Sherry, Jerez, Xerez — it all means the same thing: a rich fortified wine hailing from the sun-kissed vineyards of the Jerez region of Andalusia, Spain. It is one of the oldest wines in the world, and it’s now the centerpiece of a new bar and restaurant called Señora Xerez, 52 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, inside the Inn on Charlotte.
The Inn and bar are both founded by Ericka Patel, an entrepreneur and visionary who runs several historic inns in St. Augustine. Patel and her oldest son Ricky, both have a passion for wine, but it’s their Hispanic heritage that inspired them to dream up Señora Xerez, which opened its doors this month.
“Señora Xerez is a living tribute to an era of resilience and progress in hospitality,” Patel said. “Where women opened spaces for their community to gather, to share in the history, culture and identity of Spanish heritage.”
Patel drew inspiration from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, a city famous for producing sherry wine — or “Xerez.” The bar focuses primarily on sherry wines and vermouths, serving specialty sangrias, sherry-based cocktails, sherry and vermouth flights and Spanish wines.
“Señora Xerez is a unique concept that is the first of its kind in St. Augustine,” said Cesar Diaz, food and beverage consultant (and owner of Odd Birds and Charlotte 33 Speakeasy). “And our cocktails are just as unique. Patrons have premier access to the finest selection of Spanish wines and sherry in the state of Florida.”
Señora Xerez’s food menu is crafted by Miami-based Chef Manuel Garcia, who was born into one of the most renowned Spanish cuisine kitchens, La Paella Valenciana, owned by his father, Chef Pedro Garcia.
“We are proud to serve traditional Spanish tapas such as gambas al ajillo (Spanish garlic shrimp), pulpo a la gallega (octopus), pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread), montaditos (tiny open-faced sandwiches), a curated selection of jamon iberico (curated meats), and a fine selection of Spanish cheeses,” said Garcia.
While Sherry is millenia old, many people might not know what varietal to order or how to pair it with food, and Señora Xerez wants to change that.
“Our staff is trained to give patrons an experience and an education, on both sherry and the gastronomy of Spain,” Patel said. “We’re bringing a piece of Xerez to America's oldest city.”
Señora Xerez is open 4-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.
