bodega dehesa del zarco

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I first wrote about Bodega Dehesa del Zarco last year on Bitesize Sevilla as part of a report on the Wines of Sevilla. I will also be writing a follow-up article there detailing today’s visit but for now, here’s a little preview of my visit with a few members of the Andalucía Gastro Guías.

This small organic winery and vineyard is the dream-come-true passion project of Diego Moreno and his son Juan Diego (Juandi), who strove to revive the winemaking traditions in Pilas, about 30 kms west of Sevilla. At present it is the only remaining vineyard in the municipality. Not only have they (slowly and diligently) succeeded but they have also recovered more than the vineyard. They also grow kamut wheat, oats, and rye in alternating rows and have been instrumental in reintroducing the Marismeña sheep, an endangered breed, to the area.

Juandi met us at the winery, which is also his home, and took us on a personalised visit which included a visit to the vineyard and to see their sheep before heading to the bodega. There we got to see the bottling and labelling process and also – as a special treat – taste the 2025 vintage from the barrels, which won’t be ready to bottle for a few more months. Then it was off to the tasting room and we enjoyed a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie with three of the Zarco wines: white, rosé and red. It truly was a fabulous visit and so stay tuned for a more detailed account of the winery, the wines, and the family, coming soon on Bitesize.

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new sherry class!

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This past week I redesigned my Sherry & Tapas Experience because I realised, if I offer it to larger groups only (6-10 people) and keep it down to two stops, as I have been doing with Katie’s Bowland & Bay groups, then I can just about manage it. It’s still a long painful hobble getting to the first bar, but a short distance to the second one, and from there I can grab a taxi right out front to get home.

Today seemed like the perfect opportunity to try it out with the slightly smaller group option (6 people) as Pam & Gilbert were in town (again!) with friends and wanted me to give them a little sherry education. So I booked Las Teresas and showed up a bit early, as usual, to help get things set up and… omg. Instead of the usual dining area next to the bar, which is lovely enough, I was directed to the family’s private dining room across the street and saw this amazing table already set up for me. Honestly it felt like Christmas. I felt so happy and honoured that they did this for me. And it really made a difference as this is the longest part of the experience, trying four wines over two courses (starters and mains) before heading for desserts and sweet wines at Vineria San Telmo. In this smaller more private space (the owner and a friend came in for lunch, and there was one other table of family friends, but that was it) is not only much quieter but it really does feel like an extra special experience.

So now I will keep my other Sherry & Tapas Tasting at Casa Morales open for 2-4 people, and for groups of 6 or more I can offer this option with two stops. I am SO excited about this, though I realise that larger groups interested in sherry are a bit niche. Still, it’s out there now. Sooooo grateful for all the bars who help me out with this. I (obviously!) couldn’t do it without them.