What is true for real estate is true for wine: location matters. Sherry comes from a unique location that cannot be replicated or even well imitated, which is why it’s only Sherry if it’s from Jerez, Spain.

In the province of Cadiz, in southwestern Andalucia, Spain, is the D.O. Jerez, or Xérés, the origin of this special wine that is known to English-speaking people as Sherry. The chalky “albariza” soils of this region are extremely important to the unique characteristics of the wine, particularly its remarkable acidity. The grape of choice of this region, used in the production of all dry Sherry, is the Palomino Fino. Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez are grapes used for blending in some Amontillados and Olorosos, and for the sweet, dessert styles of Sherry, which usually carry the name of the grape on the label. The first phase of Sherry production is identical to other wines. The real differences all occur after the fermentation process has been completed.

Sherry wine lovers know that the Jerez region of Spain produces these delicious wines with defining characteristics unique to that region. Unfortunately, there are few protections in place to prevent someone from taking Sherry’s name and using it as their own. Other well-known regions like Champagne, Port, Sonoma and Napa Valley are also faced with imposters using their region name to sell their wine. As a result, there are numerous misleading labels that make it very hard for consumers to select an authentic wine from a particular region.

Many of the world's leading wine regions have banded together to address this problem by advocating for better legal, legislative or regulatory protection of place names. In fact, thirteen regions including Port, Sherry and Champagne have signed an international declaration to protect place names. You, too, can join the rapidly growing movement by signing a companion online petition found here.