Jerez

Jerez de la Frontera, commonly known as Jerez, is a city in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, in southern Spain. It lies on the Atlantic coast at the Guadalete estuary, across the bay from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The city is one of the oldest in Western Europe, with settlements dating back to Tartessos and later Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman periods.

In the medieval era, Jerez grew as a trading port and wine center. After the Reconquista, Ferdinand III incorporated it into the Crown of Castile in 1236. The name Jerez is attested as Xerez or Xeres in medieval sources. The region later became a focal point for the export of Sherry wine to the rest of Europe and the Atlantic world.

The city is globally known for sherry wine, produced under the Denominación de Origen Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, which covers the Jerez area along with nearby towns. Dozens of bodegas offer tours and tastings. Jerez is also famous for horse breeding and performances; the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is based there. The annual Feria del Caballo, a major spring festival, attracts visitors from across Spain and beyond.

Notable sites include the Alcázar of Jerez, a Moorish fortress; the Cathedral of San Salvador, built in the 17th century; and the old town center with traditional white houses and narrow streets. The city is home to several traditional wineries, including Tío Pepe, Lustau and others.

As of recent estimates, Jerez has a population of about 210,000 inhabitants. It is served by Jerez Airport (XRY), with connections to Madrid and several international destinations, and by rail and road links to Cádiz and Seville. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influences, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.