Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos distinguished with Silver Fork in the Good Bed Good Table Guide
08/05/2024A ‘Silver Fork’ for the shelf. The results of the Good Bed Good Table Awards were announced during a ceremony at the Impresa Building, and Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos was one of the restaurants distinguished by the Guide, which is marking 21 years of uninterrupted publication. After entering the Michelin Guide this year, the space, located in Pinhão, appears for the first time on the list of establishments honored with the ‘Silver Fork’.
Inaugurated in the spring of 2022, Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos is the result of a partnership between Chef Pedro Lemos and Symington Family Estates. The restaurant, located on the first floor of an old wine warehouse at Quinta do Bomfim – owned by the family for five generations – draws inspiration from the gastronomic heritage of the region, revisiting traditional Douro recipes with a contemporary approach. A tasting menu and the renewal of the menu, which now includes options such as wild boar in the pot, roots and mushrooms, or suckling goat roasted in a wood-fired oven, are some of the recent announcements by the establishment.
For Chef Pedro Lemos, the recognition from the Good Bed Good Table Guide is “a reflection of a team dedicated daily to providing excellent service”. And he adds: “the success achieved by the restaurant in the last two years would not have been possible without the effort and commitment of all collaborators, to whom we extend our thanks”.
With a privileged view of the Douro and a kitchen where wood-fired ovens and stoves take center stage, Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos has been winning several awards. Highlights include the titles of ‘Best Chef’ (for Pedro Lemos) and ‘Best Restaurant’ in the first and second editions, respectively, of the National Wine Tourism Awards of APENO, and the distinction obtained in the Best of Wine Tourism 2023, in the ‘Wine Restaurants’ category.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, for lunch (from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm) and dinner (from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm). On Sunday and Monday, lunchtime hours are slightly extended (from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm). Advance booking is recommended and can be made by phone (254 730 360), email (info@bomfim1896.com), or on the website (www.bomfim1896.pt).
Alforge, the new wine brand from Alentejo.
02/05/2024Comprised of two Alentejo Regional wines, Alforge is the new brand presented by Adega de Borba. The new range is represented in bottle format (white and red: 0.75L), bag-in-box 5L (white and red), and 10L, available soon. The chosen name for this new wine brand from Adega de Borba is a tribute to the habits, customs, and traditions that characterize Alentejo culture, an identifying factor of its people that manages to endure over time through generations, an inheritance of cultural assets. Alforge is thus a type of bag with two pouches, made of more resistant fabric, widely used in rural areas in the past to carry goods on one’s shoulder or on pack animals. The image of Alforge is presented with strong colors and is comprised of two young, fresh, fruity wines with a certain complexity, making them wines geared towards a younger consumer who values more contemporary wine profiles. Under the technical direction of Adega de Borba’s winemaker, Óscar Gato, Alforge Branco 2022 was produced from grapes of the Roupeiro, Arinto, and Fernão Pires varieties. It presents a good aromatic intensity of tropical fruits, with freshness. Ideal for accompanying fish and seafood dishes. As for Alforge Tinto 2021, it was produced from the Aragonez, Castelão, and Touriga Franca varieties. It presents good aromatic intensity of ripe red fruits and has a soft flavor, with the fruity notes persisting. Ideal for accompanying roasted or grilled meats.
Celebrating with Chocapalha on Mother’s Day
30/04/2024In 1987, a love story began to be written when Alice and Paulo found a property to be the family project, a place that would serve as a cradle for high-quality wines – Quinta de Chocapalha. Through the hands of their daughter Sandra Tavares da Silva, a renowned international winemaker, over the years, wines expressing authenticity and paying homage to the terroir have been created. One of them is very special, CH by Chocapalha. Available in white and red, it is a tribute to the family matriarch and a love letter in liquid form with a recipient in mind: Alice Tavares da Silva. Therefore, it is the perfect suggestion to offer, or to toast with, on Mother’s Day.
For the daughters, Andrea and Sandra Tavares da Silva, their parents are the pillars of Quinta de Chocapalha, so both deserve a spotlight through such a well-presented tribute in the portfolio – the father with Guarita da Chocapalha (red wine) and the mother with the CH by Chocapalha range. The couple is synonymous with unity, strength, determination, and love. When Paulo and Alice began searching for estates for the project, they never imagined they would one day be considered visionaries. The potential of the estate gradually unfolded over time, and through perseverance to do more and better, it became the family home that today is also a flagship for high-quality wines in the Lisbon region.
As the ambassador of Chocapalha, terroir, and wines, Alice is known for being the warmest hostess. She is the one who welcomes wine tourism visitors, making this experience as familiar and personalized as possible. Known for being the joy of the estate, creating a tribute was indispensable for the family.
For Andrea and Sandra, “CH by Chocapalha is a tribute to our Mother, for all that she represents and what she has done, and continues to do, for Chocapalha. For these wines, the best grapes from the best plots are chosen, and vinification and aging are carefully monitored. They are wines with extraordinary elegance that reflect tremendous care for the vineyards, respect for our terroir, and oenology work.”
In 2008, the first tribute to Alice emerged with the CH by Chocapalha red, which now has a history of 12 vintages, the most recent being from 2020. It is a 100% Touriga Nacional single varietal from the first vineyard planted by Paulo, curiously named Vinha Mãe (Mother Vineyard). A plot that was identified as very special and of high quality from the beginning. With northwest exposure and protected by a eucalyptus forest, its grapes exhibit a very distinct complexity and freshness, resulting in a charismatic and engaging wine.
Later, in 2015, the CH by Chocapalha white emerged, which currently has a total of six vintages. For the family, one thing was certain, this white had to be an Arinto, a grape chosen for its freshness, purity, and strong character, characteristics that are enhanced in the microclimate of Quinta de Chocapalha. Also produced from the oldest vines, the first vintage of CH by Chocapalha white was a reflection of an extraordinary year in viticulture. Produced only in exceptional years, in limited quantities, this white presents itself with a very fine and elegant aroma, highlighting citrus and mineral notes.
The origin of the names of the white and red references comes from the fortunate coincidence between the initials of Chocapalha and the Helvetic Confederation, where Alice was born and lived until the age of 25. Elegance, complexity, and strength are also present in the labels and in the bottle in burgundy format. The Swiss flag is present on the back label to explain the tribute.
Elegant and full of history, CH by Chocapalha wines promise to conquer and enchant all mothers. Available in wine shops and at the Chocapalha Estate Wine Tourism store.
Magic and Music Bring Life to the APENO – AGEAS Seguros 2024 National Wine Tourism Award
29/04/2024The Portuguese Wine Tourism Association has chosen the magician Mário Daniel to present and perform at the gala of the Best Wine Tourism Awards. After the awards ceremony, the party continues with DJ RICCA.
Since its first edition, APENO has been organizing the National Wine Tourism Award party with great enthusiasm and creativity. This year, the modus operandi remains the same.
The chosen location for the party is Quinta dos Anjos, a rural tourism site located five kilometers from Santarém, and will feature magician Mário Daniel as the headline act, a reference in this field, both nationally and internationally. “Minutos Mágicos,” in prime time on SIC, was one of his most well-known and audience-leading programs, recipient of several awards. He has also been the face of various institutional brands, sold out various live shows across the country, released books and magic games, and is a regular presence at major corporate events both domestically and abroad. In the United States, he has participated in various television programs and graced the famous stage of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, presenting various shows and causing a sensation with his magic tricks among the American audience, including renowned magician David Copperfield. “We are delighted to welcome Mário Daniel to our stage. No one can resist his friendliness and good humor, his enormous power of communication, and of course, his enormous talent for performing magic. He was the perfect choice to present and perform at our Wine Tourism gala, a very attractive and equally magical sector,” says APENO President Maria João de Almeida. Accustomed to participating in corporate shows, Mário Daniel also enthusiastically embraced the challenge of animating the gala. “Wine tourism has gained much relevance in recent years, and it’s fantastic to see how Portugal has evolved in this sector and how APENO has done significant work. It is with great pleasure that I will perform at the show,” says the magician.
After the awards ceremony, which will take place throughout the night, guests will be guided to another area of Quinta dos Anjos, where the party will continue with DJ RICCA. Ricardo Rodrigues, also known as DJ RICCA, began animating high school and beach parties at the age of fifteen, and has continued throughout his life, becoming a specialist in playlists ranging from 80s classics to Deep House. A great wine enthusiast and convinced wine tourist, he now divides his time between the communication agency (PressMedia) he founded over 22 years ago, and the pleasure of playing music at private parties, corporate events, and beach sunsets. “I’ve always preserved this musical side that gives me immense pleasure. What I want is for the guests of the National Wine Tourism Award to relax and enjoy the beat. It will certainly be an excellent end to the party.”
This will be the third edition of the National Wine Tourism Award, already considered the benchmark event in the wine tourism sector. The Main Sponsor is Ageas Seguros, with Alentejo being the excellent region providing fundamental support for the realization of this party. “With the support of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity, which has supported us since the second edition, this party gains even more significance and relevance; after all, it is the ‘queen region’ of Wine Tourism in Portugal, the one with the most wine tourism and the greatest diversity of offerings,” explains Maria João de Almeida, President of APENO.
In addition to sponsorships, the Municipality of Santarém also joins in, and with institutional support from IVV (Institute of Vine and Wine) and CVR Tejo, along with companies participating in various ways, such as Abreu Advogados, Alug’Aqui, Âncora Gold, Biosphere, Gifts4Wine, GRACAL, Grupo Amorim, LETRATEC, MCoutinho, Qualifica OriGIn, Quinta dos Anjos, Schott Zwiesel, and YonWine.
The voting for the National Wine Tourism Award APENO / Ageas Seguros 2024 is already underway and runs until May 10, 2024, through an online platform. The panel of over 250 jurors includes recognized wine and tourism journalists, official wine and tourism entities, chefs, sommeliers, and APENO associates (official bodies vote in different regions, and sector professionals and associates vote for other people and projects).
The National Wine Tourism Award APENO / Ageas Seguros 2023 distinguishes 15 categories: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal; Best Professional; Best Stay; Best Restaurant; Best Chef; Best Sommelier; Best Tasting Room; Best Tourism Company; Best Inclusive Project; Best Sustainable Project; Best Store, Best Art and Culture, Best Innovation and Technology, and Best Hospitality. See categories and jurors here: [link]
In addition to these categories, this year APENO will also award 5 ‘Merit and Incentive’ Awards to honor the effort and good practices of companies or individuals who have stood out for their work.
José Maria da Fonseca suggests João Pires Branco and João Pires Rosé to celebrate Mother’s Day
29/04/2024Mother’s Day is approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate this special occasion than to toast elegantly and distinctively, in the company of João Pires Branco and João Pires Rosé wines. With these two suggestions from José Maria da Fonseca, we express the love and gratitude we feel for our mothers in the best possible way.
João Pires Branco represents the character and tradition of the wine region of the Setúbal Peninsula. Produced from Moscatel de Setúbal and Fernão Pires grapes, this wine delights the senses with its freshness. With intense floral notes, highlighting orange blossom, and a delicate floral touch, it’s perfect for sharing moments of happiness and joy.
João Pires Rosé embodies distinction. Made with Moscatel de Setúbal and Touriga Nacional grapes, this rosé wine presents a pale salmon color and a seductive aroma of wild roses, violets, and lychees. In the mouth, it reveals itself as delicate and very floral, with a delicate acidity that invites another toast to life and maternal love. Available in supermarkets and at the JMF enotourism shop.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Quinta da Aveleda
26/04/2024On the weekend of May 4th and 5th, Quinta da Aveleda opens its doors for an unforgettable experience dedicated to all mothers. Located in the beautiful Vinho Verde region, Aveleda invites everyone to witness a special moment among vineyards and traditions. To make this weekend even more memorable, Quinta da Aveleda offers a lunch with typical regional dishes. Among the available menus, visitors can savor traditional dishes accompanied by the award-winning house wines. And to honor the mothers present, the mother’s lunch is offered in the presence of 4 adults or more.
To ensure your place on this special day, simply contact the Aveleda Enotourism team. Reservations can be made through the website www.provasbyaveleda.com, by email to enoturismo@aveleda.pt, or by phone at +351 255 718 200.
Aveleda is an internationally renowned producer, with a century-old tradition in producing quality wines. Located in the Vinho Verde region, Aveleda is recognized for the excellence of its wines and the unique hospitality offered to visitors. It remains a reference in the world of wine tourism, providing authentic and unforgettable experiences.
For more information about this initiative or about Quinta da Aveleda, contact Maria Manuel Ferreira, Public Relations Manager at Aveleda, SA, via email maria.ferreira@aveleda.pt or rp@aveleda.pt, or by phone at +351 935 863 612.
New activities at Quinta da Fonte Souto
24/04/2024Pruning of the vineyards, bike rides, and wine tastings are some of the activities coming to the Symington family estate. Starting April 15th, Quinta da Fonte Souto opens its doors to visitors and spring for another season of activities. Until October, the Visitor Center showcases the estate, which spans over 207 hectares, and the wines produced there by the Symington family since 2017. The property is located in the São Mamede mountain range, in Portalegre, and will once again be the stage for new experiences, filled with the sounds, flavors, and the ambiance of the region’s landscapes.
Through visits to Fonte Souto, one can discover not only the property but also the history behind the wines produced there, including a tour of the winery and the estate’s old kitchen. Vineyard walks and bike rides are options for those seeking greater contact with nature, enjoying all that the São Mamede mountain range has to offer. The various available routes offer different levels of difficulty and vary in the time required to complete them, allowing visitors to choose what best suits their preferences.
For those who want to get “hands-on” and experience firsthand an essential part of wine production, Quinta da Fonte Souto offers the opportunity to participate in vine pruning. The green pruning activity represents a unique opportunity to “help” maintain the vineyards while also learning about the pruning process and the grape varieties present on the property. The activity is available depending on the progress of the work at the time of the visit.
The Visitor Center provides a complete experience, culminating in a tasting room where visitors can sample the Florão Tinto, Florão Branco, and Quinta da Fonte Souto Tinto wines, included in the Classic Tasting (22 euros). There is also the Premium Tasting, which, in addition to the three wines presented in the Classic Tasting, includes two more references: Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco and Vinha de Souto Tinto. The wines produced on-site can also be enjoyed by the glass, including options such as Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé (7 euros) and Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet (9 euros).
As complements to the wines, light snacks are suggested, such as olive oil and bread, cured sheep cheese, a platter of sausages, olives, or toasted almonds. If hunger strikes, a picnic outdoors, designed for two people, is Quinta da Fonte Souto’s recommendation. Comprising regional delicacies, the basket (40 euros) includes rustic bread, mushroom and coriander chutney, Alentejo cured cheese, a mix of sausages, olives, acorn breads, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of Florão Branco wine. There is also a children’s menu option, costing 15 euros, specially designed for the little ones.
Quinta da Fonte Souto is open until October 15th, and can be visited every day from 10:00 to 19:00. Advance reservation of activities and visits is advised and can be made by phone (910 104 292) or email (reservas@fontesouto.com). Reservations for picnics should be made 48 hours in advance. Further information can be found on the website www.fontesouto.com.
ABREU Agency Launches Premium Wine Tourism Travel
18/04/2024ABREU Agency has created a new travel sector dedicated to wine tourism in collaboration with journalist and wine consultant Maria João de Almeida. These will be premium experiences focused on wine tourism destinations in Portugal and around the world.
Wine tourism has grown exponentially in recent years, and ABREU Agency has expanded by establishing a new premium department that will showcase the best of what this area has to offer nationally and internationally. To achieve this, they enlisted Maria João de Almeida, one of the most recognized wine and wine tourism experts in the country.
As a journalist, award-winning author, consultant, competition judge, and President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, Maria João de Almeida has joined ABREU Agency to coordinate premium trips, featuring visits to the best wine tourism wineries worldwide, along with stories and local curiosities. These trips also include visits to the finest restaurants and hotels where wine plays a prominent role, as well as cultural sites that reveal the history of the locations. Unforgettable journeys designed for discerning wine enthusiasts.
“The knowledge and experience of Maria João Almeida in the wine sector led to her selection for designing this thematic offer, which is available in ABREU Agency stores and on www.abreu.pt,” explains Pedro Quintela, Director General of Sales and Marketing. He further adds, “These suggestions are aimed not only at organized groups of wine lovers but also at individuals. More than just trips, they are exclusive experiences centered around wine that will surely remain in the memories of those who embark on them,” concludes the responsible party. (in the photo, alongside Maria João de Almeida)
Maria João de Almeida also expresses satisfaction with the collaboration. “ABREU Agency is the oldest travel operator worldwide and is also the largest company in this area in Portugal. For me, it is a privilege to work with a company of such prestige, which did not hesitate to innovate in its offerings and invest in the premium segment of wine tourism, which involves a high level of demand,” says the expert.
Douro, Alentejo, Dão, Lisbon, Azores, and Madeira are some of the national destinations included in the first compilation of proposals for ABREU Agency’s latest venture. The offerings also include international destinations, which are equally important when it comes to wine. Among the suggestions are Spain (Rioja), France (Bordeaux), Italy (Tuscany), Germany (Mosel), Hungary (Tokaj), and more distant destinations such as Argentina (Mendoza), South Africa (Stellenbosch), and Australia (Barossa Valley). On the website www.abreu.pt, readers can find a brochure with more information about reference wineries, curiosities of wine regions and their grape varieties, an interview with Maria João de Almeida explaining her career and the reality of wine tourism in Portugal, among other complementary texts that will certainly awaken the desire to travel in wine enthusiasts.
Graham’s hosts the largest Port wine tasting event
15/04/2024More than five hundred people, gathered with a purpose: to discover and taste some of the most iconic offerings from Graham’s portfolio. This was the scene observed in Viborg, Denmark, where, earlier this month, Dahls Vinhandel – a Danish wine retailer, partner of Graham’s – celebrated its fortieth anniversary. The occasion served as the backdrop for organizing the largest Port wine tasting event ever, which saw the participation of 536 people and thus secured the entry of the renowned Port wine house – owned by Symington Family Estates – into the Guinness World Records.
The planning of this achievement was led by Gustavo Devesas, regional manager of Symington in Northern Europe, who selected some of the brand’s key references for the event. Graham’s The Tawny, Tawny 20 Years, Graham’s Six Grapes, and Quinta dos Malvedos Vintage 2012 wines were among the options available to the over 500 participants. Joanne Brent, Guinness World Records adjudicator, attended the celebration to witness the “largest Port wine tasting” ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 293 people at the Lisbon Bar Show. Johnny Symington, chairman of the Symington group, also witnessed the feat, highlighting “the unique ability of Port wine to bring people together, anywhere in the world.”
In addition to a wine tasting that will go down in history, the occasion of Dahls Vinhandel’s 40th anniversary also featured a dinner. The preparation of the various dishes for the guests involved the participation of six restaurants from the Viborg region, including a taste of Portuguese cuisine. Ann-Kristin, a Danish chef residing in Lisbon, was challenged to prepare bacalhau à Brás for the attendees and thus complemented a demonstration to the Nordic public of the finest Portuguese cuisine.
Best Wine Tourism Celebration Supports Traditions, Local Cuisine, and Gastronomic Products from Ribatejo
12/04/2024Gala 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.