Diez Merito Bodega, Jerez, Spain

Although not a well-known brand, there’s a certain cachet given to Diez Mérito. Maybe it’s the royal crest hanging over the door, representing their royal connections stretching back to 1892.

The winery is reasonably large and very pleasant: the doors open right into a barrel room and you’re immediately part of the production process. And it seems there really are barrels everywhere: a short walk takes you to a lovely courtyard filled with citrus trees… and surrounded by barrels in which brandy is stored. And then it’s back into the ground-floor cellars where you start to understand the different processes that create each distinctive sherry style.

In addition to the modern workings of the winery, there’s historical elements scattered around: old scales, agricultural implements, and early advertising posters; displays from the World Exhibition of Paris in 1900 where they walked away with a few prizes.

The tasting was well organised, with a full flight of wines and brandies, and accompanied by a good description of each wine that tied back into the earlier discussion of wine production.

The location near the train station makes this a great option for short visits into Jerez from Cadíz or Seville, and other tour options and activities are available, including a cooking-with-sherry class taking you from the winery to local markets to a restaurant; and a vineyard to winery option where you can see all aspects of grape growing and wine-making.