The hospitality industry of Jerez recognizes Fundador’s commitment to gastronomy and its legacy

The V Hospitality Gala highlighted the decisive role of the winery in the city at a professional meeting marked by the drive towards the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2026.

Jerez de la Frontera, November 13, 2025

Bodegas Fundador, has been one of the main protagonists at the V Hospitality Gala of Jerez. A professional meeting in which the winery received recognition for its contribution to the “gastronomic, cultural and tourist development of the city”.

The gala, organized by the Jerez Hospitality Association, brought together more than 400 professionals and has established itself as the great annual meeting to celebrate unity, history, and pride of a key sector for Jerez.

The event, held at the La Atalaya Museums, was presided over by the mayor María José García-Pelayo and by the president of Jerez Hospitality, Alfredo Carrasco. Both emphasized the importance of “recognizing the trajectory of veteran restaurateurs, exemplary workers, support entities for the sector and people who contribute to spreading the gastronomic identity of Jerez”. A collective effort that, they pointed out, has borne fruit with the recent designation of the city as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2026.

During the ceremony, the mark that Fundador, the oldest winery in Jerez with almost three centuries of history, has left on the city’s identity was also highlighted. Its decisive role in the international projection of Jerez and its ability to unite tradition, excellence, and innovation over generations, establishing itself as a symbol of Jerez hospitality, authenticity, and prestige.

The president of the organizing entity of the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, Mariano Palacín, presented the recognition to Eugenia Herrera, in charge of Wine Tourism at Fundador. Herrera, accompanied by her team and very emotional, expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire winery: “It is a pride, and at the same time a stimulus to continue working and make Jerez shine as it deserves, within and beyond our borders”.

For Fundador, this recognition confirms the winery’s commitment to the local hospitality sector, its constant collaboration with the Jerez Hospitality Association and its role as a benchmark for wine tourism in the province.

From its restaurant Casa Fundador, the winery offers proposals that integrate gastronomy, culture, wine and brandy. And initiatives such as the Fundador & Friends cycle are organized, which brings together prominent chefs from all over Spain and which this year has already celebrated its third edition. A contribution that consolidates its prominent role in the new Jerez gastronomic scene.

After the delivery, attendees were able to enjoy a tasting of house cocktails and brandies, including the cocktail Magas by Fundador, a proposal made with Fundador Doble Madera Sherry Cask, a Solera Reserva brandy aged in boots that previously contained amontillados and olorosos, a perfect reflection of the balance between Jerez tradition and avant-garde.

In addition to Bodegas Fundador, other companies and institutions such as the Jerez Circuit, the Canal Sur Andalucía Directo program from Canal Sur, businessman Fulgencio Meseguer and journalist Juan Ignacio López, honored posthumously. Likewise, tribute was paid to other historical figures of local hospitality.