annual, first or second week of May6 days
The Jerez Horse Fair, held annually each May, is the most socially significant sherry-drinking event in the Sherry Triangle calendar. Thousands of horse-drawn carriages parade in elaborate dress while attendees drink chilled fino and manzanilla in decorated caseta pavilions. The event is the year's highest fino-consumption week for Jerez's bodegas.
Tip: The midday paseo (parade) from noon to 2pm is the peak display; grab a seat at a caseta veranda with a cold Tio Pepe.
annual, late February to early March2 weeks
The Festival de Jerez is an international flamenco festival held annually in late February and early March. Sherry is the cultural companion at every performance: manzanilla and fino are served in the penas flamencas and tablaos hosting events. The festival draws flamenco scholars and performers from across Europe and Latin America for a fortnight of dance and cante programming.
Tip: Book tickets months in advance; combine an afternoon bodega visit with an evening tablao show for the full Jerez experience.
annual, two weekends in AugustTwo race weekends (typically mid and late August)
Held on the wet sand of the Calzada beach at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river since 1845, the Sanlucar beach horse races are among Europe's oldest and most atmospheric horse-racing events.
Tip: The late-afternoon races (from 19:30) have the best light for photography and the coolest temperatures; arrive two hours early to claim a beach position.
annual, September, timed with the local vendimia1 day
The Sanlucar vendimia grape-treading festival, held separately from the Jerez ceremony, takes place in the historic Barrio Alto quarter of Sanlucar.
Tip: The Barbadillo bodega on Calle Sevilla runs open-cellar tastings during vendimia week; no reservation required.
biennial, held in odd-numbered years, October-November2 days (competition) plus a public gala dinner
The Copa Jerez is the world's premier sherry and food pairing competition, bringing together teams of sommeliers and chefs from countries including Spain, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. Each team presents a four-course menu paired entirely with different sherry styles. The event has driven a significant shift in fine-dining perception of sherry as a serious food wine.
Tip: Watch for the competition results as a reliable guide to the most creative new sherry-pairing restaurants opening in Europe each year.
annual, third Friday of November1 day (events across multiple countries)
International Sherry Day, held on the third Friday of November, coordinates sherry tastings, bar promotions and educational events across the globe.
Tip: In Jerez, ask at any tabanco for the special en rama or single-cask pours that bodegas reserve for Sherry Day.
