Tío Pepe barrels at "Gonzalez Byass" wineries

By the early 19th century Jerez had become the wine capital of the world. In 1835, Manuel Mª González Angel put all of his savings into the founding of a small winery and within 20 years González Byass grew to become the leading exporter of sherry wines in Jerez. The first bodegas (storage houses where sherry is aged and matured) were built at this time: La Constancia, Los Apóstoles and La Cuadrada. By mid-century, others followed, including La Concha designed by Gustav Eiffel and the Lepanto bodega. By the time of his death in 1887, Manuel Mª González Angel had not only built up a flourishing business but also created a unique architectural legacy.