22.1.15 Feria Poster; Consejo 80th Anniversary

The poster for the 2015 Feria del Caballo in Jerez has been presented by the mayor, María José García Pelayo and the artist who designed it, José Manuel Reyes. They drank a toast of Tio Pepe. The poster is a photographic reproduction of a work he painted in oil and represents two of the things most dear to Jerezanos: wine and horses. Somewhere in the background there is also an allusion to motorcycling which is also very important to Jerez.  The presentation of this year’s poster is earlier than usual as the council is keen not to lose the momentum gained last year.

The 2015 poster (foto:diariojerez)

The Consejo Regulador will soon celebrate its 80th anniversary. It was established on the 19th April 1935 with the publication of the Reglamento (reglations) of the newly formed Denominación de Origen in the Gaceta de Madrid, now the Boletín Oficial del Estado, and was the first in Spain. The main celebration will not take place till May so as not to interfere with the 50th anniversary celebrations of Manzanilla joining the DO which themselves have been extended to cover the Feria in Sevilla, where so much Manzanilla is sold.

This delay will give the Consejo time to make some modifications to the headquarters building in Avenida Álvaro Domecq in order to make it into a showpiece for Sherry wine tourism. The idea is to use the lovely and well positioned building better and bring it into the XXI century by relocating departments and removing architectural barriers.

Cesar Saldana & Beltran Domecq toast the anniversary

The work, which will cost €400,000 and is 40% funded by the Grupo de Desarrollo Rural, will start next week, and the hope is that it will be finished in two months’ time. The ground floor will have a promotional centre and a multi-purpose room where tastings can be held. Visitors will be able to organise their visits to establishments on the Ruta del Vino y del Brandy de Jerez via an interactive system. A lift will be installed making it easier to reach the main debating chamber on the first floor. Despite all the disruption, work is under way to organise the anniversary festivities which will be put to a plenary in March. These include special labels and lots of tastings.