Best Bodegas to Visit Around Rota, Spain: Sip Your Way Through Andalusia’s Hidden Gems

Welcome to the wonderful of wine! Living in the Sherry Triangle I’ve learned a lot about the wines in Spain and that not all Sherries are the same (even if they have the same categorizations). So, I made a list of the Best Bodegas to Visit Around Rota, Spain. But there isn’t just sherry in this region! Yes, ladies and gents there is wine here too!!

Before I dive into the wineries to visit around the Rota area I wanted you to explain the history behind this area for wine. The cities of El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlúcar de Barrameda are the corner points of a geographical “triangle” which limits the Sherry County, also known as “El Marco”.

The Sherry County spreads over a surface of about 10,550 hectares of vineyards. Its soil, a chalky composition of earth called “albariza” where the best vines grow, is of organic origin from the sedimentation of waters of an inland sea that covered the County in the Oligocene period.

The first vines planted in the Sherry County, according to Avieno -a Roman historian-, were brought by the Phoenicians towards the year 1100 BC who also founded the city of “Xera” In the year 138 BC with the conquer of the County by Escipion “El Emiliano”, a flow of sherry wine exports to Rome lasting over 400 years took place.

Even at this early stage in history, the first quality controls were established by the Romans who requested all amphorae’s containing Sherry Wine to be marked with four “A”s.The Arabs settled in the County from 711 until 1264 AD. They renamed the town as “Sherish”, hence the English word Sherry by which the British, who have been buying Sherry ever since the 11th century, know these wines.

UPDATE: Since 2022 the boarders of the historic “triangle” have now expanded

Albariza de la Torre

One of the more unique wineries in the area – because they made the first sparkling wine made with sherry grapes! Owned and operated by the 4th generation of the family, who has taken the traditional aspects of the land and incorporated ingenuity to stand out as an award-winning bodega in the area. To schedule a tasting, click here.

Castillo de San Marcos and Wine Cellar

Next, I have to share another spectacular location – winery and a castle people! During this tour, you’ll get to know the historic winery, which was incorporated into the castle complex in the early 20th century. Surrounded by barrels where some of the finest wines of the Caballero Group are produced and aged, they go through and explain to you the magic and mystery surrounding the wines of the Marco de Jerez region: the types of grapes, the confluence of soil, climate and winds that is unique in the world, the solera and criadera system, and the different types of wines made in this Denomination of Origin.

Then you’ll enjoy a tasting session of three excellent Jerez wines, the famous Lustau vermouth, and the Caballero punch. To book your tour you can always visit their website by clicking here

Bodegas Grant

Situated in El Puerto de Santa Maria and popularly known as Bodegas Las 7 Esquinas (7 corners winery). Its origins go back to 1841 when it was founded by Edmundo Grant Falconell. This bodega (winery), which has always remained in the hands of the same family, currently carries out the production and dispatch of vino Fino using traditional methods which give it a special bouquet and flavor when compared to other wines produced in the area.

The aging system of Fino wine in Bodegas Grant is called Criaderas and Pavers, which is a dynamic way of aging wines. Such aging is performed by a long and careful process biological activated forming a yeast “flor” wine surface. These live microorganisms isolate wine preventing air contact and thus its oxidation, and provide nutrients to the wine its characteristic finesse, lightness and softness.

Bodegas Osborne

Welcome to the Bull! Osborne is a Spanish company, with almost 250 years of experience, internationally recognized for the artisanal production of food and drink products that offer the ultimate in authenticity and prestige. Osborne has helped create the icon image for Spain with the bull – Click here if you’d like to book they have multiple tours in different languages.

Bodegas Forlong

This winery is one of the first wines that I drank after moving to Spain and I thought that their humorous labels and their delicious wines were refreshing as the first introduction to true Spanish wines! You can visit their tasting room which sits on the highway between Rota and Jerez and it is worth arranging! You have to message/whatsapp them to set up a time but if you are looking to go tasting at a bodega that has wines and not just sherry…it is worth the stop!

Bodegas Barbazul

I have to give a huge shout-out to Barbazul! They have amazing WINE! One of my all-time favorite Chardonnays in Spain, well actually in most of the world, to me. It is amazing! Visiting their winery that sits between Rota and Jerez. When you want to book – click here!

Bodegas Luiz Perez

Their adventure began in 2002 when we planted a red wine vineyard within a traditional white grapes region, and the first challenge was to show that we could produce quality red wines in the Cadiz region. Starting from scratch was hard. However, worktime was family time too, and good friends were always around when the harvest time arrived.

I’ve visited this Bodega twice already and I love it! The wines are amazing, especially if you can get your hands on their Petit Verdot, they serve normally 5 wines that they “lightly” pair with tapas with a beautiful view that you can’t beat with a glass of wine in your hand. Click here to book!

Now I couldn’t do the Sherry Triangle any justice without also talking about the Sherry Bodegas in the area that are worth visiting too!

Where to go Sherry Tasting:

Turn the corner to Rota, Spain, and the scent of its bodegas — aged to perfection and steeped in tradition — will carry you along. This enchanting Spanish town, set against the coast of Andalusia, has vineyards tucked away in idyllic settings. Between its historic sites and sun-drenched beaches, wine lovers are sure to discover many a delight in Rota’s bodegas. Let’s explore seven of the best bodegas that folks just can’t pass up!

Tip: When visiting bodegas, remember to make reservations!

Bodega Diez Mérito

Founded in 1876, Bodega Diez Mérito in nearby Jerez is one of the region’s legendary bodegas. With its classic architecture and impressive wine production facilities, visitors can delve into the world of sherry and brandy production. Don’t forget to savor their VORS sherry, an epitome of truly excellent wines!

Sandeman, Jerez

The iconic Sandeman bodega offers a memorable tour through its cellars that ends with an exquisite sherry tasting. The cloaked silhouette on the Sandeman bottle might be renowned globally, but the flavor, versatility, and crafted blends of their wines are what truly steal the show.

Bodegas Lustau

Another gem in the sherry triangle, Lustau promises a rendezvous with authenticity. Visit their bodegas in Jerez, take a guided tour through their cathedral-like cellars, and sample their wide variety of sherries. Their commitment to preserving the traditional production methods is awe-inspiring.

Bodegas Tradición

Unparalleled in its charm, Bodegas Tradición merges art and wine seamlessly. The bodega not only offers a large collection of aged sherries but also houses an art gallery that boasts a stunning collection of Spanish paintings dating from the 15th to the 20th century. A visit here is a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Bodegas González Byass

Home to the famous Tio Pepe sherry, González Byass needs no introduction. Situated in Jerez, the bodega offers an extensive tour where you can glimpse their vast vineyards, historic barrels, and grand-scaled cellars. Stick around for a show-stopping tasting session!

Bodegas El Maestro Sierra

Overlooking the city of Jerez, Bodegas El Maestro Sierra is famed for its artisan sherries. A visit resounds with the charm of family traditions, right from their production methods to their cellar’s interiors. Sip on their Amontillado, and you’re tasting time in a glass!

Bodegas Grant

A family-run bodega located in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Bodegas Grant has been in operation since 1824. The remarkable thing about this bodega is their solera system, where wines of different ages are blended together to achieve wonderfully complex flavors. Its intimate atmosphere offers a warm welcome to visitors.

In Conclusion: A Toast to Rota’s Bodegas

From the crisp, light whites to the full-bodied, aged sherries, bodegas around Rota, Spain will wrap your senses in a symphony of flavors. As the Spanish saying goes, “El buen vino, si es bueno, doblemente bueno” – Good wine, if it is good, doubly good.

So, grab a glass, bask in the Mediterranean glow, and let the finest bodegas in Andalusia take you on an unforgettable journey. Your Spanish wine adventure is just a flight away!

Salud!

For more blogs about wine click the links below:

Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gems: Top Spanish Wines Under $20

Savoring Italy’s Finest: Top 8 Italian Wines Under $25