Quinta do Vale do Sabor Invites You to a Wine Sunset in the Douro with Free Admission
04/06/2024After the success of the 2023 editions, Quinta Vale do Sabor invites you to participate in another wine sunset in the Douro. It will be on Saturday, June 8th, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., on the 42 hectares of Quinta Vale do Sabor, in Torre de Moncorvo, on National Road 325 (Panoramic Route). With a DJ promising to liven up the late afternoon in a dream landscape and to the rhythm of the best wines from the Quinta, this wine sunset has free admission, and consumptions are not included. To secure your spot, simply reserve it here: [link]. Celebrate the Douro and toast with Quinta Vale do Sabor to this wine sunset, which promises to be unforgettable.
Villa Alvor proposes 4 wine sunsets to toast the Algarvian summer
03/06/2024Algarve, summer, and sunsets. This seems to be the perfect combination for the hot days, and that’s what Villa Alvor has to offer its visitors. To the taste of quality wines and regional snacks, let yourself be swayed by the DJ’s musical selection and make the most of the Algarvian late afternoons.
Wine Sunset: June 9 – July 29 – August 23, 2024
On June 9, July 29, and August 23, head to Villa Alvor and enjoy relaxing and laid-back wine sunsets while savoring a selection of exclusive regional wines, accompanied by the most delicious Algarvian snacks. To help the party, there will be a live DJ to liven up the atmosphere and create the perfect setting to celebrate life and friendship.
End of Summer Wine Sunset: September 20, 2024
To close the season of heat and sun in great style, mark your calendar for the end of summer wine sunset on September 20. This will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last memorable evening with the best wines, snacks, and music at sunset.
To book these experiences, contact the Enotourism team. Reservations can be made through the website www.provasbyaveleda.com, via email at enoturismo@villaalvor.pt, or by phone at +351 282 476 866.
Pátio das Caves Cockburn’s with snacks and cocktails
29/05/2024At the Cockburn’s Caves – a historic Port wine house, owned by the Symington family – everything is set for sunny days. To welcome warm evenings and socializing, the patio, renovated last year, presents a new selection of snacks, accompanied by the usual cocktails and wine catalog, which can already be enjoyed. Cockburn’s Caves offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the legacy and history of the Symington family and the wines aged there, as well as to discover the largest Port wine aging warehouse in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia, where thousands of barrels, pipes, and vats are kept. Visitors can also explore the different brand references through wine tastings, which can now be held in the tasting room or outdoors.
The new snack menu, which includes suggestions ranging from €2 to €15, features regional products, the result of partnerships with national producers from the Northern region. A assorted plate of Porco Bísaro pork, a selection of cheeses and jam, or puff pastries are some of the menu options, which also include lighter snacks such as potato chips or a bowl of almonds. For those who enjoy canned foods, it is possible to choose from tuna or cod pâté, sardines in olive oil, and tuna with black-eyed peas. And because snacks can go beyond animal-origin products, the menu includes options such as vegan pâté or vegetarian turnovers. In addition to the star product of the venue, olive oil can also be enjoyed with a tasting accompanied by bread.
In the Cockburn’s patio, which is open to Cave visitors and to all who simply seek a place to socialize and unwind on the hottest days, refreshments are also available, such as Porto Tonic cocktails, Port & Lemon, or Port & Ginger. The space also suggests tasting an ice cream made from one of Cockburn’s most recognized wines, the Special Reserve, with an option of children’s ice cream so that even the little ones are not left out. Chocolate bonbons and custard tarts could not be missing to complete the selection of ideal snacks for a late afternoon of socializing. Furthermore, wine by the glass options are available, including a wide selection of Cockburn’s wines, Altano Reserva Branco, and Pombal do Vesúvio Tinto.
Visits to Cockburn’s Caves last 1.5 hours and always culminate in a wine tasting, with six options available (starting from €22). Visits can take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until October 31st. Prior reservation must be made through the website (www.cockburns.com). Tastings at the Caves are available from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 pm.
APENO AWARDS BEST NATIONAL WINE TOURISM
27/05/2024The night was exciting, with awards, magic, and music. The gala of the third edition of the APENO / Ageas Seguros 2024 National Wine Tourism Award, considered the reference event in the sector, took place on May 24 in Santarém at Quinta dos Anjos. The event distinguished the best companies, practices, and wine tourism projects in Portugal in a creative, fun, and elegant format.
As has been the case since the first edition, the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism (APENO) organized the National Wine Tourism Award in a distinctive format, where local traditions always stand out on an elegant and lively night. This year, the event was held in Santarém and featured a wine tasting from the Tejo region, a display of regional products, and a fandango dance performance.
After honoring local traditions, the award ceremony began and unfolded throughout the night, hosted by the renowned magician Mário Daniel, who surprised the audience with his illusion tricks. The winners of the awards in the 15 categories were: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal (Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo); Best Urban Wine Tourism (WOW); Best Professional (Ana Vieira Soares); Best Stay (Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta); Best Restaurant (Sal na Adega); Best Chef (Diogo Rocha); Best Sommelier (Ivo Peralta); Best Tasting Room (Torre de Palma); Best Tourism Company (ABREU VIAGENS); Best Inclusive Project (Herdade do Rocim); Best Sustainable Project (Herdade da Malhadinha Nova); Best Shop (Garrafeira Nacional); Best Art and Culture (Bacalhôa); Best Innovation and Technology (Casa Museu Interativa de Borba); and Best Hospitality (Herdade do Sobroso).
In addition to these 15 categories, APENO also awarded 4 “Merit and Incentive” Prizes to honor the efforts and good practices of companies or individuals who have stood out for their work in the sector. The winners were: Alexandra Maçanita, from FitaPreta; Judith Martín, from Azores Wine Company; Miguel Leal, from ML Private Tours; and Vera Magalhães, from João Portugal Ramos.
The panel of more than 250 jurors included renowned wine and tourism journalists, official wine and tourism entities, chefs, sommeliers, and even APENO members (official bodies voted on different regions of their own, and sector professionals and members voted on unrelated people and projects).
“The National Wine Tourism Award is the sector’s premier event, and we are very proud to surprise every year. Besides the award ceremony—and this year there were new and pleasant surprises that show we have many excellent wine tourism projects—we had dance, magic, and music to brighten the event,” said APENO President Maria João de Almeida. “We are equally proud that in just four years of existence and the third edition of the awards, we have achieved strong support from our members for this celebration, as well as from the Regional Tourism Entities, Wine Commissions, the Vine and Wine Institute, ViniPortugal, and the Secretaries of State for Tourism and Agriculture. This highlights the serious work we are doing, the visibility we are gaining, and the path we want to continue. Congratulations to all the winners who work every day to showcase the best of national wine tourism,” she concluded.
The long and lively night ended with guests dancing enthusiastically to the sound of DJ RICCA. “It was a memorable night that Santarém will never forget and will surely take place in other regions of the country as well. The idea is to decentralize and hold the gala close to all who are available to host and support us,” emphasized the APENO President.
With AGEAS Seguros as the Main Sponsor of the event since the first edition, the event also had the support of ERT Alentejo and Ribatejo, the Municipality of Santarém, the Cities of Wine and AMPV, the Amorim Group, as well as other companies involved in various ways, such as Quinta dos Anjos, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts 4 Wine, GRACAL, Âncora Gold, MCoutinho, ORIGIN, Biosphere, Abreu Advogados, CVR Tejo, Yon Wine, and LETRATEC. The awards gala also had institutional support from the Vine and Wine Institute – IVV and the EXAME Magazine as Media Partner.
“Wine tourism is gaining greater robustness in Ribatejo, with new projects and a dynamic that can be felt in the wineries and producers, combined with the high quality of Tejo wines. That is why, from the beginning, we urged APENO to bring the 2024 edition of the National Wine Tourism Award to Ribatejo, which this year is also the Wine City in our country, and it was a success,” said José Santos, President of ERT Alentejo and Ribatejo.
For Ageas Seguros, in the words of Hugo Julião, Head of Marketing Channel and Digital at Ageas Portugal Group, “it is indeed relevant for Ageas Seguros to be part of this project from the beginning. Supporting the best in wine tourism in Portugal is an honor for us, along with contributing to making it a protected, safe, and inclusive sector.”
Cockburn’s Opens the Doors of Quinta dos Canais to Emerging Artists
23/05/2024From the streets and museums to the Douro landscape. Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house of Symington Family Estates – has just launched an initiative that will bring art to the walls of Quinta dos Canais, the brand’s home in the Douro region. ‘Mosto’ – the term for the fresh grape juice intended for alcoholic fermentation – was chosen as the name for the project, which aims to be a ‘fermentation of ideas’ space for professional and emerging artists, providing a platform for the creation and sharing of their work.
The challenge from Cockburn’s has been set: a two-week artist residency in the unique nature of the Douro, far from conventions, promoting total freedom for the artists. Each residency will result in a piece inspired by the surrounding environment of the Quinta and the brand’s own spirit, which aims to develop an exhibition with the various creations in the long term.
The first residency at Quinta dos Canais took place between May 6 and 12, following an invitation extended to Gavin Renshaw (Tea One). The English artist was the winner of the latest Street Art Competition last September, winning over the jury with a mural that highlighted the rabelo boats and the Douro River landscape. Over the coming months, Cockburn’s will offer other artists the opportunity to join the ‘Mosto’ project. Applications for the next artist residencies are now open and should be submitted via email to mosto@cockburns.com.
The ‘Mosto’ project marks another step for Cockburn’s in supporting culture, particularly the visual arts. The brand, known for its young and irreverent approach to the commerce and consumption of Port wine, has promoted the Street Art Competition over the past three years. This initiative has brought together dozens of national and international artists at Cockburn’s cellars, challenging them to create projects inspired by the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Port wine, and the tangible and intangible heritage of the Douro, over an afternoon.
The commitment to fostering close relationships with these artists, as well as the desire to support emerging artists, is a priority for the brand, which has promoted other initiatives in this field. An example of this is the 2023 launch of an exclusive box of Porto Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canais Vintage 2007, illustrated by Brazilian artist Paula Rezende – winner of the 2022 Street Art Competition. Combining irreverence and tradition, Cockburn’s also honored the work of coopers with a mural developed in partnership with Projeto Ruído, presented last year on the walls of Garrafeira do Carmo in downtown Porto. It is worth noting that Cockburn’s is the only Port wine house with a cooperage in its cellars, also housing the largest aging warehouse for Port wine in the historical area of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Spending a Day in São Miguel is to Experience Alentejo Traditions
22/05/2024On May 25th, Casa Relvas opens the doors of Herdade de São Miguel to welcome friends, clients, and all those who, curious or passionate about wine and Alentejo, want to participate in ‘A Day in São Miguel’.
“We are very happy and excited for another day in São Miguel. It’s a unique day of the year and very special for the entire team, as we can bring together not only the family that is Casa Relvas but also be with our clients, friends, partners, and all those who, like us, love Alentejo and visit us with their families and friends on this day, with the certainty of a great afternoon,” says Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. “Last year, the weather forced us to cancel the event, so this year we are prepared to welcome everyone with all conditions, and it will be a day of celebration, a day to celebrate the best of Alentejo. In addition to our wine, gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, are elements that create a very special atmosphere and that translate the cultural richness of the region. We want this date to remain in the memory of all who visit us, and so once again, we open the doors of Herdade de São Miguel for this great celebration,” he concludes.
Starting at 2 p.m. and until sunset, this is the perfect weekend program for wine lovers – and gastronomy – and also for those who enjoy being in good company, outdoors, always in a good mood and lively. From wine tastings to gastronomy, from traditional games to demonstration and exhibition of regional crafts, and various musical moments, there are many reasons to go to Alentejo, and experience a different and very special day with the Casa Relvas family. Upon arrival, visitors will need to present a wristband at the entrance to the venue, which can be purchased in advance at the online store of the Alentejo producer. The ticket (wristband) has a cost of 20 euros per person (minors under 18, accompanied by adults, have free access). Five euros of the ticket price will go to the Évora Food Bank Against Hunger, a Private Social Solidarity Institution, supported by Casa Relvas, which fights against food waste, channeling it for free distribution to people in need in this district.
To accompany the wines from the Herdade de São Miguel and Casa Relvas ranges served at the venue’s bar, the ticket also includes delicious spit-roasted pork. Fans of Alentejo flavors can also nibble on other regional delicacies, purchasing them at the gastronomy exhibitors, where various suggestions from local producers will be available. From cheeses to sausages, bread, honey, olive oils, sweets, and ice creams, there will be no shortage of options for gastronomic proposals to taste and harmonize with the Redondo producer’s references. In addition to the display of regional products, the space also has a Casa Relvas store, where it will be possible to buy merchandising, wines, and various products from the region, and where consumption vouchers can be purchased.
Since the event will take place in the countryside, there is not always an ATM network, so it is advisable to bring cash for shopping. The wristband also includes the possibility of registering for one of the four wine tastings in the event program (subject to availability, as each tasting has a limited capacity of 60 people): ▪ Single varietals from Casa Relvas (2:30 p.m.), with Nuno Franco, director of oenology and viticulture at Casa Relvas; ▪ 20 years of Herdade de São Miguel (3:30 p.m.), with Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas; ▪ Sustainability in Alentejo (4:30 p.m.), with João Barroso, Coordinator of Sustainability of Alentejo Wines; ▪ Trincadeira, the maligned one (5:30 p.m.), with João Paulo Martins, writer and journalist specialized in the area of wines. Those interested in participating in the tastings must pre-register – for free – via email carlota.paisdias@casarelvas.pt.
On Saint Michael’s Day, there will also be traditional games for the little ones, sheep shearing, and the potter’s wheel of Xico Tarefa, with typical Redondo pottery. But visitors can also see up close the painting of typical Alentejo furniture, the Flowered Streets, with a demonstration of local work with paper flowers, and can even engrave their name on a personalized corkscrew to take home as a souvenir. On this day celebrating Alentejo, there will also be musical performances to liven up the atmosphere. From local bands, like Trovadores de Redondo, or the jazz that SevenDixie play throughout the venue, Casa Relvas promises a lot of animation. In the late afternoon, it’s Luís Trigacheiro’s turn, a friend and partner of Casa Relvas, to take the stage and get everyone to sing along to some of his songs, a moment that precedes a surprise that the Relvas family has prepared for those who want to stay until sunset, with the best Portuguese music. Casa Relvas thus challenges to a great afternoon in Alentejo, at Herdade de São Miguel, where it aims to create memories, and promises to awaken the five senses, with sounds, smells, flavors, traditions, and landscapes of our Alentejo!
“Open Days” at Quinta da Fonte Souto are back
22/05/2024Quinta da Fonte Souto, reopened since April, is preparing the “Open Days,” offering visitors the opportunity to get to know the space for free. Located in the Portalegre sub-region, the property—the first of the Symington family outside the North of the country—has developed a special program for those who want to enjoy the upcoming May 23rd (municipal holiday in Portalegre) and the June 10th holiday in a different way.
The “Open Days” program begins with a guided tour of the property, where visitors can learn about the region’s terroir and the wines produced there by the Symington family. The winery and the old kitchen of Quinta da Fonte Souto are also included in the tour, guided by an expert who will share the history and secrets of the wine production that takes place there. The activity ends in the tasting room, where visitors have the opportunity to taste Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé wine. Additional wine tastings featuring more Symington references are also available, with the Classic Tasting (€22) or the Premium Tasting (€35), as well as other wine-by-the-glass options.
To make the most of the good weather, contact with nature is ensured with a vineyard walk offered by the Visitors Center, which can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, with the São Mamede mountain range’s landscape, marked by chestnut trees and abundant water, as a backdrop. The property features various trails, varying in difficulty and time required to complete, ensuring that each visitor can tailor the experience to their preferences.
Amidst the tours and visits, a moment of rest to savor some snacks is a must. The Visitors Center’s suggestion is to complement the experience with pairings of traditional flavors and regional products. Accompanied by a glass of wine, cured sheep cheese, olive oil and bread, a plate of sausages, olives, or even roasted almonds are great options for a lighter meal. At Quinta da Fonte Souto, it is also possible to have an outdoor picnic, with a basket (€40) that includes rustic bread, mushroom and coriander chutney, cured Alentejo cheese, a mix of sausages, olives, acorn cookies, and seasonal fruit. To accompany, the suggestion is a bottle of Florão Branco, also included in the picnic basket. For the younger ones, a children’s menu is available at a cost of €15.
The free activities of Quinta da Fonte Souto’s “Open Day” can be conducted at 10:30 AM or 3:00 PM, subject to prior reservation, with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Reservations can be made via email (reservas@fontesouto.com) or by phone (910 104 292), with a maximum availability of 20 people. The property is open for visits, and activities can be done every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but are not included in this special offer.
Casa Relvas Invites You to Spend ‘A Day in São Miguel’ to Celebrate Alentejo
21/05/2024‘A Day in São Miguel’ is the proposal from Casa Relvas for May 25th, Saturday, starting from 2 p.m. until sunset. The gathering, aiming to bring together friends and family around the best Alentejo has to offer, will take place at Herdade de São Miguel in Redondo, the perfect setting for a delightful day focused on wine, gastronomy, and lots of entertainment. ‘We are very happy and excited for another day in São Miguel. It’s a unique day of the year and very special for the whole team because we manage to bring together not only the family that is Casa Relvas but also to be with our customers, friends, partners, and all those who, like us, love Alentejo and visit us with their families and friends on this day, ensuring a great afternoon,’ says Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. ‘Last year, the weather forced us to cancel the event, so this year we are prepared to welcome everyone with all the conditions, and it will be a day of celebration, a day to celebrate the best of Alentejo. In addition to our wine, gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, these are elements that create a very special atmosphere and reflect the cultural richness of the region. We want this date to stay in the memory of all who visit us, and that’s why we once again open the doors of Herdade de São Miguel for this grand celebration,’ he concluded.
From wine tastings to gastronomy, traditional games to demonstration and exhibition of regional crafts, to various musical moments, there are many reasons to spend ‘A Day in São Miguel’ with Casa Relvas. Upon arrival, visitors will need to present a wristband at the venue entrance, which can be purchased in advance on the online store of the Alentejo producer. The wristband costs 20 euros per person (children under 18, accompanied by adults, have free access). Five euros of the ticket price will go to the Évora Food Bank, supported by Casa Relvas.
To accompany the wines from the Herdade de São Miguel and Casa Relvas ranges served at the venue bar, the ticket includes tasty spit-roasted pork. Those who appreciate the flavors of Alentejo can also enjoy other regional delicacies, purchasing them from the gastronomy stands, where various suggestions from local producers will be available. From cheeses to sausages, bread, honey, olive oils, sweets, and ice creams, there will be no shortage of options for gastronomic proposals to savor and harmonize with the references from the Redondo producer.
The wristband also includes the possibility of registering for one of the four wine tastings in the event program (subject to availability, as each tasting has a limited capacity of 60 people):
- ‘Single Varietals from Casa Relvas’ (2:30 p.m.), with Nuno Franco, director of oenology and viticulture at Casa Relvas;
- ’20 years of Herdade de São Miguel’ (3:30 p.m.), with Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas;
- ‘Sustainability in Alentejo’ (4:30 p.m.), with João Barroso, Sustainability Coordinator of Wines of Alentejo;
- ‘Trincadeira, the Misunderstood’ (5:30 p.m.), with João Paulo Martins, writer and journalist specializing in the wine industry.
Those interested in participating in the tastings must pre-register – for free – via email carlota.paisdias@casarelvas.pt. To give everyone the opportunity to register, access is limited to one tasting per person.
This day also brings together a series of moments that reflect the essence of the region, such as traditional games for the little ones, sheep shearing, and the potter’s wheel of Xico Tarefa, with typical Redondo pottery. Visitors can also see up close the painting of typical Alentejo furniture, the ‘Flowered Streets,’ with a demonstration of local work with paper flowers, and they can even engrave their name on a personalized corkscrew to take home as a souvenir. On this day celebrating Alentejo, there will also be musical performances to liven up the atmosphere. From local bands like Trovadores de Redondo to jazz played by SevenDixie throughout the venue, Casa Relvas promises a lot of entertainment. In the late afternoon, it’s time for Luís Trigacheiro, a friend and partner of Casa Relvas, to take the stage and get everyone singing some of his songs, a moment that precedes a surprise that the Relvas family has prepared for those who want to stay until sunset, with the best Portuguese music.
Torres Vedras organizes Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum
20/05/2024The Municipality of Torres Vedras, in partnership with the Lisbon Wine Commission, will organize the fourth edition of the Reserva-Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum on May 24, 25, and 26, at the former premises of the Torres Vedras Vine and Wine Institute (IVV). With free admission, this edition has the institutional support of the Central Tourism.
The Reserva aims to continue to value the work developed by producers, promote and enhance differentiating and innovative projects that interconnect with the world of wine and consequently with business, culture, cultural and natural heritage, music, discovery, well-being, and happiness.
The event is aimed at the general public and professionals in the wine sector, wine tourism, gastronomy, catering, and services.
The program will feature various activities, including musical moments. All producers from the Lisbon region are invited to this edition, highlighting local producers. The intention of this forum is to annually invite a different region of the country and another international one.
The realization of Reserva | Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum also aims to enhance and strengthen the creation of collaborative networks dedicated to the strategic asset of Gastronomy & Wines. More information and schedule: https://www.cm-tvedras.pt/agenda/detalhes/169693
Sunset Marks Alentejo Anniversary with Wines, Local Tapas, and Folk Songs
16/05/2024The summer 2024 program at Herdade do Rocim, in Cuba, Alentejo, kicks off on May 18th, with open doors to celebrate the Herdade’s 17th anniversary and the arrival of summer time. The sunset event brings wines by the glass and harmonized tapas accompanied by local music and folk songs. Entry is free but requires prior reservation by May 15th, via email: enoturismo@herdadedorocim.com.
The inevitable wine tastings tailored to the visitors’ preferences, regional tapas, and a wider gastronomic offering will be in harmony this year with programs focused on physical activity and contact with nature. There’s a range of diverse experiences, with the main backdrop being the Herdade’s vineyards. Herdade do Rocim was recently awarded the Five Star Regions Prize in the Enotourism category. “It’s recognition of the work we’ve been doing. We believe this year will be one of consolidation so that we can have a more extensive offering, but above all, one with superior quality. Last year, we welcomed around 7,000 visitors to the estate, this year we expect to reach 10,000,” highlights Pedro Ribeiro, responsible for Herdade do Rocim.
“This year, we’re anticipating the grape harvesting programs for August and September, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the process and taste some typical grape harvesting dishes,” says Bruno Gomes, responsible for events and wine tourism. In November, on the 16th, another edition of the Amphora Wine Day returns to celebrate St. Martin and the opening of the clay amphorae.
With the announced communication, whose detailed program will be revealed soon, Herdade do Rocim seeks to establish itself as a gastronomic space and promote the harmonization of its wines with a “more traditional and healthy cuisine, without losing the identity of this region,” says Bruno Gomes. Additionally, they will also focus on expanding their gastronomic offering, with wine menus and traditional grape harvesting meals available daily by prior reservation.
Last year, about 7,000 people visited this space, with a highlight on citizens from the United States of America, Brazil, and Central Europe, who sought to “get to know the local culture and the diversity of native vineyards.” This year, the goal is to surpass this number, but above all, to expand the offering of other services, so that this region is not just a passing point, but a mandatory stopping and staying point.
In this sense, and with the aim of promoting this sub-region as an excellent destination, Herdade do Rocim, together with local partners (Herdade do Sobroso, Herdade da Lisboa, and Quinta do Quetzal), created the ‘Vidigueira Weekend Food Wine & Design.’ “We have very similar visions regarding the quality of the offering, service excellence, and enhancing the visitor experience,” he concludes. All experiences can be found at www.rocim.pt.