples, but ‘poco a poco’, (little by little) as they say in Spain! Why not shop at the sherry bodegas in the area and see how the process is achieved?

What else does Jerez de la Frontera have to offer?

The Royal Andalucía School of Equestrian riding is based in Jerez, second only to the world famous riding school in Vienna. Incredible and magnificent horses and proud Spanish riders provide an amazing spectacle. The Horse Fair (Feria del Caballo), which takes place during May, is of international importance and, alongside the sherry, has helped put Jerez de la Frontera on an international map.

The Andalucía Centre of Flamenco promotes the traditional art form and Jerez claims to be the place where flamenco singing first started, and is most certainly deeply engrained in the locals’ souls.

The old centre of Jerez is full of historical and cultural sights, many of which date back to medieval time. Its tiny streets and plazas make Jerez the perfect place to stroll around, before another sherry. The Cathedral of San Salvador is an impressive building, a complete mixture of styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo.

All in all Jerez de Frontera is an extremely interesting place to visit, so raise your glasses to the ‘Sherry Triangle’ and enjoy!