González Byass is one of Spain’s leading winemaking groups. World-renowned for their ‘Tio Pepe’ sherry, exported to over 70 countries, this family company is also a firm believer in other quality wines, an interest that has led them to expand into appellations such as Rioja, Cava and Penedés and areas such as Toledo or Cadiz. Their latest initiatives are aiming to become ‘vinos de pago’, or single-estate wines, a mention recognising top-notch quality. Thanks to efforts like these, González Byass are one of Spain’s best representatives worldwide.

González Byass is, first and foremost, one of the handful of centenarian wineries established in Jerez, where they have been devoted to making and ageing Sherry wines and brandies since 1835, paying particular attention to their finos. Founder Manuel María González Ángel established the company at the early age of 23, advised by his uncle José Ángel de la Peña.

Nine years after establishing the winery, Manuel María let his uncle José take over one of the wineries to make fino to his liking. The resulting wine was excellent and, through the mediation of Robert Blake Byass, the company’s agent in England, met considerable commercial success on the British market. As a sign of gratitude, the founder wrote on one of his casks: “Solera del tío Pepe” (Uncle Pepe’s sherry). Thus came into existence the company’s flagship product, famous ‘Tio Pepe’, in honour of José Ángel de la Peña. Over time, the brand has become not only the world’s best-selling sherry wine, but also the Spanish product present in the largest number of countries around the world.

In 1855, Byass cesed to act as the bodega’s agent and joined the business. His name was added to the brand in 1863.

Today, the company is still managed by the González family, currently in its fifth generation after the founder. The family holds nearly 96 percent of the company.

The González Byass bodega in Jerez is a true temple guarding the history and experience built up by the family over 170 years. A pilgrimage site attracting 250,000 people a year, all curious to discover the birth place of brands such as ‘Tio Pepe’, distributed in 74 countries, or the VORS, wines over 30 years old, such as ‘Noé’ or ‘Matusalem’, which have acquired icon status.