
Took a wrong turn in Jerez and came across these old tiles on the wall of an abandoned restaurant. So maybe it wasn’t such a wrong turn after all.
11 Thursday Jun 2026

Took a wrong turn in Jerez and came across these old tiles on the wall of an abandoned restaurant. So maybe it wasn’t such a wrong turn after all.
08 Monday Jun 2026

The last time I was in Jerez for Vinoble in 2024 I stayed at two different hotels as I had won a night at 5 star GL Casa Palacio María Luisa in a raffle draw but of course couldn’t afford to stay another night there on my own dime. Then I happened upon Boutique Palacio Corredera and booked them (actually for the first night) and, if I’m totally honest, I actually preferred that stay over the luxe experience. So this time, going back for two nights again, I knew this was where I wanted to stay. Only problem? Their standard double rooms only come with double beds and, while Peter and I are good friends and all, separate beds are preferable. But we decided that, for the price, we could spend a couple of nights bunking down in the same bed.
Turns out we didn’t have to worry because they also have suites there and, as I had requested two beds and they had a suite available, we got an upgrade. And holy moly… what an upgrade! I can’t post vids here but you can see the instagram ones I made when we checked in (there are two because it was a duplex room and part 2 is for upstairs). If you look at the photo you can see the suite was actually the two top floors of the second building on the left. Wow.
Not only was the suite gorgeous (with our own private lift!) but the hotel is also so comfy. There’s a little coffee room where you can go any time of the day and help yourself to a coffee or some chilled water. And if you’re not lucky enough to have your own private terrace (which I only discovered off the upstairs bedroom on the second day) here’s also a lovely open air patio downstairs and several sitting rooms if you don’t want to be in your room. Cannot recommend this place enough
03 Wednesday Jun 2026

This was my 5th Vinoble, the prestigious biennial exhibition of international noble wines, held in Jerez de la Frontera. The first time, in 2014, I was invited by González Byass, and since then I have attended with a press pass. This year was particularly challenging due to the knee situation and being on crutches (two years ago I was “just” using a cane). I hobbled around the best I could but the most I could manage was a couple of hours at a time. Luckily I had planned to attend all three days so that was enough, though I didn’t get to a couple of areas because access to them was on somewhat treacherous pathways. I also didn’t manage to get into any of the tastings, which now tend to sell out within minutes of going online. Oh well.
Anyhow, for me this year Vinoble was mostly about seeing friends and I was happy to meet up with many people I haven’t seen in, well, two years. Also met a couple of new friends. And of course tasted some amazing wines. Hopefully by the edition I will be more mobile.

29 Friday May 2026

Off to Jerez tomorrow for Vinoble 2026! The hotel was booked in January, got train tickets last week, cat sitting is sorted… very excited but also worried about how I’ll hold up. I can honestly barely hobble these days, the pain has become so intense not only in my knee but also my damn shoulder. Some days I don’t know which is worse and together it sometimes just leaves me unable to do anything. BUT… I shall try! I see quite a few taxis in my near future.
16 Thursday Oct 2025
Posted in anniversary, sevilla, sherry
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10 years ago today I became a Certified Sherry Educator! 🥂 It was a very proud moment and it’s been a long and delicious journey ever since. Always learning and sharing, recruiting new sherry converts along the way. Many thanks to the Sherry Council for always being so supportive. And of course to all the amazing sherry bodegas 💛 ¡Salud!
(wine: La Gitana Manzanilla en Rama, copas: Lama La Uva)