We had the honor of attending the press opening of something truly special: the very first sherry bar in the Netherlands! Welcome to Destino in Rotterdam, the place where sherry finally gets the spotlight it deserves.
Destino started out as a regular tapas bar, with no particular focus on sherry. In fact, the owner wasn’t a fan at all! Like many others, he had the typical outdated image of sherry, old-fashioned and poor quality. Until… one day, he tasted a PX; a lusciously sweet sherry with aromas of figs, raisins and honey. Boom! His perception changed; Sherry was actually amazing!
After attending the prestigious Copa Jerez, he was fully convinced. Sherry is not just a drink, it’s an experience and even better when paired with food! And just like that, the idea was born: The first dedicated sherry bar in the Netherlands!
And we couldn’t agree more! Sherry is an underrated product, with a style for every palate. From the nutty Amontillado to the smooth Cream and the sweet PX, there’s always a sherry to love. Still not convinced? Try their sherry cocktails—classic drinks with a Spanish twist.
The sherry selection includes Fino, Manzanilla en Rama, Manzanilla Pasada, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, 30-year-old Oloroso, Medium Ximénez-Spínola, and two different PX.
Our first pick? Amontillado from Fernando de Castilla, a pale amber sherry with aromas of almonds, brioche, hazelnuts and herbs. And here’s a tip: pair it with artichokes. Trust us, you’ll be surprised! But it’s not just the sherry that’s great, the food is top-notch too, of course, all with a delicious Spanish influence.
Vamos, on to the next: Oloroso! A stunning 30-year-old Oloroso from Bodegas Tradición. Herbal, mineral, with a hint of citrus.
And of Course… Because Cravings! No sherry night is complete without a final glass of PX. Sometimes, all you need is one sip of that rich, velvety sweetness. No explanation necessary, just try it!
Destino is something new, exciting and absolutely needed to put sherry back on the map. Because let’s be real: sherry deserves to be loved! It has history, craftsmanship, and complexity. Everything that makes a great wine.
We can only applaud an entrepreneur brave enough to bring this amazing product to the Netherlands and share his passion with the world. With his hospitality and dedication, Destino is a must-visit. Not just for sherry and Spain lovers, but for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable night out.
¡Salud!
This article is written by our own Janne van Lieshout (SommelJane). We would like to thank Buro On/Off and Destino Rotterdam for their invitation to the opening of this wonderful Sherry bar. Picture credits: Studio Unfolded, Renee de Laat.
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