Pérez Barquero

If you are looking for an authentic wine experience in the heart of Andalusia, the Pérez Barquero Winery will be a true discovery for you. Located in the picturesque town of Montilla, this bodega is the recognized flagship of the Montilla-Moriles region. Spain is famous for its winemaking traditions, and this place is a living testament to that, where the secrets of producing unique beverages have been carefully preserved for over a hundred years.

Pérez Barquero Winery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The winery's architectural ensemble is impressive in its scale: vast warehouses filled with rows of oak barrels, cozy inner courtyards with orange and lemon trees, and cool underground cellars. The air here is thick with the rich aroma of aging wine, creating the unique atmosphere of a grand old Andalusian estate.

Pérez Barquero specializes in producing a wide range of wines—from dry Fino to syrupy, sweet Pedro Ximénez. The winery has earned global acclaim, receiving top scores from leading critics, including the legendary 100 points from the Peñín Guide and Robert Parker. It is not just a production site, but a true cultural center where historical heritage blends harmoniously with the modern art of winemaking.

To plan your visit or for more details regarding tastings, you can use the following contact information for the Pérez Barquero Winery:

The main reason to visit Pérez Barquero is for its fascinating guided tours. You can follow the entire journey of the grape: from the heavy presses and massive vats (tinajas) containing the young juice to the quiet of the cellars, where wines, brandies, and exquisite vinegars mature in oak barrels for decades. A walk through the grounds will allow you to see the famous "solera and criadera" systems, including the oldest solera, established back in 1905.

The tasting in an unusual setting—the winery's former chapel—leaves a particularly strong impression, as the acoustics and lighting add a sense of ceremony to the process. Guests are typically invited to try 3 to 5 types of wine: refreshing dry Fino, aromatic Amontillado and Oloroso, as well as thick dessert Pedro Ximénez, which is often paired with dark chocolate.

For those seeking more unique experiences, the winery occasionally organizes special events: hot air balloon flights over the vineyards, horse shows, or festive evenings in the courtyard (Patio de Bodega). Visitors can also purchase exclusive souvenirs in the local shop—from collectible bottles to miniatures that are convenient for carry-on luggage.

Reaching this wine treasure is easy. The Pérez Barquero Winery is conveniently located right at the entrance to the town from the south. If you are traveling by car from Córdoba, the journey will take about 45–60 minutes via the A-45 highway (a distance of approximately 50 km). Spacious parking is available for visitors traveling by private vehicle.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly from Córdoba and other towns in the Andalusia region to the Montilla bus station. From the town center, the bodega can be reached quickly by taxi in just a few minutes. When entering the address into your GPS, please note that the main entrance for tourists is on Avenida de Andalucía, while large vehicles use the entrance from Luis de Góngora y Argote street.

The history of this famous estate began in 1905 when three brothers—José, Julián, and Emilio Pérez Barquero—arrived in Andalusia from the north of the country. They immediately recognized the potential of the prime lands in Sierra de Montilla and Moriles Alto, laying the foundation for the production of world-class wines. The estate's oldest solera dates back to the year of its founding, making it one of the most valuable and ancient in the region.

A major milestone was 1955, when a "mythical" solera was established to mark the winery's 50th anniversary; its wines continue to delight collectors to this day. In 1985, management passed to three families—Córdoba, Ruz, and Gracia. With decades of winemaking experience, the new owners gave the brand a powerful boost, taking the products to an international level and winning prestigious awards, including 100 points from Robert Parker.

Interestingly, the Montilla-Moriles region differs from Sherry (Jerez) in that it produces wines from Pedro Ximénez grapes, which naturally reach high alcohol levels without the need for fortification with spirits. Traditions here are combined with the use of tinajas—huge, cone-shaped clay vats where the young must undergoes its first transformation before moving on to age for years in oak barrels.

To fully enjoy the winery's atmosphere, a standard tour with a tasting usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. During this time, you will have the opportunity to explore the main production facilities and cellars, and sample several iconic wine varieties under the guidance of an experienced guide.

If you are planning a more immersive experience—such as visiting the vineyards, participating in a specialized masterclass, or simply wanting to spend some leisurely time in the courtyard with a glass of wine—we recommend setting aside about 3 hours for your visit. This will allow you to explore all the intricacies of production without rushing and enjoy the food and wine pairings.

The Pérez Barquero winery typically welcomes visitors according to the following schedule: Monday to Friday, doors are open from 07:00 to 15:00, and on Saturdays, visits are possible from 10:00 to 14:00. The winery is closed on Sundays.

Please note that tour times may vary depending on the season and production workload. We strongly recommend booking your tour in advance or checking the current schedule on the official website before your trip.

Montilla is a city with a rich historical heritage, so a visit to the winery should be complemented by a stroll through the surrounding area. Exploring local landmarks will help you better experience the spirit of the Andalusian province and learn more about the region's culture.