Sherry Houses at the End of the 18th Century

Two important Spanish houses can also trace their histories from the latter part of the eighteenth century: de la Riva and Misa. The de la Rivas have no idea when their ancestors first began making wine, but they were certainly in the trade as far back as anyone can trace. Documents and accounts of this shipping house survive from 1776.

Until the end of the nineteenth century they ignored the lucrative export markets entirely and concentrated on the peninsular trade, but they eventually became well-known throughout the world. They became a subsidiary of Domecq\'s but traded independently. Very little is known of the early days of Misa as well.

The Misa family was certainly in business in the eighteenth century but many of the early records are said to have been destroyed by an English manager who, like Henry Ford, thought that history was bunk. Perhaps, though, was maligned as some of the earliest account books have recently turned up but have not yet been examined.

The earliest known document is a letter dated April 7, 1802 from Don Mariano Gisper of Vera Cruz, Mexico, saying he would send 4,000 pesos of gold (some £800) by the master of the frigate La Nueva Liebre, to be invested in wine or Spanish brandy at Misa\'s discretion; and such confidence could only be placed in a man of the highest standing.

Manuel Misa was Marques de Misa, Conde de Bayona, and a grandee of Spain. He had a high commercial reputation both in London and in Jerez, where he was noted for his charity. He was also an accomplished scholar, and held a doctorate of the University of Santiago. Misa became part of the Ruiz-Mateos empire but the bodega buildings were bought by Harveys.

The Misa family was certainly in business in the eighteenth century but many of the early records are said to have been destroyed by an English manager who, like Henry Ford, thought that history was bunk.