Historic Route and Manzanilla Tasting in Sanlúcar's Barrio Alto

Context Sanlúcar de Barrameda’s Barrio Alto is a historically rich neighborhood preserving traces from the Tartessian era to the Age of Exploration. Located in the city’s historic core, it’s renowned for its deep-rooted winemaking tradition, especially the production of Manzanilla— a rare biological-aged white wine unique to the world. The route gently ascends through cobbled streets that carry the scents of salt and thyme, echoing centuries of local life and culture.

The Experience The tour begins with a guided walk through Plaza de San Roque and the cobbled lanes of Barrio Alto, where visitors encounter iconic architecture and feel the cool, moist air of the century-old bodegas. A visit to Bodegas Barbadillo offers insight into the traditional production of Manzanilla, followed by a tasting of three varieties paired with tapas that highlight the wine’s distinct saline and floral notes. The journey concludes at the Manzanilla Museum and a walk along Las Covachas, where the wind carries the scent of aged wood and ripe grapes.

For Whom This activity is ideal for adults interested in wine culture and local history, with low physical difficulty requiring 1 to 2 hours of walking. Not recommended for those with limited mobility due to uneven pavements, nor for those seeking high-intensity activities.

Local Context Sanlúcar has preserved its winemaking tradition for centuries, with bodegas still practicing biological aging of Manzanilla in oak barrels. Residents of Barrio Alto maintain a quiet, authentic atmosphere where history and cuisine intertwine in every alley and cellar.