Nestling in the south-western corner of Andalucía, in the north-west of the province of Cadiz, Jerez can be seen to enjoy a truly privileged geographical location: lying in a fertile area formed by the plain of the Guadalquivir, on the banks of the river Guadalete and just a short drive from both the Atlantic beaches and the Gaditana mountain range. A marvellous geographical situation, midway between the mountainside and the coast, where over 3,200 hours of sunshine grace the town with mild temperatures year round. The gentleness of the climate, with temperatures averaging 11º C in winter and 25º C in summer, softened by both its proximity to the sea and its very geographical latitude, means winters are mild and summers pleasant.
Since ancient times, alongside Sherry and Flamenco, the horse has been one of the strongest symbols of Jerez. A period of great importance in this long tradition was in the 15th century when the Carthusian monks brought the world famous Carthusian horse to Jerez.
Today there are a staggering number of equestrian events in which this noble creature can be seen. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Yeguada La Cartuja – Hierro del Bocado, have weekly shows. There is also the annual Horse Fair and many equestrian events forming part of the Autumn Festival.
Jerez’s exceptional geographical location, its close proximity to the Atlantic, the local chalky soil, the palomino grape, and the careful ageing of the grape must, all combine to give the world the pleasure of this unique product known the world ever as sherry. Lovingly aged in wine cellars often linked to cathedrals due to their spacious silence.
The production of these wines is protected by the “Official Regulating Body for the Authenticity of Jerez – Xeres – Sherry” As is the production of Brandy by the “Regulating Body for Brandys of Jerez”. Both products use the traditional ageing process known as Solera and Criadera. Jerez’s wine cellars are large spacious buildings with high – tiled roofs. They are designed in such a way to keep a constant temperature und humidity in semidarkness, conditions essential for the production of sherry.
Jerez is considered the “Birthplace of Flamenco”. This city has been, since the turn of the last century, the city which has produced the most, and best, singers, dancers and guitarists in the whole history of Flamenco. The most important churches in Jerez, built after the Christian conquest of the city, have lent their names to its most traditional quarters: Santiago and San Miguel, where the roots of the Bulería are to be found.
In the very heart of the Santiago quarter, located in the Penmartin Palace, stands the Andalusian Flamenco Centre, equipped with the most up-to-date audiovisual technology, its specialised library and extensive sound archives provide an insight into the history and understanding of this very special art form which is so deeply rooted in the spirit of the local inhabitants.
Jerez offers the very best of Flamenco each day in its famous tablaos, in addition to some very interesting flamenco performances: from flamenco recitals in the numerous Peña Flamenca clubs to be found dotted around the city, the traditional Bulería Festival (in September), to the famous Jerez International Flamenco Festival which takes place each year during February and March.
