ABOUT THE TOUR An immersive journey through Spain’s Sherry Region
Time-honored winemaking, vibrant Andalusian culture, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes converge to offer an unparalleled travel experience. From exclusive tastings and private masterclasses to flamenco nights and Michelin-starred meals, this expertly curated tour invites you to discover the world of Sherry wine in all its depth and splendor.
Western Andalucía
The White Villages & Atlantic Light
Daily Flow & Rhythm Descriptions
Day 1 | Sunday, May 24
14:00 | Guests arrive in the aristocratic Andalusian city of Jerez de la Frontera and check into the lovely, chic, modern, 4-star Hipotels Sherry Park. Settle and rest in preparation for evening activities.
Cocktail reception at Albariza en las venas
19:00 | After a warm greeting and meeting with the other guests, we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with your instructor and tour manager at Restaurante La Carboná • Cocina con Jerez by Chef Javier Muñoz Soto. The restaurant is situated in the town center, housed in a historic sherry bodega with high wooden ceilings, which creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
20:00 | A perfectly curated tasting menu showcasing contemporary elements and traditional dishes awaits you. From savory tapas to delightful desserts, each dish is meticulously crafted to enhance Sherry’s unique flavors. This is an exciting introduction to Sherry and the region!
Day 2 | Monday, May 25
10:00 | We begin our day on an educational journey, visiting the Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry” - “Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda” - “Vinagre de Jerez.”
Here, you will have the unique opportunity to attend a Sherry masterclass led by César Saldaña, the esteemed President of the Regulatory Council and author of The Book of Sherry Wines. His comprehensive and enlightening knowledge, backed by years of experience, will deepen your appreciation of Sherry wine and give you a unique and credible understanding of these Vinos Nobles. The class will include a series of guided tastings, examining in detail all sherry styles and sampling an extensive array of top-quality wines, some of which are rarely seen outside the Sherry region.
13:00 | Following an enlightening educational banquet, we will savor the knowledge acquired over a sumptuous lunch at Restaurante Albalá by Chef Israel Ramos, where you can enjoy local produce and an extensive wine list. The restaurant is renowned for its excellent rice dishes and flavorful cuisine.
15:00 | After a delightful lunch, we enjoy a unique walking tour in the historic center of Jerez, a city with a profound economic influence of wine on its cultural identity. In its prime, Jerez boasted over 500 wineries, some of which still stand today as living testaments to the enduring legacy of Sherry wine. As a participant in this exclusive tour, you’ll gain insights and experiences unavailable to the general public.
17:00 | After a gentle stroll, you'll have the opportunity to explore Jerez further and immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere. The city is renowned for its exceptional tapas, lively bars, restaurants, and flamenco culture. Our carefully curated recommendations will help you make the most of your evening.
Day 3 | Tuesday, May 26
09:00 | Today, we start our day by driving to the luxurious outskirts of Jerez to visit the legendary Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola, a private winery that is not open to the general public, making its wines a well-kept secret among insiders. This unique establishment exclusively cultivates Pedro Ximénez grapes, a rare variety in the Jerez region. They prioritize quality and have minimal production available for distribution. It's truly a gem worth visiting.
11:30 | After our enchanting visit, we will head to another fantastic estate nearby, Bodegas Luis Pérez. Luis and his son, Willy, have developed a new approach to both Sherry and still wines, focusing on terroir and single-vineyard pagos to enhance the unique personalities of their wines. We will enjoy an elevated guided tour to learn about albariza soil, vinos de pasto, Sherry, and other wines unique to this region. After the enlightening tour of the facilities, we will savor a selection of delicious tapas at the Bodega.
15:00 | After these marvelous family-run winery tours, we return to Jerez. The afternoon is free to explore local specialty shops that offer unique items relevant to the region. We will provide a list of recommendations.
19:30 | Join us for an exciting evening at Tabanco El Pasaje, a traditional sherry bar that has been around since 1925, the oldest tabanco in the city, renowned for its unique “duende” or “soul.” You’ll enjoy an authentic experience with a private Flamenco performance, a cultural immersion that engages and entertains you. Additionally, savor exquisite traditional tapas and other dishes perfectly paired with various types of Sherry.
Day 4 | Wednesday, May 27
09:00 | Today, we will travel to the nearby town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. Although it is only 20 minutes away from Jerez, Sanlúcar enjoys a distinctive climate due to its proximity to cooler waters, reflected in the delicacy and freshness of its Manzanilla wines.
We will briefly explore the historic center before embarking on an expedition to the Doñana National Park. This private tour allows you to explore the entire National Park at your own pace. The visit is enjoyable as you will cross the mouth of the Guadalquivir River by boat, followed by all-terrain transport that takes you into the heart of Doñana. A guide will provide fascinating information about this remarkable ecosystem, which includes diverse flora and fauna, dunes, and beaches. The park's natural reserves are a favorite spot for birds and lynxes, making it a unique ecosystem that is hard to find elsewhere.
12:00 | Upon our return from the wildlife excursion, we will visit one of Sanlúcar’s most prominent producers, Barbadillo, a benchmark for high-quality, iconic manzanilla. Barbadillo has been crafting distinguished wines in Sanlúcar since 1821, and today, its impressive complex of historic bodegas houses some of the region’s finest wines. Here, we’ll delve into advanced concepts with winemaker Montse Molina, such as the bodega's terroir, the continuum of flor, and the effects of bottling during different seasons. We will also enjoy some delectable tapas at the bodega.
15:00 | We embark on a remarkable side trip to the seaside town of Chipiona, renowned as one of the most distinguished for cultivating the Moscatel de Alejandría grape. However, this grape accounts for only 2% of the total plantings in the Jerez production zone.
We will explore the oldest bodega in Chipiona, César Florido, during our visit. The winery, established in 1887, is overseen by César Florido, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder. César Florido is internationally recognized for his naturally sweet Moscatel wines, which have achieved cult status due to their captivating range and rank among the finest in their class. These wines reflect the winery’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean (50 meters)—the nearest bodega to the coastline in the region. The maritime climate significantly influences his wines, enriched by the year-round presence of thick, luxurious flor.
20:30 | We arrive in Sanlúcar, where a stunning horizon awaits us for dinner at Casa Bigote's family-run restaurant on Avenida Bajo de Guía. This traditional tavern is famous for its exceptional prawns, delicious fried dishes, fish, and seafood stews. Enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world while we savor fresh, local cuisine in style.
Day 5 | Thursday, May 28
09:00 | We will begin our day by visiting the highly acclaimed Bodega Emilio Hidalgo, a fifth-generation family winery famous for its elegant sherry wines, which is not open to the general public. We will sample their finest wines during our visit, each offering a unique and intriguing flavor profile, as well as a fascinating history. These wines are not just beverages but a testament to the art of winemaking. A knowledgeable staff member will guide us through the tasting, sharing fascinating insights about each wine and the family's dedication to preserving their winemaking traditions.
12:00 | No trip to Jerez is complete without a visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art). We will enjoy a spectacular show titled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.” This authentic equestrian ballet showcases choreographies based on Dressage and vaquera, accompanied by traditional Spanish music, and features costumes from the 18th century. This is a unique experience that will leave you in awe. The show is considered the best equestrian ballet globally and has received acclaim internationally.
14:30 | After this exciting cultural experience, lunch will be at A MAR in the town’s old quarter. This is a feast for the palate and the mind as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Sherry-style wines and their perfect culinary pairings.
16:00 | Following lunch, we will visit Bodegas Tradición, a winery renowned for its rich history and commitment to traditional winemaking methods. You will appreciate this winery for many reasons: the explanations are exceptional, and the sherry wine tasting is both well-guided and enriching. However, the highlight of the visit is the art gallery located within one of the wine cellars. Inaugurated in 2005, this gallery is home to one of the world's finest private collections of Spanish paintings. The works span from the 14th to the 19th century and include masterpieces by Goya, Picasso, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo, Sorolla, and El Greco.
After this exhilarating day filled with art and culture, you’ll have the evening to explore the city further, indulge in the local cuisine, relax, or participate in other exciting activities.
Day 6 | Friday, May 29
09:00 | We will begin our day by visiting the highly acclaimed Bodega Emilio Hidalgo, a fifth-generation family winery famous for its elegant sherry wines, which is not open to the general public. We will sample their finest wines during our visit, each offering a unique and intriguing flavor profile, as well as a fascinating history. These wines are not just beverages but a testament to the art of winemaking. A knowledgeable staff member will guide us through the tasting, sharing fascinating insights about each wine and the family's dedication to preserving their winemaking traditions.
12:00 | No trip to Jerez is complete without a visit to the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art). We will enjoy a spectacular show titled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.” This authentic equestrian ballet showcases choreographies based on Dressage and vaquera, accompanied by traditional Spanish music, and features costumes from the 18th century. This is a unique experience that will leave you in awe. The show is considered the best equestrian ballet globally and has received acclaim internationally.
14:30 | After this exciting cultural experience, lunch will be at A MAR in the town’s old quarter. This is a feast for the palate and the mind as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Sherry-style wines and their perfect culinary pairings.
16:00 | Following lunch, we will visit Bodegas Tradición, a winery renowned for its rich history and commitment to traditional winemaking methods. You will appreciate this winery for many reasons: the explanations are exceptional, and the sherry wine tasting is both well-guided and enriching. However, the highlight of the visit is the art gallery located within one of the wine cellars. Inaugurated in 2005, this gallery is home to one of the world's finest private collections of Spanish paintings. The works span from the 14th to the 19th century and include masterpieces by Goya, Picasso, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo, Sorolla, and El Greco.
After this exhilarating day filled with art and culture, you’ll have the evening to explore the city further, indulge in the local cuisine, relax, or participate in other exciting activities.
Day 7 | Saturday, May 30
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and be escorted to the airport, unless you plan to extend your stay.
AT A GLANCE
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TOUR DATES
- Sunday, May 24 – Saturday, May 30 (7 days, 6 nights)
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CITIES + TOWNS + VILLAGES
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- Chipiona
- El Puerto de Santa María
- Cádiz
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SIGHTS + ACTIVITIES
- Exclusive winery tours & tastings (including Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola, Luis Pérez, Barbadillo, César Florido, Emilio Hidalgo, Tradición, Osborne)
- Sherry masterclass with César Saldaña
- Walking tours of historic centers
- Private Flamenco show at Tabanco El Pasaje
- Doñana National Park wildlife excursion
- Andalusian equestrian ballet at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
- Cooperage visit (Tonelería Antonio Páez Lobato)
- Catamaran cruise across the Bay of Cádiz
- Michelin-starred dining and gourmet regional cuisine
Accommodations and Meals
+6 nights at the 4-star Hipotels Sherry Park, double occupancy.
+Meals as stated: exquisite dinners, lunches, and tapas, including Michelin-starred meals, expertly paired with hand-selected fine wines from the region.
+Daily European continental breakfast.
+Private deluxe air-conditioned transportation, with bottled water on board.
+Private individual airport transfers for arrival and departure.
+All hotel, taxes, and gratuities for included restaurants.
PRICING
The price per person, based on double occupancy, is $7,425 with 30% deposit. An additional supplement of $650 will apply for those requesting a single occupancy.
All the Flavors
Your Sherry Wine Tour includes the following:
+ Professional guidance and instruction from Certified Sherry Educator and Expert Jessica Ortiz, alongside knowledgeable tour guides, acclaimed winemakers, and influential professionals in the industry. This is not just a tour; it’s a unique learning opportunity to interact with and learn from the best in the Sherry industry.
+ Professional-level tours and tastings at the region’s most distinguished Sherry producers, including a masterclass led by César Saldaña, president of the Regulatory Council of the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and Vinagre de Jerez Denominations of Origin.
+ Enjoy seamless travel support from your local tour manager, María, who provides impeccable customer service and logistical guidance throughout your journey.
+ Upon registration, you will receive a copy of The Book of Sherry Wines by César Saldaña, the esteemed President of the Regulatory Council. This provides an excellent opportunity for an in-depth learning experience from start to finish. We also recommend registering for the online courses on the Sherry Academy website (sherryacademy.org/en/compound-course) and completing them prior to the tour's start. These expertly designed courses offer a comprehensive introduction to Sherry, laying a solid foundation for your upcoming exploration and ensuring you are well-prepared to make the most of this unique opportunity.
+ As part of your experience, you can enroll in a future course to become a Certified Sherry Expert through the Sherry Academy in Jerez, offered by [TBD]. Upon completing the course and exam, you will receive your certification.
FINE PRINT
Your Andalucía Tour does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance (options are available through our partner, Seven Corners. Upon registration, you will be provided a link for more details).
- Personal spending and expenses
- Tips (optional but appreciated for tour guides and private drivers)
- Minibar, room service, etc.
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and related costs
- Additional activities
Please note that we strive to maintain the proposed itinerary as accurately as possible. However, the final itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as scheduling conflicts, availability issues, weather conditions, or unexpected venue closures.
A cancellation fee will apply if you cancel within 30 days of departure. This fee can be a travel credit towards a future Epicurean Voyages tour reservation. Please note that this travel credit is non- ransferable and non-refundable and must be used for travel within one year of the cancellation date. Once a travel credit is applied to a trip, it is considered non- efundable. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
Epicurean Voyages strives for accuracy in our publications but is not responsible for typographical or printing errors, including pricing discrepancies.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is provided as an example for planning purposes only. Actual travel times, costs, availability, and experiences may vary.
PRIVATE JOURNEY BRIEFING
Receive confirmed inclusions, room categories, and availability, with pacing and preferences refined where appropriate.