Manzanilla Museum

The Bodegas Barbadillo museum tells, in a few rooms, what manzanilla is, how it is aged under a veil of flor, why it comes only from Sanlúcar and what the house's history is. The Barbadillo family settled in Sanlúcar in 1821 and bottled its first manzanilla in 1827. It is the simplest way to understand the city's wine before ordering it at a bar.

Opening hours and admission

Admission is free and with no fixed time slot:

• Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 19:00.
• Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 to 15:00.

You can walk round on your own in half an hour and finish, if you like, with a glass at the winery's wine bar. At the end is the shop; sales of loose wine are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:30. Groups can ask for a guided visit of the museum with a glass of manzanilla, lasting 30 minutes, for €5 per person and free for children, with prior booking.

If you want to see the cellars

The museum does not go into the cellars. For that there is the guided winery visit with a tasting of three wines, lasting an hour and a half, for €22 per adult; according to Barbadillo's rates, minors pay €5 from age 13 and nothing below that. The sessions are:

• Monday, at 12:00 and 13:00, in Spanish.
• Tuesday to Saturday, at 11:00 in English and at 12:00 and 13:00 in Spanish.
• Friday, an evening session at 19:00, in Spanish.
• Sunday, at 12:00, in Spanish.

The cellars the house shows are La Catedral, in La Arboledilla, and San Guillermo. For groups of at least ten there are private visits with a tasting for €30, or €40 with an Iberian aperitif, and an introductory tasting course for €45. Bookings on 956 385 521 or at [email protected]. Our listing for the visit to Bodegas Barbadillo tells it in more detail.

How to fit it in

The museum is in the Barrio Alto, next to Santiago Castle, so the natural thing is to combine them: castle with audio guide, museum and, if you have booked, the tasting. It is a good plan with children precisely because it is free and short. A few minutes away is the Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, with guided visits three days a week, and for the afternoon, the walk along Bajo de Guía.