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.
casa azahar 