JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

The home of both sherry (the English translation of Jeréz), and Andaluciá’s noble breed of thoroughbred horse, the roots of flamenco can also be traced back to this historic city. But in surprising contrast to its age-old traditional claims to fame, Jeréz de la Frontera is additionally renowned for Formula One and motorcycle racing.

Located between the mighty provincial capitals of Sevilla and Cádiz, the magnificent city of Jeréz de la Frontera is a three-hour drive from the Costa del Sol and takes its name from Spain’s major export - the world’s favourite pre-prandial tipple: sherry. Known to the Moors as Seris, later becoming Xéréz and Jeréz in Spanish, the origins of sherry date back to the times of the Phoenicians and Romans, with the fortified wine first making a debut in Britain in the XIII century, although it was Sir Francis Drake who truly established its popularity by introducing it to the English Court some 200 years later. Since then, the pre-dinner drink – in its many different guises, from pale and dry, to thick and sweet – has never looked back.

An overnight success, the British quickly moved into Jeréz, where household names such as Domecq, González-Byass, Gordon, Harveys, Osborne, Sandeman and Terry predominate. Many are now part of multinational organisations benefiting from state-of-the-art technology, and currently there are more than 60 registered, cathedral-like bodegas within the quintessential ‘Sherry Triangle’ formed by the towns of Jeréz, Sanlúcar de Barrameda (at the mouth of the Guadalquivir) and El Puerto de Santa María, on Andalucía’s Atlantic coast.

Equally fundamental to the city’s incomparable renown are its time-honoured equine links. Highly prized for its extraordinary agility, finely-honed intelligence, noble bearing and graceful posture, the Andalusian horse originates from the city’s prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where visitors can watch, entranced, the prima ballerina grace of the ‘dancing’ horses, and awe-inspiring bonding between rider and steed unforgettably displayed by the precision dressage events. In fact, such is the city’s major, international contribution in terms of elitist breeding programmes and livery stables, that Jeréz hosted the World Equestrian Games in 2002.

The city also shares with neighbouring Sevilla its claim to be the original birthplace of flamenco. With their close proximity, lack of early documentation, and the passing of the years, it’s hard to tell who is right, although many insist that the clue to the heart and soul of this classical art so fundamental to the spirit of Spain does indeed lie within the ancient walls of Jeréz.

Despite the city’s incontrovertible links with the past, Jeréz also boasts one of Spain’s major racing tracks. Just six kilometres from the centre, the impressive Circuito de Jeréz regularly hosts international Formula One meetings and is also a major fixture for the Spanish Motorcyle Grand Prix

VIVA TOP TIPS
*When visiting Jeréz, why not take in a bodega or two? Guided tours and tastings are available from around 6€.

*Don’t miss the spectacular Annual Horse Fair held at the beginning of May. It’s much, much more than a purely equestrian show, with flamenco, music, and plenty of fun and entertainment. But make sure to reserve your overnight accommodation well in advance.

*The Jeréz Wine Festival takes place in September of each year and lasts for most of the month – don’t miss it!

*If you’re planning to visit Jeréz during the Formula One or Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix, again book your accommodation as soon as you can.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Jeréz Tourist Office:
Tel: (+34) 956 320 834
www.turismojerez.com

Race Track: Tel: (+34) 956 151 100
www.circuitodejerez.com

Official Sherry Website:
Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen Jeréz – Xérés – Sherry
Avda A. Álvaro Domecq 2, Jeréz de la Frontera
Tel: (+34) 956 332 050
www.sherry.org