California Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar is the finishing vinegar. It is nuttier and rounder than wine vinegar, with an oxidized depth that comes from long aging in wood, and a few drops at the end of cooking will do more for a dish than a whole spoonful of something sharper at the start.

American barrel-aged sherry vinegar

American Barrel California Sherry Vinegar is made from California sherry wine and double barrel-aged. Traditional Spanish sherry vinegar is aged in a solera; ours takes the same patience and applies it to American fruit, which gives you the nutty, acid-balancing character without the imported price. It is raw and unfiltered. There is more on why this style earns its place in why American sherry vinegar is the ultimate finishing vinegar.

Where sherry vinegar earns its keep

More on the technique in the role of sherry vinegar in modern cooking and why it belongs in a serious kitchen.

Common questions

  • Is it interchangeable with red wine vinegar? Not really. Sherry vinegar is rounder and less aggressive, and it carries a nutty note that red wine vinegar does not have. Use less of it than you would red.
  • Cook with it or finish with it? Finish. Heat drives off the aromatics you paid for.
  • Is it sweet? No. It reads rich rather than sweet.

Try it in a set first

The Explore Kitchen Vinegars Four Pack pairs it with porter malt, cranberry cider and quince chardonnay, which is a good way to find out whether sherry is your bottle before buying it alone. See the rest of the range in the full vinegar collection. Orders over $85 ship free in the contiguous US.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California sherry vinegar different from traditional Spanish imports?

Our vinegar highlights premium wine grapes grown in California soil. This approach captures a distinct, bright flavor profile while utilizing historical fermentation methods.

How should I use this gourmet sherry vinegar in my daily cooking?

It is an exceptional choice for splashing into rustic bean stews, deglazing roasted chicken pans, reduction glazes, or creating sophisticated salad dressings.

Is this product sweet like a traditional balsamic style vinegar?

It features a subtle, natural sweetness from the roasted grape notes, but it maintains a crisp, dry finish with a sharper acidity. This is a traditional sour vinegar.

Are there any artificial colors or added sugars in your vinegars?

No. We believe in pure craftsmanship. Our California sherry vinegar contains zero added sugars, artificial flavorings, or preservatives.

Where can I purchase this California sherry vinegar?

You can shop our complete artisan selection online at American Vinegar Works for quick, secure delivery straight to your kitchen, or visit our authorized premium retail partners. See the full list on our store locator page.

Let customers speak for us

from 1673 reviews
So delicious!

We have used this on several dishes for a little flavor and I'm planning to do fried fish and fries this weekend with this as a highlight!

Dee P.

The greatest vinegar 😁

Sharon

an excellent white wine vinegar crisp clean acidity

MICHAEL M.

Lovely. Very high quality vinegar!

David
Birthday gift for my sister

My sister was thrilled with the gift set. I also added a couple of other vinegars that I love…and she did too! Such wonderful vinegar flavors that enhance everything we eat!!!

Carla H.

Great vinegar.

Gail G.
Superior Vinegar- will be repeat customer

I love vinegar and your regular cider vinegar, malted beer vinegar, cider vinegar w/ blueberry and cider vinegar w/ cranberry is awesome and will be a repeat customer for life.
I am 78 and a 14th generation New Englander with maternal and paternal roots back in Dedham, Massachusetts and Providence RI back to 1636. I am 78 now and born in Boston but due to job and marriage and kids have lived at the New Jersey Shore since 1978- age 30.

John Carter ANGELL
520 Hillside Ave
Pine Beach
New Jersey 08741
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JOHN
I keep these in-stock in my kitchen

I keep these in-stock in my kitchen. They are reasonably shelf stable and I like the varitey.

Anonymous
Love your vinegar’s everything came fine right

Love your vinegar’s everything came fine right on time and I enjoy them very much

Customer L.E.
Great vinegar

The best vinegars I have ever tasted. The apple cider vinegar is real, not apple cider flavored vinegar like most. It is made with real apples, and you can taste the difference. Fantastic used making hot bacon dressing for wilted salads.
I highly recommend.

kevin h.
I’ve been using these vinegars for three years and I would use nothing else! The red wine vinegar

I’ve been using these vinegars for three years and I would use nothing else! The red wine vinegar is my go to. I am currently enjoying the Honey Wine Vinegar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Chardonnay Wine Vinegar. The quality is exceptional !

Nancy K.
Trust the Freebie

The free bonus bottle of hot vinegar is not something I would have ordered, but I love it—so good on garden-ripened tomatoes! Ordering was easy, delivery prompt, all contents in good condition. The vinegar has a depth and richness that grocery store vinegar just doesn’t have.

Martha G.T.
Superior quality, tasty and smooth

Did a taste test with your apple vinegar and the major national brand we use. First diluted in water then straight. In both concentrations your product wins hands down. Smoother and tastier. The choking, why'd-I-do-that response with the straight vinegar was almost worth it.

Anonymous
Good vinegar, and samplers are fun and practical

American Vinegar Works makes delicious vinegars. I don't like them all equally, but that's what makes the sampler packs great. I chose what I wanted to try. I highly recommend the miles from the tree cider vinegar! I also like that I can buy a small bottle when I only want a little of something specialized for a recipe. It makes a good reason to try some more kinds!

Harriet

Great vinegars

Alexa J.