Symington family evokes ‘Matriarch’ on Women’s Day

On March 8th, the Symington family and the Vinum restaurant will challenge members of the Matriarca – Clube de Oenophiles to travel back in time to the 19th century. A typical Douro banquet, with food, music and period costumes, is the setting chosen to mark Women’s Day, celebrating the life of Beatriz Leitão de Carvalhosa Atkinson – wife of Andrew James, the first Symington to come to Portugal to work in the port wine sector, in 1882 –, and thus paying tribute to all women.

From 8:00 pm, among the cask corridors of Graham’s Cellars, diners will be transported to one of the famous dinners of the matriarch of the Symington family, an enthusiast for late-night conversations around a lavish table. Over the course of a five-part meal, you will be able to try a variety of delicacies that evoke typical Douro cuisine. Gizzards, rojões, roasted chorizo, soup from the stone, roast suckling pig with chestnuts, bacon from heaven and even a selection of cheeses. Each moment of the menu will be harmonized with some of the main references from the Symington family’s wine portfolio, such as Quinta do Vesúvio DOC 2016 or Graham’s Tawny 20 Years Porto.

Designed for wine lovers, gastronomy enthusiasts, or simply for the more curious, Matriarca – Clube de Enófilos opened its doors to founding members at the end of last year. The legacy of Beatriz Atkinson, master of the art of welcoming, adept at banquets with family and friends, and a decisive element in the construction and success of the family business, served as inspiration for the launch of the project by the fifth generation of the Symington family.

In addition to the cultural program that includes unique events – some of them free –, members receive, throughout the year, two deliveries of a selection of six bottles of Symington wines, with a commercial value greater than the amount paid for the annual subscription. Matriarca also offers access to an exclusive online store, which includes rare references and restricted releases. Members also receive an annual voucher for two people, valid for family visit centers, as well as a 10% discount on all experiences in the Symington universe. More than a club, Matriarca presents itself as a community, enabling its members to interact with other wine and food lovers.

It should be noted that two subscription options are available: the first worth 350 euros per year, to receive a selection of premium wines; the second worth 500 euros per year, to have access to a selection of super premium wines. It is still possible to reserve a place on the Matriarch, but registrations will close as soon as the 100th member is found. Subsequent applications will be placed on a waiting list until a new entry phase is announced. More information at matriarca-club.pt.