WINES, BRANDIES AND … PAINTINGS!

JEREZ, 11^TH OF FEBRUARY, 2011. One thing that nobody expects to find is an art gallery at a winery. Apart from producing the oldest noble and, of course, expensive wines and brandies from Jerez, the Bodega Tradición has one of the most important private painting exhibitions in Andalusia.

ABOVE: Carlos IV by Goya, belonging to the Joaquin Rivero´s collection

This is only an example that shows how wine cellars have changed in Jerez. Lots of them have become pubs, function suites to celebrate wedding and parties, garages and, in the worst cases, they have been demolished, leaving a place to build a block of flats. As a result, after having nearly 3oo wineries in this city, now there are only 65.

Changes in drinking consumption and demand, as well as an unfair competition with British “Sherry” (as wines from Jerez are known) have led to this situation.

However, cases such as this allow us to believe that this traditional industry that is part of our heritage, will never disappear.

BY DAMIÁN ARMARIO SAMPALO

FIFTH YEAR OF ENGLISH