Perhaps the most renowned winery (bodega) in the golden triangle of Sherry production (Jerez, Sanlucar and Puerto). Home of the famous black bull, that nowadays seems to represent the entire country.
The aromas from the Fino and Manzanilla sherries can be smelt from streets away in this traditional and charming coastal town. The House of Osborne offers guided tours around its historic premises, finishing up with tastings and tapas. The town is filled with many historical sights and traditional tapas bars, specialising in amazing local seafood.
Bodega Osborne, c/Fernan Caballero, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, Spain. 0034 956 855211.
A 40 minute boat trip across the bay from Cadiz is the pretty town of El Puerto de Santa Maria. Tucked away in a side street amongst imposing old mansions and sherry bodegas is the typical Andalucian town house where Rafael Alberti was born. It is now a bright, modern museum dedicated to the life and works of this poet, playwright, painter and statesman.
In the light, attractive galleries you can see much of his colourful work, including his vividly illustrated poetry, look at interesting old newspaper cuttings and photos and read much of his correspondence, a great deal of which concerns his long exile from Sapin under Franco, his triumphant return in 1977 and the many prizes and honours he gained thereafter. This permanent exposition is a fabulous record of the life of one of the most important and fascinating figures in modern Spanish history.
Fundacion Rafael Alberti, calle Santa Domingo 25, El Puerto de Santa María
www. rafaelalberti.es
tel. 956 85 07 11
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about El Puerto de Santa María