The biennial competition, which challenges teams of chefs and sommeliers to create the a three-course menu paired with sherry wines, is seeking the UK’s most talented chef and sommelier teams to compete in the national finals of Copa Jerez 2026.
Entries are now officially open for UK teams to present a three-course menu perfectly paired with sherry with the prize being a place representing Britain on the international stage in Spain next year.
The challenge is designed to showcase both technical skill and creative flair in pairing food with one of Spain’s most distinctive wines.
From the entries received, three teams will be selected to compete at the live national finals on Monday 28 September at Orrery by Pierre Minotti in Marylebone. Competitors will have the chance to present their menu to an esteemed panel of judges, in front of an audience of industry leaders and media professionals.
The winning UK team will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Jerez, where they will represent Britain in the International Grand Final of the XII Copa Jerez in June 2027.
The event forms part of the Copa Jerez Forum & Competition, widely recognised as the world’s leading gastronomic congress dedicated to Sherry wines.
“We are absolutely thrilled to launch our UK competition and announce that Orrery by Pierre Minotti will be the home of the XII Copa Jerez UK Finals 2026,” says César Saldaña, president of the Consego Regulador de Jerez y Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
“For over two decades, Copa Jerez has championed innovation and excellence, encouraging chefs and sommeliers to collaborate and explore the remarkable pairing potential of Sherry wines.
“The UK has consistently delivered outstanding creativity, and we look forward to seeing what this year’s teams will bring.”
UK chefs and sommeliers can find out more and download an entry pack by clicking here.
Entries can be submitted until midnight 22 July 2026.
The live finals will take place at Orrery by Pierre Minotti on 28 September.