The origins of Bodegas Dios Baco go back to 1765, when the Palomino family started a winery in Jerez. At the beginning of the 20th Century, Juan Palomino joined forces with Juan Vergara to form the winery Palomino & Vergara, a well-known name in Jerez for a long time. Their large bodega complex was nicknamed ‘The 12 Disciples’ as it was composed of twelve buildings. Today only three remain: Pio XII, La Cruz and the main Dios Baco, built in 1848 and named after a small shrine to Bacchus that was found inside. At some point Bodegas Dios Baco was said to contain 2000 butts and a cooperage. In 1963 Palomino & Vergara became part of the huge Rumasa conglomerate, which was dissolved by the Spanish Government in 1983 after some large-scale business scandals. In 1985 the bodegas were sold to Harveys, but after some internal restructuring the Dios Baco cellar current owners José Páez Morilla and his daughter Alejandra handcraft small batches of sherry. Dios Baco purchases all of its base wines from external companies. The old Palomino & Vergara building at the heart of Jerez is used for maturing Fino and VORS wines, but there’s also a modern building outside of the city centre, holding the other soleras as well as the offices and distribution facilities.