Cupido presents Port wine and chocolates at Quinta do Bomfim 

The most romantic day of the year is approaching and, at Quinta do Bomfim, love will be in the air. Between February 14th and 18th, visitors to the historic Symington Family Estates property, located in Pinhão, will be welcomed with a special treat. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, and to enjoy the best that the Douro terroir has to offer, everyone who purchases a guided tour will receive, as a gift, a taste of Graham’s Six Grapes, paired with chocolates. 

In addition to the visit, which costs 18 euros, and the gift tasting, visitors can also take advantage of Quinta do Bomfim’s other tasting options, which include several references from the Symington family portfolio (from 25 euros). Visitors can also enjoy the other activities that the Wine Tourism Center offers, such as vineyard tours (from eight euros, giving access to an essential kit for carrying out the same). For those who prefer to complement the experience with a more refined meal, the suggestion is to have dinner at the Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos restaurant, located on the property. With the aroma of wood-burning ovens and stoves in the air, and an open-plan kitchen as a backdrop, the restaurant presents a diverse menu, with classic Portuguese dishes. 

 For five generations in the Symington family, Quinta do Bomfim is the home par excellence of the renowned Dow’s Port wines, with several activities available to its visitors throughout the year. The property has won several awards over the last few years, such as two “Global Winner” (in 2017 and 2024) and two “Regional Winner” distinctions in the Best of Wine Tourism, as well as three awards in the TOP 50 World’s Best Vineyards (in the years 2019, 2021 and 2022).  

Easily accessible, Quinta do Bomfim is located around an hour and a half by car from Porto and just 350 meters from Pinhão train station, connecting to Campanhã. For this reason, in the low season and before the peak tourism months, Quinta do Bomfim keeps its doors open, with national visitors – Portuguese and foreigners residing in Portugal – in mind. For more information about the available visit options, contact quintadobomfim@symington.com. 

Quinta de Chocapalha suggests winter getaways

The coldest days call for warm programs for the soul. It is with this in mind that Quinta de Chocapalha, located in the historic Galician village of Merceana, just 45 minutes from Lisbon, suggests weekend getaways to do with family or friends and that will welcome any visitor. Exploring the Quinta’s wine tourism with a wine tasting by the fireplace, paired with local charcuterie, whets your appetite to discover the history, nature and vineyards of Chocapalha.
With a guided tour of the vineyards, cellar and barrel room, always in the company of a member of the Tavares da Silva family, Quinta de Chocapalha has four unique experiences at your disposal: “Discovering Chocapalha”, which includes a visit and wine tasting three wines; “Wine lover Chocapalha”, with a tasting of three wines, including a top of the range wine; and the “Terroir of Chocapalha” experience, in which four wines are served, including two top of the range wines, in addition to being possible to discover the unique characteristics of the Quinta’s references, which reflect the unique terroir and the influence of the proximity of the Atlantic.
Finally, and thinking about the essentially gastronomic wines that are produced in Chocapalha, it is also possible to taste the house’s labels at the table, through the “Wine Tasting & Lunch at Quinta de Chocapalha” experience. This is an intimate program prepared to satisfy all wine lovers. Lunch includes a starter, main course, dessert and coffee or tea, and is paired with a total of four wines (the menu is sent in advance and lunch is preceded by a guided tour of the farm).
All experiences require prior booking via the website www.chocapalha.pt/enoturismo or contact: 263 769 317 | visits@chocapalha.com. Prices: from €30 to €110 per person.

Wine tourism professionals come together to improve the sector

Profitability, Internationalization and Wine Tourism Legislation will be the highlighted topics in the second edition of the Meeting of Wine Tourism Professionals organized by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO). New projects, partnerships and other news for 2024 will also be revealed at this event.

The 2nd National Meeting of Wine Tourism Professionals will be held on January 31st, with the support of the European University, at the Carnide hub, Quinta do Bom Nome, Estr. da Correia 53, 1500-210 Lisbon, from 2:30 pm.

This annual event brings together professionals from the sector working in wineries, travel agencies, tourist entertainment companies, restaurants, wine stores, hotels or other spaces that practice wine tourism, in a rural or urban environment. With a national and international component, it is already the sector’s reference event due to the pertinent and relevant topics it presents and debates. The event is attended by experienced professionals who bring us contributions and visions for improving the sector, as well as influential public figures linked to the world of wine and tourism, with decision-making power in this area.

«Our objective is to discuss and debate topics that contribute to raising the quality level of wine tourism services in Portugal. This year we will show that Wine Tourism is a profitable business, we will address the internationalization of Portuguese Wine Tourism, and reveal projects and partnerships that will have a positive impact on the sector. And also to present, first hand, the steps we are taking towards the creation of national legislation for Wine Tourism, talk about existing global legislation, among other pertinent and urgent topics that will contribute to the organization of the sector» , said Maria João de Almeida, Executive President of APENO.

«In addition, it is an annual event that promotes moments of sharing, brainstorming, conviviality and good spirits among professionals from all over the country», he concludes.

The program this year includes, in addition to national panels that will focus on two strong themes in Wine Tourism – the internationalization and profitability of the sector – it will feature the presence (online) of two special international guests, professor Chiara Tincani , from the University of Verona (Italy) and lawyer Oscar Barney (from Cruz Barney Perez Cuellar Abogados), who will present the legislation relating to Wine Tourism that already exists in their respective countries. «We know that legislation for Wine Tourism in Portugal will eventually emerge, and that Wine Tourism will one day be an organized sector, it is a natural evolution, APENO and its members have been demanding this for a long time. It’s a shame that the Government insists on not opening its eyes and that we have to go after other countries, when we could have been pioneers in this matter. But, better late than never!”, ironizes, Maria João de Almeida

Finally, the event will also feature a special moment – the Recruitment Opportunity Program. During this moment, which will take place at the end of the event, candidates from all over the country will have the opportunity to sign up to work in Wine Tourism, and also to meet some of APENO’s members. «There is a great demand for Wine Tourism professionals, for this reason, APENO invested in this platform where professionals who have already worked in the sector for some time but also people with training who want to start dedicating themselves to this area are registered. The Recruitment Opportunity Program is internal and only our members have access to this platform, it is one of the advantages of belonging to APENO, and I am very proud to inform that we have already managed to place many of these professionals in our members’ companies», says Salvador Salazar Leite, one of APENO’s vice-presidents and responsible for managing the platform.

In addition to the support of the European University, the event also has other partner companies, including Ageas Seguros, Alug’Aqui, Delta Café and Gifts4Wine.

Lavradores de Feitoria launches Bagos brand with Riesling

From Douro and with the signature of the Lavradores de Feitoria consortium, a new brand is now inaugurated – and, for now, a wine –, which gains its name from part of one of this producer’s best-known brands: Conversations de Três Bagos and, from now on , also from Bagos. A name created to give substance to monovarieties and/or more experimental wines, thus showing the characteristics of the grapes. .

Starting the Bagos brand, a Riesling from the 2017 harvest, created by winemaker Paulo Ruão, in close collaboration with Raúl Pereira and Margarida Martins, responsible for production and viticulture, respectively. «In the universe of the 20 farms that give life to Lavradores de Feitoria and its approximately 600 hectares, there is a lot for us to explore. When it comes to white grapes, we have the privilege of having at Casa se Mateus, in Vila Real, a kind of testing ground, from where we will experiment with various white varieties, resulting in wines that reflect the commitment between the Douro terroir and the quality of the chosen varieties, if not autochthonous», says Paulo Ruão. It is precisely there that the grapes for this Bagos Riesling 2017 originate. Vinified only in stainless steel vats, it is a fresh, mineral and elegant white, in which white fruit stands out and a seared touch, so typical of the variety and more evident with the evolution in bottle.

Bagos Riesling 2017 has a very clear and lively lemon straw color. From look to taste, we are faced with a white wine with a fine and elegant aroma. At first impact, fresh aroma of white-fleshed fruit and some floral notes, accompanied by a petroleum touch, very characteristic of the variety and highly praised by Riesling fans. The mouth is fresh, adding minerality. It presents fruit flavors, such as pear and some pineapple, supported by good acidity, which provides an excellent balance. Quite harmonious, it promises good evolution. To drink as an aperitif, alone, or at the table, with cold starters, lean fish, grilled fish, seafood, Asian dishes with spicy touches and some cheeses. Now on the market, with an RRP of €18.

Aware of the capacity of its grapes for white wine production, Lavradores de Feitoria is committed to launching new references. With other wines in the pipeline, for now, it’s time to enjoy this Riesling from the 2017 harvest, released in the last six years, but always with a fresh and elegant touch.

Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2020 from regenerative agriculture launched

Tapada de Coelheiros, a winery located in Arraiolos, has just launched Tapada de Coelheiros Red 2020, a wine that reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. The producer has 53 hectares of certified organic vineyards and is committed to practices aimed at restoring soil health and preserving local ecosystems, without the use of synthetic chemicals.

Made from Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Alicante Bouschet (30%), the 2020 wine stands out for its notes of ripe red fruit, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Luís Patrão, the winemaker in charge, emphasises the importance of the challenging year of 2020, whose climatic conditions allowed for the creation of a vibrant wine with great freshness.

Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2020 is now available to buy online and at points of sale, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quality Alentejo wine in line with sustainable agricultural practices.

Luís Ferreira is the new CEO of the Bacalhôa Group

The Board of Directors of the Bacalhôa Group has announced the appointment of Luís Ferreira as the company’s new CEO. With a solid background in Business Management and extensive experience in financial, operational and management areas, Luís Ferreira has held important positions in large companies such as the Edifer Group, Motorola and Jerónimo Martins.

Over the last three years, Luís Ferreira has worked closely with the Bacalhôa Group and its internal stakeholders. From now on he officially takes over the executive leadership of the group, a milestone that reflects the Board of Directors’ confidence in his ability to lead the company towards sustained and innovative growth. According to the Board of Directors, this appointment will strengthen the Bacalhôa Group’s position as a benchmark company in the wine sector, committed to sustainability and the positive socio-economic impact it has on the national economy and rural areas. In a statement, Luís Ferreira expressed his enthusiasm and responsibility for the challenge: ‘It is with a deep sense of responsibility and high motivation that I accepted the challenge proposed by the Board of Directors to take on this role. I recognise the privilege of leading a team like this one, which has contributed so much to the success and legacy that the Bacalhôa Group has built over the last few years. I believe that we have the capacity to continue this path of growth and to achieve new conquests’.

The Bacalhôa Group is one of the largest wine companies in Portugal, with a presence in seven wine regions and 935 hectares of vineyards. The company stands out for its 70% own production capacity and the diversity of its grape varieties, which total 33. With four wine centres – Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, Aliança Vinhos de Portugal, and Quinta do Carmo – the group combines technological innovation with a rich cultural heritage, offering wines that are recognised on both the national and international markets. Luís Ferreira’s appointment represents a new chapter in the history of the Bacalhôa Group, maintaining the commitment to excellence and innovation that characterises the brand.

Graham’s releases 10 bottles of 1948 Vintage Port to celebrate King Charles III’s 75th birthday 

Porto Graham’s, holder of a supply license to the British Royal House, granted by Queen Elizabeth II, will make available 10 of the last bottles of 1948 Vintage Port from its wine cellar to mark the 75th birthday of His Majesty, King Charles III. Produced three years after the end of the Second World War, this exceptional wine was produced without electricity, using the traditional method of foot treading in granite mills on the Graham’s property in Alto Douro, Quinta dos Malvedos. 

After 75 years of aging in the Graham’s wine cellar, the 1948 Vintage Port takes its place as one of the most iconic Vintages of the 20th century. With extraordinary elegance and refinement, this Vintage Port has become a wine of great class and power, truly sublime. 3rd generation Port producer, Peter Symington, described 1948 as, «a truly magical year that confirmed Graham’s as a premier Vintage Port House». The aromas are seductive, with traces of wild fruits and refined flavors with subtle tannins and an exceptionally composed aftertaste. 

The 10 bottles of this 1948 Vintage Port are presented in beautiful walnut boxes, individually numbered. The bottles will be available exclusively at Graham’s Caves 1890 in Vila Nova de Gaia. The RRP will be €5000 (per bottle). 

Johnny Symington, President of Symington Family Estates, commented: «It takes a rare alignment of the stars for the quality of a year to reach a level that allows us to produce a Vintage Port capable of evolving wonderfully in the bottle for so many decades. Graham’s 1948 Vintage Port is one of those extraordinary wines. As Graham’s holder of a royal supply license, we have had the honor of celebrating several special occasions for the Royal Family, with special editions of some of our finest and rarest wines. It is with great pleasure that we offer a Vintage Port as spectacular as 1948 – the year in which His Majesty, King Charles III, was born». 

Quinta da Côrte with wine suggestions for the Christmas season and New Year’s Eve program

To offer, savor or toast with the family, Quinta da Côrte suggests some of its wines to celebrate this Christmas season. Presented in wooden boxes, these two wine selections from this historic Douro farm include the Quinta da Côrte Princesa Douro DOC Special Selection (37 euros) and the Quinta da Côrte Vinho do Porto LBV Selection (49 euros). The first, a set of two bottles, comes with Quinta da Côrte Princesa 2020 and 2019. A DOC Douro wine created in honor of winemaker Marta Casanova and the first Douro Wine in the Quinta da Côrte portfolio. The second suggestion also includes two bottles, Quinta da Côrte Porto LBV 2016 and 2018. Alongside these proposals, and to help when choosing the gifts to offer this Christmas, this Douro producer also proposes Quinta da Côrte Azeite Biológico Extra Virgin, produced from centuries-old olive trees on the property, priced at 24.50 euros.

In addition to these suggestions, which can be found in wine cellars and specialty stores, from the north to the south of the country, Quinta da Côrte, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, also opens its doors to wine tourists for a New Year’s party , for a maximum number of 14 people. With an exclusive “New Year’s Eve” program, the Quinta’s main house, located in the heart of the Douro demarcated region, has 7 rooms, two of which are connected, superior typology, common spaces, contemporary and designer rooms, surrounded by a unique landscape. This exclusive program includes a “Découverte” visit and tasting, at 10:30 am and 4:00 pm, subject to availability, dinner and supper on December 31st, a New Year’s Eve toast, a brunch on the first day of the year, among other activities. Reservations can be made by calling +351 964 536 200 or emailing enoturismo.reservas@quintadacorte.com.

Casa Relvas with wine gifts tailored to each person

Because friendship is not measured in liters, Casa Relvas leaves two suggestions for a Christmas that calls for a joyful gathering at the table: Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Selecionado red 2021 and 2022, and Casa Relvas DE.ZAS.SE.TE 2022.

For the more classic, the Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Selecionar red is the perfect choice. The first wine from this Alentejo producer has been evolving and gaining its place in the national and international wine scene. It is, therefore, the most emblematic reference of Casa Relvas and an excellent option for the Christmas table or as a gift. This 2022 harvest was launched in eight different capacities: 0.375 (€3), 0.5l (€3.50) 0.75l (€5.50), 1.5l (€15), 3l (€40) , 5l (€65), 9l (€220) and even a 12l bottle (€275), tailored to each occasion.

Thinking about the most daring, Alexandre Relvas suggests Casa Relvas DE.ZAS.SE.TE 2022, a wine with a high alcohol content, 17, which gives it its name, and which is the result of special years, under the hot Alentejo sun. . Available in 0.75l (€20) and 1.5l (€40) bottles, this is, without a doubt, a wine that promises a different experience, to say the least.

Casa Relvas suggests these two special wines, two references that make a difference in the Alentejo producer’s vast portfolio, and which are available in wine stores across the country.

João Pires surprises with a 10-year-old Moscatel de Setúbal 

José Maria da Fonseca has just launched a new reference that completes the portfolio of the iconic João Pires brand – the generous João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years. Since the 70s of the 20th century, João Pires has been a symbol of iconic wines, produced with the Moscatel de Setúbal grape variety, having become a reference in the world of Portuguese wines since its origin. With a white wine and a rosé, which have already won the preferences of wine lovers, the brand reinvents itself with the presentation of its first fortified wine. 

Living up to its legacy as the oldest producer, with the greatest prestige and tradition in the production of Setúbal Moscatéis, José Maria da Fonseca launches this new reference as yet another tribute to the Setúbal region. João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years is a fortified wine with Denomination of Origin, with the youngest wine in this batch being at least 10 years old. In its winemaking process, fermentation is stopped with the addition of wine brandy, keeping the wine in skin maceration for 5 months. After this period, the wine is bled and then blended with press wine. The 10-year stage of this batch varies between 10 and 15 years of aging, in used wooden barrels or barrels. With a deep golden tone, its aroma highlights notes of orange peel, apricot, nuts, honey and fennel. On the palate, it is fruity and soft, with a very long finish. 

João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 must be stored with the bottle lying down at an ambient temperature of 12ºC and humidity of 60%. As an aperitif or dessert, it is the ideal companion for convivial moments between family and friends.