The white chalky soil that is prevalent here is known has 'albariza' and is ideal for the cultivation of the Palamino grapes which produce the sherry for which Jerez is so well known. The city is the centre of the province's sherry dynasties, such as Domecq and Lacave. It is a legacy that dates back some 250 years when a Scottish family, the Gordons, decided to set themselves up in the wine trade in Cadiz. Shortly thereafter, several Frenchmen established wine businesses in the area, including the families Pemartin, Lustau and Delage. Although no one can contest the foreign origins of a large number of the sherry families, over the years they have developed into a truly Spanish aristocracy. Notwithstanding, today large multinational companies also exercise some control over the leading Jerez bodegas. For more information on sherry click here

Bodegas

Gonzalez Byass, Calle Manuel Maria Gonzalez. This is the largest of the city's bodegas with an impressive dome which was designed by Gustav Eiffel (architect of the Eiffel Tower). Daily tours from 1 pm by prior reservation only.

Pedro Domecq, Calle San Ildefonso 2. Another large bodega which is distinctive for its mass of rounded arches based on the Mezquita in Cordoba. Daily tours which also commence at 1 pm are by prior reservation only.

The smaller bodegas include Williams and Humbert, Calle Nuno de Canas, visits at 12.00 am and 13.00 pm: Sandeman, Calle Pizzaro 10. Visits at 10.30 am and 13.30 pm: Wisdom and Walker, Calle Pizarro. Visits at 12.30 am and 13.45 and Harveys, Calle Arcos 53. Visits at 12.00 noon.