Pour oil into a large soup pot. Add the bacon, ham, onion, garlic and celery. Cook at high simmer until vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes. Add beans, rice, seasonings, and broth to soup pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
Let soup cool; put through the blender a little at a time, until smooth. Return to soup pot; reheat on low about 45 minutes, adding wine and sherry. Serve hot.
NOTE: We prefer this soup a little chunky with texture instead of smooth as recipe states. Enjoy!