Under the slogan “Eat, Drink, Love Jerez,” the city of wine, horses, and flamenco is preparing for a historic year. If you thought Jerez was just about wineries, 2026 will show you that its gastronomic heritage is as unique as its oak casks.
What does this title mean for Jerez?
It’s not just an award; it’s a showcase of more than 50 exclusive events that will complement its already famous festivals. The city takes over from Alicante to position itself as the epicenter of flavor in Spain, highlighting its ability to combine the tradition of the tabancos (traditional taverns) with the innovation of haute cuisine.
The 3 Pillars of the Winning Candidacy
Jerez went all in and laid its best cards on the table to completely convince the jury:
- Unique Wines and Vinegars: The Jerez region is the backbone. From a chilled fino to a complex oloroso, wine here isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s an ingredient and a culture.
If the wine is excellent, the vinegar is even better! Jerez Vinegar is made from the finest wines of the Jerez region (Fino, Oloroso, or PX). It’s aged in oak barrels using the solera system, which gives it nuances of wood and nuts not found in other vinegars.
- Cuisine with Roots: Gypsy cuisine, country stews, and locally sourced produce have been highlighted.
- The Flamenco-Gastronomy Pairing: The sensory experience of eating in a flamenco club or enjoying a glass of young wine while a seguiriya plays is something that only happens here.
Dishes You Can’t Miss in 2026
If you visit the gastronomic capital, prepare your palate for these essential classics:
- Jerez-style cabbage stew: The quintessential stew, hearty and full of local flavor.
- Garlic soup: Simple country-style dishes that will win you over at first bite.
- Kidneys in sherry sauce: A classic from the tabancos (traditional taverns).
- Convent pastries: Pestiños (honey fritters) and amarguillos (almond cookies) that are pure living history.
If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, at our restaurant AQ35 Patio de los Naranjos we’ve created a sensory journey through the Jerez region called “Jerez in the Five Senses.”
A year-round menu and monthly traditions:
This annual pairing menu is designed to highlight González Byass wines with dishes that define our identity:
- Appetizer: Tomato soup with mint, paired with a Tío Pepe fino.
- Starter: Confit artichokes with Iberian ham, accompanied by an AB Viña Amontillado.
- Main Course: Iberian pork cheeks in oloroso sherry, a succulent meat served with an Alfonso oloroso.
- Dessert: The iconic tocino de cielo, a pure Jerez convent tradition, paired with a Cream Solera 1847.
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Monthly traditions: The “dish of the month”
In addition to the annual menu, AQ35 offers a fantastic initiative to discover traditional cuisine according to the season. For just €16, you can enjoy the most authentic flavors of the orchard and countryside:
February: Traditional Jerez-style cabbage stew, the emblematic stew of the countryside, slow-cooked to perfection.
March: Seasonal artichoke stew with peas, a reflection of Jerez’s orchards in springtime.
April: Wild asparagus scramble, made with free-range eggs and locally sourced ingredients.
AQ35 Patio de los Naranjos Restaurant Menu www.aq35.easycarta.es
AQ35 Patio de los Naranjos Restaurant www.hace.es/hotel-jerez-spa/jerez-aq-35
It’s not just about eating, it’s about knowing how to live. To make the most of Jerez’s status as a Gastronomic Capital, Charming Andalusian Hotels has designed the perfect setting: an impeccable balance between Jerez’s historical pulse and the Atlantic breeze.
The Heart of Jerez: TRADITION AND DISTINCTION
If you want to be just steps away from the best wineries and traditional taverns (tabancos), you have two gems to choose from:
- Hotel Jerez & Spa: A landmark in the city. After a day of tastings, it’s the ideal place to relax in its beautiful gardens or its water circuit. Its renowned local cuisine makes it an extension of the gastronomic festival.
Learn more about this hotel at: www.hace.es/hotel-jerez-spa
- Hotel Villa Jerez: If you’re looking for exclusivity, this former stately home converted into a 5-star hotel is the place for you. Located on Avenida de la Cruz Roja, a short walk from the famous Plaza del Caballo, it offers the intimate and elegant atmosphere that defines Jerez’s high society.
Learn more about this hotel at: www.hace.es/hotel-villa-jerez
Rota: The Perfect Beachfront Retreat
Would you like to enjoy the coast? Just 20-30 minutes from Jerez, staying in Rota is the ideal option if you’re looking to combine the area’s vibrant gastronomy with relaxation by the ocean, or simply prefer a different option if there’s no availability in the city center. Charming Andalusian Hotels features emblematic establishments there:
- Hotel Duque de Nájera: Located next to the marina and Rota’s historic center.
Learn more about this hotel at: www.hace.es/hotel-duque-de-najera
- Hotel Playa de la Luz: An oasis among dunes and pine trees with charming Andalusian architecture.
Learn more about this hotel at: www.hace.es/hotel-playa-de-la-luz
- Punta Candor Suites: Located on the beachfront of Punta Candor Beach, one of the most pristine and beautiful areas of Rota, with its characteristic dunes and pine forests. Learn more about Punta Candor Suites at: www.hace.es/punta-candor-suites
You can enjoy a midday gastronomic event in Jerez and be watching the sunset with a glass of local wine overlooking the Bay of Cádiz in less than half an hour.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a few days of rest, at Charming Andalusian Hotels, we offer hotels and tourist apartments in Jerez and Rota with friendly, personalized service. Come and see for yourself why Cádiz is a perfect destination even in winter, enjoying the warmth of our people and the flavors of traditional dishes.
Want to get to know us better? Explore every corner of our HACE hotels and restaurants on our website or let us help you plan your perfect stay with a phone call.
Website: www.hace.es
Phone: +34 900 676 133