Gala Dinner of the APENO – AGEAS Seguros 2024 National Wine Tourism Award, held this year in Ribatejo, will be catered by chef Rodrigo Castelo, owner of the Ó Balcão restaurant in Santarém, recently awarded a Michelin star. The region’s gastronomic products will also be showcased through Qualifica OriGIn Portugal, an association that values, qualifies, defends, promotes, and dignifies the identity of traditional Portuguese products.

Aware that event sustainability also involves community engagement and the valorization of local products, the National Wine Tourism Award, organized by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) on May 24, 2024, at Quinta dos Anjos in Santarém, has decided to call upon a local chef to prepare the dinner for what is already the national benchmark event in Wine Tourism.

Owner of the ‘Ó Balcão’ restaurant – founded in 2013 in downtown Santarém – Rodrigo Castelo draws inspiration from traditional flavors to create his signature cuisine: “The choice of chef couldn’t be better. I’ve known Rodrigo Castelo’s work for many years and I am well aware of his efforts in promoting the autochthonous products of Ribatejo. I am sure that the dinner dishes will focus on flavors that will enhance the region,” revealed Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association. Rodrigo Castelo, in turn, is motivated to take on this challenge. “Being the chef of this dinner, which rewards the best national Wine Tourism, is an excellent challenge, where the region’s products will also shine,” promises the chef.

But before the party, there will be time to sample some traditional Ribatejo products through a small showcase organized by Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal, an association that brings together highly qualified Portuguese producers. “Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal is the Portuguese branch of the global oriGIn network, representing about 600 producer groups of products with GI (Geographical Indication) from more than 40 countries,” reveals Ana Soeiro, Executive Director of Qualifica/ Origin Portugal. “In Portugal, the promotion of traditional products and gastronomic valorization make even more sense because we have a very rich cuisine, based on high-quality products made by producers who are passionate about what they do. Being present at events like this makes perfect sense because it’s an audience that understands the concept and importance of that same quality,” concludes the spokesperson. It is also worth noting that the showcase of products from Qualifica OriGIn Portugal members will take place during the welcome drink organized by CVR do Tejo, complemented by wines from the region.

Aiming to promote local traditions, the National Wine Tourism Award did not forget culture and, with the support of CVR Tejo, promotes local traditions with a fandango show, a traditional dance dating back to the 18th century. Originating from Spain with Arab reminiscences, fandango has also taken root in Portugal, and it is in Ribatejo that it has its greatest expression. Throughout its history, it has been danced in noble halls or popular theaters, in streets, fairs, parties, and taverns, usually between men and women, between pairs of men or pairs of women. In those olden times, it was also danced in the countryside, in front of trees. And the most skilled even tried their luck at ‘fandangoing’ in taverns, with a glass of wine on their head, without spilling it. Now it will be their turn to show their skills at Quinta dos Anjos, at the National Wine Tourism Award event.

The APENO / Ageas Seguros National Wine Tourism Award (2024) will take place on May 24, 2024, starting at 6 p.m., at Quinta dos Anjos, in Santarém. As the name suggests, it is sponsored by the well-known insurer, and also has the sponsorship of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Entity; the Municipality of Santarém; the Network of Wine Cities; and recognized companies such as Grupo Amorim, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, MCoutinho, Biosphere, Abreu Advogados, and YonWine. Finally, it also has the institutional support of the Institute of Vine and Wine and will have EXAME magazine as its media partner.