Excursion S.a.l.t. rare barrel tastings & gourmet lunch at an 8-generation family-owned sherry producer tour at Cadiz

After approx. 35 minutes by coach or van, you will arrive at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a charming coastal village in the extreme southwest corner of Spain with an outsized culinary & cultural heritage. Its seafood is prized throughout Spain, earning the village the official title of Gastronomic Capital of Spain in 2022.  

Hidalgo vineyard, drive to Bodegas Hidalgo

Your first stop is the Hidalgo vineyard, where expansive views of limestone vineyards drop into the Atlantic Ocean. Here you’ll appreciate first hand how the salty air of the Atlantic, along with the unique characteristics of the chalky albariza terroir, come together to favor the growth and flavor profile of the palomino grape, as well as appreciate the geography which enabled sherry's spread throughout the world since it's down the road where Columbus and Magellan set sail to the New World more than 500 year ago.

After approx. 15 minutes drive, you arrive at the historic center of Sanlúcar de Barrameda at the Bodegas Hidalgo. Family run by the 8th generation, the bodega is a living testament to Sanlúcar's centuries-old relationship to the sea, to cuisine and to sherry making.

Bodegas Hidalgo

With an aging and cupage technique known as solera and proximity to the salty sea air of the Atlantic Ocean, sherry winemaking is a universe unto itself, Gain a first-hand understanding of the terroir, the palomino grape and the complexity of the sherry making practice, perfected over the centuries. Explanations and barrel tastings of 40-60-year-old rare oloroso, amontillado and palo cortado sherries are among the most exclusive tasting experiences in this region of Spain. With family heirlooms and old accounting books spanning centuries and continents, the fascinating story of the Hidalgo family is brought to life. Sherry explanations are paired with traditional tapas before entering the grand salon for a seated gourmet lunch among thousands of barrels in the bodega's grand salon.

Your Hosts: Victor & Carlos

Local expert and native Andalusian, Carlos will greet S.A.L.T. guests directly in the port of Cádiz and accompany them to our first stop, the vineyard belonging to the winery. Here we’ll be joined by Victor, a native of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Both Carlos and Victor are a wealth of knowledge, with colorful anecdote and personal narrative celebrating the culture of sherry making and the culinary traditions of their native Cádiz province. Following your meal, return to your coach or van for the ride back to Cadiz and re-board the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Hidalgo vineyard, Bodegas Hidalgo, Gourmet Lunch

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. experience is non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days prior to arrival in the port. It involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate at the sites visited. Walking at the Bodegas hidalgo and vineyard is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible nor suitable for guests with food allergies. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.