Visual creativity

Step 1

Check out the four finalist micro-stories from the 2025 contest.

Step 2

Select one of the stories and create an original illustration inspired by its story, atmosphere, or message.

Step 3

Submit your proposal following the instructions and deadlines set forth in the contest rules.

Step 4

A panel of experts will select three finalists and the winning entry of the contest.

The contest offers the following prizes:
First Prize: 2,000 euros.
Second Prize: 1,000 euros.
Third Prize: Cardenal Mendoza Non Plus Ultra Gift Set (or its monetary equivalent if it is not possible to ship it to the country of the winning entry).
The corresponding withholdings required by the General Tax Law (L.G.T.) will be applied to the prizes.

Bodegas Sánchez Romate Hnos., with the aim of fostering artistic creativity related to Jerez brandy, is announcing the 2nd “Cardenal Mendoza” International Illustration Contest.
Submission to this contest implies acceptance of the following rules:1. Any individual of legal age, regardless of nationality, may participate in the contest.

2. The piece must illustrate one of the four winning micro-stories from the 2025 edition of the “Cardenal Mendoza” International Micro-Story Contest. These stories are titled: “A Night in Jerez,” “Surviving Dad,” “Instructions for Melancholy,” and “The Dutchman’s Journey.”

3. The illustration must be original and must not have been published in any medium or format. It must not have previously received any prize or honorable mention in another contest or competition.

4. The size and format of the piece must be A3 portrait. The illustration must be submitted in .jpg or .pdf format, in CMYK, and with a resolution of 300 dpi.

5. From the total number of entries received, 10 finalists will be selected, from which the three winning illustrations will be chosen.

6. There will be freedom of technique and style with one exception: any use of generative artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.

7. To ensure compliance with the above, each finalist will be asked to submit at least 5 images of the creative process behind their illustration. These images may be photos, screenshots, or videos. They should cover the entire process, from the initial sketching phase to the final piece. If these images are not submitted, or if they are not clear or explanatory enough, the work will be disqualified and another illustration will take its place among the finalists (at the jury’s discretion).

8. The original works will be submitted in digital format only.
Entries must be submitted to the following email address: ilustracion@romate.com.
The subject line of the email must specify: II Cardenal Mendoza Illustration Contest, and it must include two attachments.
The names of the attached files will have the following structure:
1 – For the illustration: the file in .jpg format with the title of the illustration.
2 – For the entry: a file in .doc or .docx format with the title of the story_entry.
Example: If the title of the illustration is “Soleado”,
For the illustration: Soleado
For the bid: Soleado_plica
The illustrations will be signed under a pseudonym.
The file containing the bid shall include: title, pseudonym, first and last names, date and place of birth, full address, nationality, Tax ID number (or national ID number, or passport number), phone number, and email address.
The organization will not correspond with contest participants.9. The contest offers the following prizes:
First Prize: 2,000 euros.
Second Prize: 1,000 euros.
Third Prize: Cardenal Mendoza Non Plus Ultra Gift Set (or its monetary equivalent if it is not possible to ship it to the country of the winning entry).
The corresponding withholdings required by the General Tax Law (L.G.T.) will be applied to the prizes.10. The submission period begins on April 1 and ends on September 30, 2026.

11. The jury will consist of three professionals of recognized artistic standing and two professionals from the Jerez brandy sector. Its composition will be made public after the contest concludes.

12. The jury’s decision will be announced publicly during Cardenal Mendoza Golden Week, between October 25 and 31, 2026, via the website https://www.cardenalmendoza.com/es/golden-week/illustration-contest

13. The jury may declare any of the prizes void if it considers that none of the submitted works meets the required standard.

14. The authors of the winning entries shall grant Bodegas Sánchez Romate Hnos. the rights of reproduction, exhibition, distribution, adaptation, and public communication in any medium for the purpose of promoting the contest for the following 12 months from the publication of the results, without any obligation to provide prior notice to the author. Material published in archives and on social media during that period, related to said works, may be retained indefinitely. Any other use of the works will be agreed upon and reflected in the corresponding contract.

15. Finalists will grant exhibition rights for their works during Golden Week 2026. Material published in archives and on social media during that period,
related to such works may be maintained indefinitely. Any other use of the works shall be agreed upon and reflected in the corresponding contract.16. Participants shall be personally liable for the legitimate ownership and originality of the work under the terms set forth in the Consolidated Text of the Intellectual Property Law, guaranteeing the ownership and the original and unpublished nature of the work.

17. Participation in the contest implies acceptance of the rules, full compliance with the jury’s decisions, and a waiver of any claims.

In compliance with the provisions of Organic Law 15/1999 of December 13 on the Protection of Personal Data, we inform you that all data and information you provide to us, along with any documentation you submit to SANCHEZ ROMATE HNOS, S.A., will be included in a file owned by SANCHEZ ROMATE HNOS, S.A. and will be used solely for the administration of this illustration contest.
We also inform you that you may exercise your rights of access, rectification, cancellation, and objection at Calle Lealas 26, 11404 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz).
SANCHEZ ROMATE HNOS, S.A. shall in no event be liable for the legality, veracity, or accuracy of the information provided. It is your sole responsibility to notify SANCHEZ ROMATE HNOS, S.A. of any changes to such information.
Completing the information request is mandatory and constitutes your express consent to the processing of your personal data for the purposes indicated; completing the remaining fields is optional.