Today the city of Jerez has a remarkably aristocratic air with wide streets, squares and magnificent rows of jacaranda trees during spring
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The whole of the countryside surrounding Jerez is devoted to the growing grapes for the production of sherry. The sherry production 'houses' are located in the centre of the town of Jerez and are generally associated with an element of snobbery and aristocratic pride, even to this day.
The Spanish word bodega meaning "cellar", but its generic meaning is "wine manufacturer". Visitors take guided tours of the many Jerez bodegas, such as Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman. British winemakers have been connected to this region for centuries, which is why many of the names have an Anglo-Saxon ring to them. Tours of the cellars take place on weekdays, followed by sampling of the various types of wine produced. Worth a visit.
Apart from wine and sherry, Jerez is also famous for its long-standing Flamenco tradition, making it an excellent place to watch this great art. The Flamenco festival of Jerez is held around the end of February and into beginning of March each year and is one of the most important in the world.
