Jerez

Sherry at Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

Our first stop today is a town called Jerez. It’s not a town I would normally want to visit. In fact the area we drive through looks like a really run down area full of blocks of flats. However there are two things that it is well know for. The first are the fantastic Andalusian horses that are often used in the bullring. Now for someone who used to be a horse mad child, I really wish I had seen them – as they make up some of the bloodstock used to breed the Lipizzaner, ridden by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna (apologies to non-horse lovers).

At last! Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

However the second reason for coming to Jerez is to visit the home of Tio Pepe sherry. Actually I don’t normally drink sherry but anything for a free glass. This is the kind of visit much loved by organised coach trips like this. I don’t know what kind of kickback the company gets from bringing tourists here, but I’m sure they make it worth their while. You really should have seen my face when we got off the coach and were asked to get on a land train contraption. Luckily the ride didn’t take long and we were soon being welcomed into the warehouse.

However the winner as far as I am concerned was the one signed by Steven Spielberg!

By Royal Appointment, Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

Now I’m afraid I don’t remember much about the sherry making process. I may be a horrible swat when it comes to history – but when it comes to booze I much prefer to drink it rather than talk about it. However I was really taken a glass of sherry sitting on the floor. Intrigued, I took a closer look and noticed a tiny ladder leaning against the side of it. Our guide showed us a photograph that explained why it was here. Standing on the top rung of the ladder was a mouse, taking a tiny sip from the glass. It’s a clever idea – rather than have the mice chew through the barrels, they give them a little dram of their own. We’ll that’s compassionate pest control!

Steven Speilburg woz 'ere, Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

The warehouse where the barrels are stored has a final fascinating secret. Each barrel is signed by a famous personality. It’s great fun trying to spot people you recognise. Of course there is one signed by King Juan Carlos but the one dedicated to Winston Churchill is a bit of a surprise. However I think it may be dedicated to his memory by his son or grandson.

Whichever Churchill it is, he isn’t the only British politician recorded here. One carries a glowing endorsement from Mrs Thatcher. However the winner as far as I am concerned was the one signed by Steven Spielberg!

Margaret Thatcher's recommendation, Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

Following the tour we naturally get down to the real business of the day, sampling the finished product. I share my table with Yee, Susan and Peter. We share a bottle of pale dry sherry between us. All of this is lovely, but I would really rather be doing this in the afternoon – not 10 o’clock in the morning! At some point we managed to stagger into the gift shop where I find a bottle of Tio Pepe brandy for my dad (I don’t think he’d appreciate a bottle of sherry), a mug with drunken mice on it for my brother (well he’s teetotal) and a fan for myself with the Tio Pepe logo on it.

Tio Pepe, Jerez
see all photos »

Back on the coach I take Luis’s advice and take a little nap!