Hotel Bodega Tío Pepe: The First Sherry Hotel

Sherry has a special place in my heart and I've written numerous articles about this special Spanish wine. Back in 2010, I visited the Jerez region and it remains one of my favorite wine trips, an excellent combination of great wine, delicious food, fascinating people, beautiful architecture, and much more. I've love to return to the region, to see how it has changed in the last ten years, and to drink more Sherry, bottles unavailable in the U.S.

I visited González Byass, and enjoyed some wonderful aged Sherries, and now they state they have recently opened the "first Sherry Hotel in the world." Hotel Bodega Tío Pepe is situated in a corner of Jerez’s historic Old Town, opposite the Alcázar de Jerez and the city’s Cathedral. It has been constructed in 150-year old renovated buildings that were once winery workers’ cottages. "Every space, room and restaurant at the hotel is imbued with the culture and essence of Sherry, wine and Brandy de Jerez, .."

It is a boutique hotel, with only 27 rooms, which are divided into Classic, Premium, Deluxe and three suites: The Oloroso Alfonso y Amontillado Viña AB Junior Suite, the Superior Palo Cortado Leonor Junior Suite and the Fino Tío Pepe Presidential Suite. "Spacious and elegantly decorated, they all have very special views over some of Jerez’s loveliest and most historic corners."

The hotel possesses a swimming pool, a spacious solarium, a bar and restaurant and the Pedro Nolasco gardens, a beautiful, leafy garden, which opens out onto one of the prettiest streets in the world, Calle Ciegos, and La Recachita, a secluded, tranquil terrace, perfect for a rest after sight-seeing in Jerez. There are modern, comfortable installations, such as a fitness zone, gym and a Oenotherapy and massage programs.

The Hotel Bodega Tío Pepe experience has a strong focus on gastronomy, with different bars and restaurants offering a wide range of culinary experiences – from the most traditional Andalucian flavors to the most Avant-guard creations. The Sala La Reservada, Restaurante Gran Bodega and Restaurante Villa Ricardo allow guests to enjoy delicious dishes made from the very best quality, local ingredients, all matched with the aromas, nuances and flavors of the González Byass wines. Cocktails can be found at Bar Solera 1847, nestled between the hotel’s vestibule, the Pedro Nolasco, and the Bar Terraza La Atalaya.

Guests have the ability to go on personalized trips through the winery, exclusive tastings, walks through the vineyard, tours of the winery’s Historic Archive, the old bottling room and much more, allowing them to be immersed in the world of Sherry. This opportunity allows people from around the world to learn more about the wines and history of Jerez and González Byass.

Once travel to Europe is safer, you might want to consider visiting the Sherry region and staying at the Hotel Bodega Tío Pepe. Sherry is one of the most fascinating wines in the world, and is very much under-appreciated in the U.S. It's slowly making a comeback, as it has done multiple times during its lengthy history. Once you've experienced Sherry in Spain itself, especially the Jerez region, you'll understand why it is such an amazing wine.