More than 20 countries and 1100 events are confirmed for International Sherry Week, June 2-8, 2014, in what is fast becoming the most talked about international event on food and wine calendars. This week, International Sherry Weekwill be celebrated throughout the world, uniting thousands of sherry wine lovers across five continents. In Australia there are 26 daily events.

Coinciding with the announcement that the capital of Sherry wines, Jerez de la Frontera Spain has been anointed the title European Wine Capital 2014, the campaign will see venues around the world showcasing the wines with local cuisine and traditional Spanish tapas throughout bars, restaurants, retail and wine clubs.

Often dismissed as the unfashionable fortified wine enjoyed by grandmothers at Christmas, sherry has been making its way onto the wine lists of some of the hippest restaurants in Australia and according to world-wide sales, enjoying a major revival. Sherry cocktails are all the rage in New York, Chicago and San Francisco while in London sherry bars are popping up all over the place.

Frank Camorra of Spanish restaurant MoVida and Frank Dilernia of Australia’s first Sherry Bar Tapavino in Sydney are the Australian ambassadors for International Sherry Week, both hosting several events during the week. In addition fashionable Spanish themed pub The Carrington in Surry Hills is joining the celebrations this year. Events are open to professionals to participate and also the general public who can register to host an event at a local venue or join one of the many events during International Sherry Week.

Australia is an especially important market as International Sherry Week is the brainchild of Australian born Chelsea Anthon. Raised in Sydney to an Australian mother and Spanish father, she now calls Spain her home.

An experienced international marketing and digital media professional Chelsea was the co-founder and project manager of the inaugural World Sherry Day 2013, over 300 events in 29 countries. Chelsea proudly became a Certified Sherry Educator in 2013 and has wasted no time introducing Sherry Bodegas to new markets. Chelsea recently produced the world’s first online master class in the biologically aged wines Fino and Manzanilla between Sydney Australia and Jerez de la Frontera Spain.

Chelsea Anthon said: “The idea for International Sherry Week is to introduce the real Sherry to a whole new audience. International Sherry Week provides a platform for professionals such as bars and restaurants to showcase to consumers these often misunderstood wines through Sherry tastings and Sherry related events and especially through food pairings. Anyone with a passion for Sherry can also register to host an event at a local venue.”

Frank Camorra of MoVida said: "International Sherry Week is an opportunity to spread my love of Sherry. Introducing Sherry to people who have never tried it before has been one of the great joys of owning Spanish tapas bars in Australia."

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