International Sherry Week 2016 - a global talking point.

Numerous events were held in countries as diverse as China, Greece, Brazil and Mexico, largely due to the continued efforts of Certified Sherry Educators. These qualified Sherry aficionados share their knowledge of the wines to empower local industry professionals and consumers on how to pair Sherry with local cuisine.   

In Spain and Denmark, Sherry Week coincided with the national finals of the Copa Jerez 2017 sherry pairing and cooking competition, the international final of which will be held in June 2017. Germany held a competition to find its new Sherry Ambassador who will attend the Sherry Educators’ seminar in Jerez next year, while in the Netherlands, many bloggers were actively involved in events, attending tastings and writing blog posts to inspire their readers and SM followers.

In Jerez itself, tastings were held for both sight and hearing-impaired people – the hearing impaired event, organised by Spirit Sherry, proved so popular that a second date was added.

Key annual event for Sherry industry

This year Sherry Week has established itself as one of the most important events in our annual calendar, and an essential way to engage our worldwide community of Sherry lovers, whether aficionados or wine industry professionals. I would say that Sherry Week represents the final celebration in our full programme of events, complementing all the activities which take place during the year, from Sherry Cocktail Competitions and Copa de Jerez to seminars, masterclasses, and our Sherry Educator Programme, to draw in this exceptional group of Sherry lovers which we’ve worked so hard to create around the world. Now we start on a new cycle of activities, which will finish in November 2017.  

César Saldaña, General Manager Sherry Wine Council, El Consejo Regulador Jerez-Xeres-Sherry and D.O. Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Examples of Sherry pairing menus

Globally there were numerous events giving prominence to the pairing of Oysters paired with Manzanilla and Fino, along with Cheese and Sherry pairings including cured cheeses with Oloroso, and spicy blue cheeses with Pedro Ximénez.

• Hong Kong - Lamb chops, parsnip and baby carrots with Oloroso VORS  
• UK  - Lamb and pumpkin tart, soy, shallot, garlic chips, celery leaf, with Fino and the classic Fish and chips with Fino
• Japan - Peking duck with Amontillado
• Canada - Clam and leek chawamushi (savoury egg custard) with Amontillado
• USA – Foie gras torchon in hazelnuts served with toasted brioche and onion marmalade, paired with an Amontillado VOS

The response to Sherry Week in Mexico was astounding; we had 315 people in the one room, all tasting Sherry at the same time in a guided tasting. 8 different wines were presented from 5 different producers and the people absolutely loved the experience and loved the Sherry.

Raul Vega, Director Terravid Importers, Mexico                                                                                                     

More than 250 people joined the Sherry Chorus on the opening night of Sherry Week in China, with 12 venues in 10 different cities all participating in the same style of Sherry tasting and seminar at the exact same time, that’s why we called it the Sherry Chorus, we all sing for Sherry! This is the first time ever my country has participated in a national Sherry wine seminar, it is a historical moment and one that I am deeply proud of as a Certified Sherry Educator. 

Monica Zhou, Director Talentum Trading, Shanghai           

We had 43 participants who "ran the scales" of our obstacle course, moving from station to station for a new surprise and lesson. Everyone who participated left with greater knowledge and appreciation for Sherry - and, as you can see from the photos, a smile on their face!  Sherry Week is a fantastic way to introduce and further educate people about a captivating wine that comes in so many styles. Once that glass is in new hands, we have created another #sherrylover! And once you fall in love, you always want to learn more.

Cheryl Wakerhauser, Bar Vivant, Portland, Oregon, USA

We believe that pairing with food is the key to enhancing people’s understanding of these wines and the Sherries paired exceptionally well with the menu created by Michelin-starred chef, Nigel Haworth.  Overall the evening was outstanding and we look forward to building on this success for Sherry Week 2017.   

Craig Bancroft, Managing Director, Northcote, UK (AA Hotel of the Year 2016)