Jerez

Jerez is the town that gave its name to Sherry - Jerez-Xeres-Sherry [Spanish - French- English]. It is in the south west of Spain some 20 miles [32 kilometres] inland from CÃ diz and lies on the fertile plain between the Rivers Guadalquivir, that exits into the Atlantic at Sanlucar de Barrameda and River Guadalete that exits into the Bay of CÃ diz at Puerto de Santa Maria. It is also very close to the Coto Doñana Nature Reserva and marshlands on the other side of the Guadalquivir.

The Phoenicians founded the city in 1100 BC when they arrived at Cadiz and it was here they planted Spain's first wine vines, which were probably Moscatel. 1,600 years later the Moors finally defeated the Visigoths at a site nearby and remained for over 700 years. The Christians overcame the Arab occupation of this part of Spain in 1340 after which the city received the accolade "on the Frontier'. Wine was produced in Jerez since the first vines were planted and Sherry Sack was well known by these times, but it was not until the 18th century that the wines as we know them today began to be made.

Jerez is one of three original centres of Flamenco, Cadiz and Utrera, near Sevilla being the others. The city is also famous for its horses and the fantastic Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Equestre [Royal School of Equestrian Art], Yeguada La Cartuja - Hierro del Bocado (Horse training and stables) the restored Alcazaba with a CÃ mera overlooking the Cathedral in front, as well as its Horse Fair in May and Vintage Festival in September. Grand Prix celebrations such as the Speed track of Jerez, are held in tow.

Above all Jerez is known for its Sherry Bodegas [Wineries] many of which have now moved out of the lovely white walled old premises in the city to state of the art installations on the outskirts: Bodegas Gonzalez & Byass, Pedro Domecq, Williams & Humbert, Sandeman, Marques del Real Tesoro. Most welcome visitors, indeed some make a business of this trade, and there are plenty of Hotels restaurants and Tapas bars to enjoy.

With more than 3200 hours of sunlight per year, you can really enjoy all this city has to offer, it is an ideal place for golf lovers as there are many important golf courses in the area.