Things To Do in Sanlucar de Barrameda

Sanlúcar is the home of manzanilla sherry, the pale, delicate style with a salty tang obtained by aging in the sea air. It is even more popular in Spain than the fino made up the road in Jerez. When Magellan set sail from here to circumnavigate the globe in 1519, he reportedly spent more on manzanilla than he did on armaments (he didn’t make it home). To understand the wine’s appeal, visit one of the many bodegas in town.

Bodegas Barbadillo, Calle Sevilla, 1 (tel. 95-638-55-00) is by far the biggest producer and also makes Spain’s top-selling white table wine. Its cathedral bodega, a high arched monument to manzanilla, is an awe-inspiring sight as the sun pierces its windows. A 90-minute tour in English, including a tasting of three wines, is offered Tuesday to Sat at 11am. It costs 18€ for adults, 5€ for children 13–18, free for children under 13.

Bodegas Hidalgo, Calle Banda Playa, 40 (tel. 66-974-39-92), hosts an atmospheric night-time tour during which you’ll see the original tambourine painted with the image of La Gitana (The Gypsy Woman) which features on the company’s famous brand. Evening tours in English take place Tuesday to Friday at 7pm (8pm in summer) and cost 39.95€ for adults, free for children under 18. You’ll get to taste several wines, including a rare old Amontillado, during the 2-hour tour.

Other well-known makers offering tours in English include Bodegas Delgado Zuleta, Avenida Rocío Jurado s/n (95-636-05-43; Mon–Sat at 11am; 15€); and Bodegas La Cigarrera (95-638-12-85; Mon–Fri at 11am; 10€). You’ll see the antique artwork of the sherry companies’ logos on bar awnings all over town. Check their websites for special visits such as dinner pairings, vineyard tours, and equestrian events, and book online in advance.

Among Sanlúcar's many churches, a highlight is the 14th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la O, Plaza de la Paz (tel. 95-636-05-55). Admission is free. Although much altered over the years, it has an impressive interior with a Gothic and Mudéjar portal that depicts lions bearing coats of arms.