Your Trip Leaders
It doesn’t get much better than this! We will be joined by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s USA Director, Tom Smith. We have known Tom for a long time now as an incredible voice for the Society here in the US and what better way to explore Spain than to be with him. This tour is for US Members of the Society, so if you are not one, maybe you should become one to join!
The other two leaders include myself, Charles Grabitzky, co-owner of Rascal + Thorn and First Fill Spirits, now in my 11th year of leading whisky tours around the world. And Holly Seidewand, one of the leading experts on Scotch whisky in the United States. She currently is co-owner of First Fill Spirits in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Jerez De La Frontera
The trip begins with an overnight stay in Madrid and a classic welcome dinner before continuing south to Jerez de la Frontera, the historic heart of sherry production. From the outset, guests are grounded in the region with an introduction to sherry styles and aging, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the wines, places, and people that define this singular corner of Spain.
Along the way, we will shower you (not literally) with wonderful bottles of sherry cask matured Society whisky. Over several days based in Jerez, the itinerary offers rare access to iconic bodegas and traditional cooperages, blending heritage and hands-on learning. Visits include renowned producers alongside smaller, character-driven houses, as well as working cooperages where sherry casks are crafted and seasoned.
Day Trips to Seville, Cadiz and More
Day trips to Seville, Cádiz, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda add architectural beauty, coastal energy, and the unique maritime influence behind Manzanilla wines, creating a well-rounded portrait of Andalusia beyond the cellars.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how whisky and Sherry come together to make what we love from the SMWS.
Bodegas & Cooperages
- Bodegas Tradicion
- Gonzalez Bypass (Tio Pepe)
- Ximenez-Spinola
- Valdespino
- Bodegas Fundador
- Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana
- Paez Lobato Cooperage
- Tevasa Cooperage
- Jose y Luis Martin Cooperage
- And others
Excursions
- Flamenco Lunch
- Day Trip to Seville
- Day Trip to Cadiz
- Special Tastings
- Other cultural sights
Saturday, October 10 – Arrive in Madrid for a 1-night stay. Welcome Dinner and Tasting.
Sunday, October 11 – After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Jerez De La Frontera for 6 nights. Afternoon Introduction to Sherry Class at Bodegas Tradicion. Followed by Dinner.
Monday, October 12 – We stay in Jerez for the day with visits to Gonzalez Bypass (Tio Pepe), Paez Lobato Cooperage and Ximenez-Spinola. Lunch and Dinner included.
Tuesday, October 13 – Visits to Valdespino, Tevasa Cooperage, and Bodegas Fundador. Lunch and Dinner included.
Wednesday, October 14 – Day trip to Seville. Visit the Cathedral & Giralda, Alcázar, and Barrio Santa Cruz. Lunch included. Free evening back in Jerez.
Thursday, October 15 – Day trip to Cadiz. Visit the waterfront and Cadiz Old Town. Lunch on own. Dinner included back in Jerez.
Friday, October 16 – Day trip to Sanlucar De Barrameda. Visits to Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana and Jose y Luis Martin Cooperage. Lunch and Dinner included.
Saturday, October 17 – After breakfast, we head back to Madrid for our last night. Free afternoon. Farewell Dinner in Madrid.
Sunday, October 18 – Departure from Madrid back to the US.
** please note, itinerary subject to changes based on availability
- 8-night stay in Spain
- Transportation within Spain
- Bodega Tours and Tastings
- Cooperage Tours
- All included itinerary meals
- Guides
- All taxes and tips
- Transportation to or from Spain (air) before/after tour
- Meals during free time
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
We select the best hotel for the group in Madrid and Jerez De La Fronterra within walking distance to local sights and attractions
$6995 USD Per Person (double occupancy)
This tour has filled, but we can add you to the waiting list.
A deposit of $1995 is due to secure a place on the trip. Reservations are taken on a first-come / first-serve basis. Limited spaces available on this trip. Don’t wait to sign up!
Single Supplement $1500
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of the tour. Please contact us for a Reservation Form if you are interested in joining us on the tour. Email charles@rascalandthorn.com or submit your info in the Form to the right.
