Jerez de la Frontera - Fascinating Fact 3

Sherry tasting experience © Michelle Chaplow
Sherry tasting experience

THE BRITISH CONNECTION

Fortified wines were first exported to England from Jerez as long ago as the 14th century; some British Catholics fled here in the 16th century and started up as wine-traders. Later, in the 17th century, others opened their own bodegas (Garvey, Duff-Gordon, Wisdom & Warter). These Anglo/Scottish/Irish-Spanish families - Byass, Harveys, Osborne, Sandeman, Williams & Humbert, and Terry - became known as "Sherry Barons", developing their own individual social class, a sort of anglophile Spanish wine aristocracy, giving the city the reputation as home of the señoritos (toffs), set apart from the rest of Andalucia. These families are well-know for their love of horses (see Fact IV). The continuing strength of this British link shows clearly in the fact that Britain is still the main market for sherry.

  • Fact 1 - Did you know that Jerez can trace its origins back to Roman times?
  • Fact 2 - Want to see how sherry is made? Then get thee to a bodega, or even a museum
  • Fact 3 - The British have had a presence in Jerez for centuries
  • Fact 4 - The elegant horse-rider wearing his grey suit is a classic Jerez image
  • Fact 5 - Home to Lola Flores, the city has a strong flamenco tradition
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