Jerez: Horse Fair and fino sherry
Horses, wine and flamenco: Jerez de la Frontera is the largest town in the province and the world capital of sherry. In May, its fair turns it into an open-air ballroom.
Key points
- Jerez de la Frontera is the most populous town in the province and gives its name to sherry.
- The Horse Fair is held every May in the González Hontoria park and is a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
- Fino is a dry palomino wine aged under a layer of yeast (“flor”) using the criaderas and solera system.
- Also: the Almohad Alcázar, the cathedral, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, the motorcycle circuit and the flamenco of the Santiago and San Miguel quarters.
The areas of the province of Cádiz
The Horse Fair
The Jerez Fair began in the 13th century as a livestock fair and is now a week of celebration in May devoted to the horse. By day, riders and carriages parade along the fairground; at night the casetas fill with sevillanas, rebujito and fino. Unlike other Andalusian fairs, most casetas are open: anyone can walk in.
- WhenIn May, Saturday to Saturday. The City Council publishes the dates every year.
- WhereGonzález Hontoria park, a short walk from the centre.
- EntryFree; most casetas are public.
- Don’t missThe midday horse parade and the lighting-up on opening night.
Fino and the bodegas
Sherry is made in the Marco de Jerez from palomino grapes grown on albariza, a white soil that holds moisture. What makes it unique is the ageing: the wine matures in oak casks that are not filled to the top and a layer of yeast called flor grows on the surface, protecting it from the air. That is how fino is born: pale, dry, with aromas of almonds and bread dough.
The casks are arranged in criaderas and solera: each year part of the wine is drawn from the oldest row (the solera) and topped up with wine from the next row, so the bottled wine is a blend of many vintages.
Sherry styles: from flor to oxidation
- ManzanillaBiological, only in Sanlúcar
- FinoBiological, under flor
- AmontilladoBiological, then oxidative
- Palo cortadoOxidative, with amontillado finesse
- OlorosoOxidative, without flor
- Pedro XiménezSweet, from sun-dried grapes
How to drink fino
Very cold (7 to 9 °C), in a white-wine glass, with olives, ham, almonds, fried fish or seafood. Once open, keep the bottle in the fridge and finish it within a few days.
What to see in Jerez
- Alcázar12th-century Almohad fortress with a mosque, Arab baths and a camera obscura.
- CathedralBaroque and neoclassical, next to the oldest bodegas.
- Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian ArtDressage show, carriage museum and gardens.
- Santiago quarterBirthplace of great singers; peñas and tabancos with live flamenco.
Jerez through the year
- February-MarchFestival de Jerez, the great flamenco dance festival.
- SpringHoly Week, the MotoGP Grand Prix and the Horse Fair.
- SeptemberGrape Harvest Festival.
- DecemberZambombas: flamenco Christmas carols in courtyards and squares.
Follow the wine route
Half an hour away are Sanlúcar and its manzanilla and El Puerto de Santa María, on the Bay of Cádiz. For eating out, see our guide to Cádiz food and wine.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Jerez Horse Fair?
It is held in May at the González Hontoria park, for a week from Saturday to Saturday. Jerez City Council publishes the exact dates every year.
Do you have to pay to enter the casetas?
No. Unlike Seville’s April Fair, most casetas (marquees) in Jerez are open to the public.
What is fino?
A dry white wine from the palomino grape, aged under a layer of yeast called “flor” in oak casks using the criaderas and solera system. Serve it chilled with fish and seafood.
Can you visit the bodegas in Jerez?
Yes. Many bodegas in the old town offer guided tours with tastings; book ahead, especially in spring and at weekends.