Gonzalez Byass

It was in Spain in 1835 when Manuel María González Ángel founded González Byass, dedicating himself to the world of sherry wine. It was his uncle, José Ángel who educated Manuel about Fino wines, which is why his name was given to the winery’s foundational solera, “Solera del Tío Pepe” (Tío Pepe translates to Uncle Joe). In 1844, the first barrels of Tío Pepe were shipped over to the UK, after Manuel partnered up with his English agent Robert Blake Byass. The partnership between the families continued until 1988, when the Byass family withdrew from the business. It wasn’t just sherry that they were innovating. The family also influenced the introduction of the polo game in Spain, the first grass tennis court within the winery, and the installation of the first electric lighting and running water. Today, it is run by the 5th generation of the González family, direct descendants of Manuel. It was his son, Manuel María González Gordon, who wrote one of the most important books on sherry wine, titled “Jerez, Xerez, Sherish”. Some consider it to be the ‘Sherry Bible’. González Byass remains one of Spain's most well-known sherry bodegas.