Jerez: Bodegas Fundador Guided Tour With Tasting Session

The Bodegas Fundador Guided Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage of Jerez, Spain. This 1.5-hour journey through the oldest bodega, founded in 1730, promises an insightful exploration of the architectural wonders and time-honored winemaking traditions that have defined the Fundador brand. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, guests can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the world’s best-selling sherry, while indulging in a delightful tasting session of premium sherry and brandy. Whether you’re a sommelier, chef, or simply have a penchant for exceptional spirits, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Jerez’s vibrant wine culture.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour guided tour offers a multifaceted wine-tasting experience featuring Brandy and Sherry at the oldest Bodega in Jerez, founded in 1730.

• Visitors can explore the unique architecture of "La Mezquita" and gain insights into the rich winemaking tradition and the world-renowned Fundador brand.

• The tour includes a tasting session showcasing a variety of Sherry and Brandy wines appreciated by sommeliers and chefs for their exceptional quality and depth of flavor.

• The experience is designed to be informative, interesting, and entertaining, with knowledgeable guides providing historical and production-related insights.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults, but not recommended for children due to the nature of the alcoholic beverages tasted.

Tour Overview and Details

The Bodegas Fundador guided tour is a 1.5-hour activity that allows visitors to explore the process of making Brandy and Sherry.

Priced from $16.64 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish. It’s wheelchair accessible, and you can reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour takes you through the oldest Bodega in Jerez, founded in 1730, including the unique architecture of the "La Mezquita" building.

You’ll get to taste Sherry and Brandy, learning about the history of the world’s best-selling sherry brand.

Based on 225 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5.

Experience Highlights

Visitors on the Bodegas Fundador guided tour can look forward to a multifaceted wine-tasting experience.

They’ll discover the process of making Brandy and Sherry, the signature wines of the region. The tour takes them to the oldest Bodega in Jerez, founded in 1730, where they’ll explore the unique architecture of the "La Mezquita" building.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Sherry and Brandy wines, including those appreciated by sommeliers and chefs. Plus, they’ll learn about the history of the world’s best-selling sherry brand, Fundador.

This comprehensive experience provides a deep dive into the rich winemaking tradition of Jerez.

Visitor Reviews and Ratings

Bodegas Fundador’s guided tour has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 225 reviews.

Visitors have praised the tour for being informative, interesting, and entertaining, with friendly and knowledgeable guides leading the way. The beautiful buildings and gardens of the bodega have also been a highlight for many.

Suggestions from visitors include providing chairs for comfort in the heat and accommodating pets in the garden.

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating for value for money, this tour offers an exceptional experience for those eager to learn about the history and production of sherry and brandy.

• Informative, interesting, and entertaining tour
• Friendly and knowledgeable guides
• Beautiful buildings and gardens
• Suggestions for chairs and pet-friendly areas

Tour Inclusions

The Bodegas Fundador guided tour includes a winery tour, as well as a tasting of sherry wine and brandy. The quantity of wines and brandies tasted depends on the tour option selected by the visitor. This allows guests to fully enjoy the rich history and production methods of these renowned Spanish spirits. To highlight the key inclusions, here is a table outlining the tour components:

Item	Winery Tour	Sherry Tasting	Brandy Tasting
Standard Tour	✓	✓	✓
Premium Tour	✓	Extended	Extended
Exclusive Tour	✓	Premium Selection	Premium Selection

Guests can expect an informative and enjoyable experience that showcases the craftsmanship behind these iconic Jerez-based beverages.

Not Suitable For

Children under 18 years aren’t permitted on the Bodegas Fundador guided tour.

The tour involves:

• Sampling sherry wines and brandies, which aren’t suitable for minors
• Navigating stairs and uneven terrain throughout the historic bodega
• Exposure to strong aromas and flavors that may overwhelm younger palates
• Educational content focused on the intricacies of sherry and brandy production

While the tour provides an in-depth look at Jerez’s winemaking heritage, it’s best suited for adult audiences who can fully appreciate the experience.

Guests under 18 are welcome to explore the grounds and visit the on-site shop, but they can’t participate in the guided tour and tasting.

Making Brandy and Sherry

On the guided tour, visitors discover the intricate process of crafting both Sherry and Brandy at Bodegas Fundador. They learn how Sherry is produced through the solera system, where younger wines are blended with older ones to create the unique flavors.

The tour also explores the art of Brandy distillation, showcasing the traditional copper stills and barrel aging techniques that give Fundador Brandy its renowned character. Guests gain an appreciation for the centuries-old methods and skilled craftsmanship that go into these celebrated Spanish spirits.

The tour culminates in a tasting, allowing visitors to savor the fruits of the winemakers’ labor.

Oldest Bodega in Jerez

Bodegas Fundador boasts a remarkable history, being the oldest bodega in Jerez. Founded in 1730, it has stood the test of time, bearing witness to the evolution of the region’s renowned sherry and brandy production.

Visitors can explore the unique architecture of the "La Mezquita" bodega, which features:

• Impressive arched doorways and vaulted ceilings
• Intricate tilework and wrought-iron details
• Peaceful inner courtyards and lush gardens
• Towering oak casks used for aging the finest sherries and brandies

This historic winery offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the rich heritage and time-honored techniques that have made Bodegas Fundador a celebrated name in the world of Spanish spirits.

Tastes for Sommeliers and Chefs

As visitors explore the historic Bodegas Fundador, they’ll have the opportunity to taste the signature sherry and brandy offerings that have made this winery a favorite among sommeliers and renowned chefs.

During the tasting session, guests can sample a variety of the finest sherries and brandies, each with its unique character and depth of flavor. From the complex, nutty fino to the rich, velvety oloroso, these wines have captivated the palates of top culinary professionals worldwide.

The guided tour also provides insight into the meticulous production methods that elevate Bodegas Fundador’s products to the pinnacle of their craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The guided tour and tasting session typically doesn’t allow outside food or drinks. Visitors should enjoy the complimentary tastings provided as part of the experience. Bringing your own items may not be permitted.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. But visitors should check the tour provider’s website or contact them directly as they may have limited-time promotions or package deals available that aren’t listed in the overview.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Bodega?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the bodega during the guided tour. However, they should avoid using flash photography and respect any restricted areas or instructions from the tour guides.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for the Bodegas Fundador tour, but visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. The tour takes place indoors, so casual attire is appropriate.

How Long Does the Tasting Session Last?

The tasting session typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, though this may vary slightly. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a selection of sherry wines and brandy during this part of the guided tour.

Recap

The Bodegas Fundador Guided Tour offers an immersive experience into the rich winemaking heritage of Jerez. Visitors can explore the oldest bodega, founded in 1730, and learn about the craftsmanship behind the world’s best-selling sherry brand. With a tasting session of premium sherry and brandy, this tour provides an engaging and educational glimpse into the region’s time-honored traditions.