Wines of Sherry, Andalucia, & Extremadura

Immerse yourself in the character of Andalucia through its celebrated Sherry wines, shaped by generations of sun, sea air, and the solera aging system, then continue to Spain's island territories, where rare indigenous grapes and remarkable viticultural ingenuity produce wines as singular as the landscapes that surround them.

The brilliant, limestone-rich albariza soils of the Andalucia wine region provide the foundation for the Palomino grape. The interplay of Atlantic sea breezes, heat, and intense sunlight elevates this wine into something that truly reflects the passage of time: maturing in barrel beneath a protective veil of flor yeast, or blended through the complex fractionalized aging system of the solera. The resulting fortified wines carry the salinity of their coastal birthplace, the warmth of the climate, and the quiet dignity of a winemaking tradition that gives its wines a hauntingly beautiful depth. Discover the full complexity of Sherry!

Next, we travel to the Balearic and Canary Islands, where vines and visitors share the same love of sun. Sunburn and windburn are real concerns for both humans and grapevines. Island growers have developed distinctive viticultural practices to shield vines from prevailing winds, capture precious rainfall, and train growth in extreme conditions. The grapes cultivated here, including Prensal, Listan Blanco, Callet, Manto Negro, and Listan Negro, are equally distinctive. Just as the islands themselves represent only a fraction of the land hidden beneath the surrounding sea, wine production here is defined not by volume but by exceptional range and character.

Online Info:

• You will receive the Zoom link and any required handouts a few days before class by email. Check your spam folder and contact [email protected] if you have not received it within one business day of your class.
• If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or shipped to you anywhere in the US.
• Wine parameter lists are available for participants where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
• Participants who wish to attend online without the wine tastings may select "Skip the Wine."
• Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.