Summer Wine Party Casino Estoril celebrates the arrival of summer

The Summer Wine Party, the Urban Wine Tourism wine festival that opens the calendar of summer events and is now in its 10th edition, is the most anticipated event of the season. After nine editions in the garden of the Lisbon Marriott, the party now moves to Casino Estoril, the new host, and the date has already been set, take note: June 16th, Friday, from 6 pm to 11 pm. There is music, great Portuguese wines and sparkling wines, delicious cocktails, a selected atmosphere, lots of glamor and surprises that you will love. Organized by Paixão Pelo Vinho magazine.

The Salão Preto e Prata will receive wine producers from all regions to present their wines and sparkling wines. More than 200 references will be on display, from the north to the south of Portugal, of all types, colors and flavors. In addition to all these wines, it will also be possible to taste special editions, presented by the creators, in the VIP Wine Tasting space, which will have free access, but conditioned to 20 participants per tasting.

Facing the magnificent gardens of Casino Estoril and Tamariz Beach, the Panoramic Foyer will be the stage for the party, with lots of music, entertainment, surprises and irresistible snacks to pair with the wines being tasted.

Tickets are already on sale at the usual venues, such as Fnac, Worten, El Corte Inglés, CCB, Time Out Mercado da Ribeira, Cascais Visitor Center and online at ticketline.sapo.pt. In pre-sale there are special prices: single ticket for €18 and double ticket for only €30. Each ticket gives access to the party and offers a free tasting glass of all wines. On the day of the event, the ticket will cost €25 per person and can be purchased directly at the Summer ticket office.

Oporto’s music marks a trip inside Graham’s Caves

 The historic building of Graham’s – owned by Symington Family Estates, which has a privileged location on the south bank of the Douro River – was recently the stage for a surprise concert by the Porto band ‘Homem ao Mar’. The premiere of Douro Unplugged, reserved for guests, was promoted within the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the reopening of Graham’s Cellars, after a period of renovation, and the opening of Vinum at Graham’s restaurant & wine bar. 

 After the musical moment, those present had the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail on the newly opened terrace of Vinum, the award-winning restaurant that results from a partnership between the Symington family and the Sagardi group. The recent expansion of the terrace – a process that took into account the history and design of the building – represents new options for visitors to the space, who will be able to taste, in the late afternoon, special gastronomic proposals, while enjoying, from a terrace open, with a unique view of the Douro and the D. Luís I bridge. 

 The possibility of having lunch and dinner on the terrace is also new, as is the signature cocktail menu with Porto Graham’s. Vinum at Graham’s restaurant & wine bar has been recognized for the homage paid to the cuisine of northern Portugal, through suggestions prepared with local products, and for the offer of gastronomic experiences that go beyond a simple meal. 

 Over the last decade, Graham’s Caves have also strengthened their position as a reference in the wine tourism sector in Portugal. The intimate Douro Unplugged concert will be another opportunity to get to know the space – which, after renovation, has already been visited by more than half a million people – and the wines produced by the Symington family. 

 The next editions of the event, whose periodicity should be annual, will now be open to the public, providing an exclusive experience that combines port wine, typical cuisine and the best music in the city. With the rafts and barrels where Graham’s wines rest as a backdrop, fans of wine, music and northern gastronomy will have the opportunity to hear, annually, some of the best musicians from Porto in an unrepeatable environment and full of history. 

About Symington Family Estates 

 The Symingtons, of Scottish, English and Portuguese descent, have been Port wine producers in the north of Portugal since 1882. For five generations they have combined their passion for producing high quality wines, in particular Port wines, with their strong commitment to the region and its people. Today, ten members of the Symington family work in their four famous Port houses – Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s –, as well as in their Douro wine projects: Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano, Prats & Symington (Chryseia) and, his most recent, Quinta da Fonte Souto, in Alto Alentejo. Symington Family Estates is one of the main producers of premium Ports and the family is the main owner of vineyards in the Douro, with 26 farms totaling 2,420 hectares, of which 1,114 are vineyards. The vineyards are managed under principles of sustainability, with 130 hectares having organic certification – the largest area of organic vineyards in the Douro. The family has made significant investments in R&D in viticulture, to adapt to climate change, and promotes an ambitious sustainability plan called ‘Missão 2025’, which includes a set of goals. In 2019, the company achieved B Corporation certification, becoming the first wine company in Portugal to take this important step, joining a global business community audited according to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, with the commitment to use business as a force for good. 

FIND OUT THE WINNERS OF THE PORTUGUESE WINTOURISM AWARDS POWERED BY APENO AND AGEAS SEGUROS

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova wins the Best National Winetourism Prize for the second time, and the Alentejo was the most distinguished region, in a transparent vote carried out on an online platform by more than 250 judges from the sector. In the remaining categories and diplomas of merit, companies and people from other national regions that stood out for their service excellence were also awarded. Portugal leading the way in Winetourism.

The second edition of the Portuguese Winetourism Awards, powered by APENO (Portuguese Winetourism Association) / Ageas Seguros took place on the 26th of May, at the Hotel Convento de São Paulo, in Redondo. An event that distinguished the best wine tourism companies, practices and projects in Portugal, with Ageas Seguros as main sponsor and the support of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity which, like last year, was the region that collected the most awards. The National Winetourism Award also included awards sponsored by the Amorim Group, institutional support from the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho, as well as other companies that participate in a wide variety of ways, such as Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Exame, Gracal, Biosphere, CVR Alentejo, Municipality of Redondo, Abreu Advogados, Yon Wine and the Official Ford Dealer | Multiribeiro 2.

Throughout the event, presented by Mónica Jardim, the big winners of the 14 categories were announced: Best Tasting Room (Niepoort); Best Touristic Company (WINEnROUTE); Best Inclusive Project (Adega Mayor); Best Sustainable Project (Azores Wine Company); Best Restaurant (Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos); Best Chef (Miguel Laffan); Best Sommelier (Gonçalo Mendes); Best Professional (Sofia Soares Franco); Best Stay (Torre de Palma Wine Hotel); Best Shop (Quinta da Taboadella); Best Art and Culture (WOW – World of Wine); Best Innovation and Technology (WOW – World of Wine); Best Hospitality (Herdade da Malhadinha); and Best Winetourism in Portugal (Herdade da Malhadinha).

This year, six Merit and Incentive diplomas were also awarded to people who in their companies stand out for the delivery and excellence of the service offered. Vanessa Ferreira (Quinta do Pôpa), David Borges (Adega da Vidigueira); Olena Cherkashyna (Enoport); Ana Reis (Quinta do Sanguinhal), Sónia Martins (Lusovini) and Jorge Afonso (Casa do Jôa).

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (President of the Portuguese Republic), who was unable to be present at the event due to commitments previously made, made a point of leaving a video where he greeted the audience, immediately highlighting Portuguese tourism and wine, recognized as “one of the best in the world”. He also praised our cuisine, landscape, natural and built heritage, mild climate, warm welcome and our history. And he left a special message for the winners: «I want to congratulate everyone, but especially the winners who were most distinguished and differentiated, who serve as an example and motivation for more projects of excellence. May they be replicated in our country », he said. «Finally, I would like to wish that APENO has the greatest successes, continuing to be a dynamic, creative, innovative, entrepreneurial center of development and social justice for your sector, that is, for Portugal», concluded the President of the Portuguese Republic .

The event, which is already a national reference, was attended by various official entities, including the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Gonçalo Rodrigues; the President of the Wine and Vine Institute, Bernardo Gouvêa; the President of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity, Vítor Silva; the Presidents and/or representatives of the National CVRs and Regional Tourism Entities; and José António Vidal, President of the Global Wine Tourism Organization, the organization that represents Wine Tourism worldwide: «It was a pleasure to come to Portugal to attend the National Wine Tourism Prize. The GWTO has followed the work that APENO has developed in Portugal, it is very interesting, and in many aspects pioneering. And I believe it is already bearing fruit. Congratulations to all the winners!”.

The judging panel of more than 250 judges included renowned wine and tourism journalists, official wine and tourism entities, chefs and sommeliers, and even APENO associates (official bodies voted in different regions of their and professionals from the sector and associates in people and outside projects): «APENO is growing every day and making an important path in the organization of the sector. Bringing together the world of wine and tourism at this special festival that rewards the best in wine tourism makes us very happy. The event was different, creative, full of glamour, surprises and details. As far as it depends on us, it will always be like this!”, assured Maria João de Almeida.

BSE – Special Dry White 2022: a fresh and dry wine for all occasions

 BSE – Special Dry White, produced by José Maria da Fonseca, is a fresh and dry wine suitable for all occasions. The 2022 harvest of this regional wine from the Setúbal Peninsula is already available on the market, being ideal for lighter meals, fish dishes, salads, seafood or as an aperitif. 

 Produced since 1947, BSE – Branco Seco Especial combines two Portuguese grape varieties – Antão Vaz and Arinto. While the first variety gives this wine an aromatic exuberance, with exotic notes of pineapple and green apple, the second variety gives it a lively and refreshing acidity. With fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 16ºC, this wine has a citrus yellow color. It should be served at a temperature of 8ºC and be enjoyed while young. 

 About José Maria da Fonseca: 

Founded over 185 years ago, José Maria da Fonseca is one of the leaders in the areas of production and marketing of table and fortified wines in Portugal, with its brands present in over 70 countries. Over the years demonstrating a growing concern regarding environmental factors, José Maria da Fonseca is proud to use the best practices in the treatment of the vineyard, in the management of natural resources, in their preservation and conservation, having been the first producer of wines certified in this area, even before the emergence of ISO environmental standards. At the end of 2021, José Maria da Fonseca invested in the installation of a photovoltaic solar system for self-consumption and successfully completed its sustainability certification, according to the FAIR’N GREEN benchmark, being the first Portuguese wine producer to obtain this sustainability certification, after detailed and demanding analysis and consultation. 

 José Maria da Fonseca’s portfolio includes more than forty high-quality brands, representing the main national wine regions. Many of them are today cases of popularity at national and international level and authentic emblems of our country. This success stems from the enormous human and material investment and a constant capacity for renewal on the part of José Maria da Fonseca which, throughout its history, and currently in its seventh generation, has been able to preserve a precious heritage without neglecting modernization, corresponding to the demanding standards of consumers. 

Symington launches new red varietal from its vineyard in Portalegre 

Located at the foot of the Serra de S. Mamede, in Portalegre, Quinta da Fonte Souto was, in 2017, the first property acquired by the Symington family outside the Douro demarcated region. In 2019, the project presented the first wines under the Quinta da Fonte Souto brand and, in 2022, launched the first of a series of monovariety wines, Alfrocheiro. This year, the family presents Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet 2018 — the second release from this limited edition wine selection. 

With the intention of bottling the best variety of each harvest, the series of varietal wines by Fonte Souto aims to highlight wines that represent the best that was produced in a given year. In 2018, a batch of vinification from Alicante Bouschet stood out among the other grape varieties on the property, which is why it was bottled individually to become part of this series of limited editions. 

Alicante Bouschet is one of the main dye varieties and has found a terroir at Quinta da Fonte Souto that allows it to express the extraordinary complexity and elegance that characterize the estate’s wines. The altitude and freshness provided by the proximity to the Serra de São Mamede favor the development of the complex and long-lived character, qualities that define this Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet. 

Rupert Symington, CEO of Symington Family Estates, said: “It is with immense pleasure that we present Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet, a wine that illustrates our family’s dedication and commitment to producing outstanding wines, enhancing the unique potential of Quinta da Fonte. Souto and the adaptability of this variety to the terroir of Fonte Souto». 

With this wine, the Symington family wants to continue the path of excellence started by Quinta da Fonte Souto Alfrocheiro, named best Red Varietal Wine in the 2022 edition of the Wines of Portugal Contest. Approximately 6,000 bottles of Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet were produced, which will be available in selected wineries and restaurants starting this month. The recommended PVP of Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet is 25 euros. 

Azul de Ventozelo and Dalva rosés launched 

With the name inspired by the blue doors of one of the centenary warehouses of Quinta de Ventozelo, located in São João da Pesqueira, the Azul de Ventozelo Rosé 2022 has now arrived on the market. both in large distribution and in the online store www.granvinho.pt. After the launch and consolidation of Azul de Ventozelo Red and White, it is now the turn to launch an elegant Rosé with the same name. This completes the Azul de Ventozelo range, which features wines made from the noblest grape varieties in the region and which are an introduction to the spirit of the wines of this unique Quinta. From the mixture of the Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela grape varieties, a wine with a pale salmon hue emerges, with a floral aroma (white flowers) and light citrus notes. On tasting it reveals itself to be very mineral, with lively acidity, ending in a persistent and balanced way. A versatile wine, which can be served as an aperitif, accompanying light fish and white meat dishes, or salads. 

This month, Dalva Douro rosé 2022 will also be launched, a light and aromatic wine, just like the current season of the year, produced from grapes from the slopes of the Douro (Ervedosa), Pinhão and Varosa rivers. With a smooth and bright salmon color, this Rosé reveals a fresh and delicate aroma of red fruits, with emphasis on strawberry notes wrapped in citrus nuances of lime, which linger on the palate. Balanced, with good acidity, it provides a refreshing and light finish. The lightness of this DOC Douro Rosé makes it ideal both as an aperitif and with starters or light meat and fish dishes. The Dalva Douro Rosé 2022 joins the Dalva Red and White, a range that has been on the market for over a decade, but which today appears with a new image. These wines are available in restaurants, in the main wineries in the country and also in the group’s online store www.granvinho.pt 

Relais & Châteaux arrives in Dão and Taboadella 

Taboadella started out as one of the best kept secrets of the Amorim family, and is now the first wine producing estate in the Dão to assume the Relais & Châteaux insignia with Casa Villae 1255, joining the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in the Douro. 

 Situated in Silvã de Cima, near Viseu, Casa Villae 1255, measuring 720 m2, is an eight-bedroom mountain house overlooking the foothills of Serra da Estrela, originally built in medieval times. This charming village can now be reserved exclusively for those who want to enjoy unique moments with family and friends in a private and extremely comfortable environment. For Luísa Amorim, CEO of the company, «Dão is one of the most emblematic regions of Portugal with enormous potential for new wine tourism projects. Casa Villae 1255 was converted with the intention of feeling the atmosphere of a wine farm. For the interior decoration, we brought together several local artists and craftsmen who created exclusive pieces with an emphasis on natural wool and the porridge blanket, creating a cozy and sophisticated environment» 

 At Casa Villae 1255, everything is thought out in detail: in addition to the breakfast service, included in the stay, there is a welcome basket with a variety of groceries so that guests feel right at home, an invitation to try self cooking in a kitchen with luxury details and a large counter that promotes conversations and dishes around wine. For those who like to be surprised, it is also possible to hire a meal service or schedule a dinner with a chef. 

 One of the most attractive spaces is undoubtedly the outdoor terrace, the ideal place to relax and admire the immensity of the landscape while observing the contemporary architecture cellar, designed in wood and cork by the architect Carlos Castanheira. The building, already emblematic in the region, has an extensive balcony in the tasting room, creating a harmonious relationship with the vineyard and a pleasant feeling of well-being. 

 Guests at Casa Villae 1255 can also enjoy numerous experiences such as visits to the cellar, tastings and activities around wine, basketry and ceramics workshops led by local artisans, yoga and pilates classes, among others. In the garden of Casa Villae 1255, we find the Roman wine press built on the monolithic rock near the old barn of the property that gave rise to the Taboadella wine shop and tasting spaces, where cheeses from Serra da Estrela and sausages from Dão are also tasted, serving as a showcase for local handicrafts. 

 In this region dominated by the magnificence of the five mountain ranges, the possibilities for leisure are endless, including walks and bike rides through the forest, stand-up paddle and diving in the Côvo River to routes through the historical monuments in Viseu and surroundings, activities that complete the best shapes Taboadella’s wine tourism programs and help visitors discover the different terroirs in Dão. 

About Relais & Chateaux 

Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association that creates exceptional travel with 580 exclusive hotels and restaurants around the world, run by independent entrepreneurs, almost always families, passionate about their projects and deeply committed to cultivating authentic relationships. with your customers. Present on five continents, the association has been promoting and elevating the richness and diversity of cuisine and hospitable cultures around the world. Relais & Châteaux members are involved in preserving local heritage and the environment, in line with the vision presented at UNESCO in November 2014. 

Casa Relvas celebrates ‘The Day in São Miguel’ 

Casa Relvas opens the doors of Herdade de São Miguel and invites you to the event ‘A day in São Miguel’, where wine, country and Alentejo lovers, and their families, will be able to spend a different and very cheered up. On the 27th of May, from 2:30 pm until sunset, there are several reasons why a walk to Redondo will be a pleasant surprise. 

Wine tasting, gastronomy, handicrafts, music, regional products, traditional games and demonstrations of arts and crafts from the region will show a little of what the Alentejo has to offer. As a backdrop, Herdade de São Miguel, 1 hour and a half from Lisbon, invites you to socialize outdoors, enjoying the landscape, the vineyards, the wine, but also many activities and entertainment. 

Free ticket up to 18 years old. Five euros of the ticket value go to the Food Bank Against Hunger in Évora. 

The Food Bank Against Hunger of Évora is a Private Institution of Social Solidarity that fights against the waste of food products, sending them for free distribution to needy people in our District. It supports 84 institutions (of which 43 monthly), which assist around 5800 people in need. In the last campaign of November 2022, around 2500 volunteers collected 34.6 tons of food from 50 commercial areas. 

Adega de Borba range with new image 

Taking advantage of the market launch of the new vintages of the Rosé 2022 and Red 2021 wines, Adega de Borba decided to renew the image of its most recognized brand, maintaining the distinctive “B” on its label, now younger and differentiating and appealing to the values of sustainability that the company has been deepening over the last few years, and which were recently recognized with certification in the sustainability program for Alentejo wines. 

The Adega de Borba brand, the first to be certified in 1989 as a wine with Denomination of Origin in the Alentejo, and the most important in the offer of the Adega references, thus confirms the will to remain at the forefront of the values of social and environmental responsibility of wine production in the region, communicating its commitment to the consumer. 

 The three wines now presented come from vineyards cultivated in Integrated Production mode, and in addition to the quality selected from the best vineyard plots, they take advantage of the long knowledge and dedication that winegrowers in the Borba region have dedicated to this crop for many years. 

 This new ‘B’ takes us back to the nature where the grapes are produced, and to Adega de Borba’s commitment to working wine in a sustainable way. We know that our long history in the sector makes us even more responsible for the conservation of the natural resources we use in this activity, and we want to underline our desire to ensure their perpetuity for future generations. 

 Produced from the Roupeiro, Arinto and Antão Vaz grape varieties, the Adega de Borba White 2022 has a well-defined citrus color and a good aromatic intensity combining tropical fruits and citrus fruits. The flavor is soft and fresh, with a predominance of lime and a persistent aftertaste of citrus fruits. It is a fresh and light wine ideal for accompanying light meals such as seafood, fresh grilled fish and white meat. A great choice as an aperitif on hot summer days. 

Produced from the Aragonez and Syrah grape varieties, the Adega de Borba Rosé 2022 has a salmon color and an intense aroma of currants and red plums. The flavor is balanced with youth, wild fruitiness and excellent freshness. A young and fresh wine, ideal to accompany light meals such as seafood, fresh grilled fish and white meat. It is also a great option as an aperitif on hot summer days. 

Produced from the Aragonez, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet grape varieties, Adega de Borba Red 2021 has a garnet color with violet nuances, a fine, young and fruity aroma with a predominance of ripe red fruits. Soft and fresh flavor, with some astringency confirming the fruity character of wild berries and red fruits. It is a very versatile wine indicated to accompany the vast gastronomy. 

Quinta de Santa Teresa: new image of the Monólogo range highlights the origin and method of organic production

Located in the Vinhos Verdes region, sub-region of Baião, Quinta de Santa Teresa, owned by the producer A&D Wines, has just launched the 2022 vintage of its range of Monólogo wines with a slightly renewed image. The new labels emphasize the origin of the wines, maintaining the range’s identity. 

 With the aim of highlighting the origin – Quinta de Santa Teresa – but maintaining the identity of the range, the 2022 harvest presents a slightly renewed image with reference to the name of the property and the type of agriculture practiced. «The terroir of our Quintas is special and unique. The idea of slightly changing the image is intended to meet the strategy of reinforcing the origin of our wines and our agricultural and oenological practices», reveals Dialina Azevedo, owner of A&D Wines. 

Produced exclusively from certified organic vineyards, the Monologista range comprises four monovarietal wines: Monologista Sauvignon Blanc, Monólogo Chardonnay, Monólogo Avesso and Monólogo Arinto. 

 In terms of aroma, Monólogo Avesso 2022, produced with the region’s native grape variety, has an expressive profile, with floral aromas, namely white flowers, peppers and a vegetable side. In the mouth it is vibrant, with acidity and minerality in dispute, prevailing notes of stone and some tropical in a set of medium body and persistent finish. 

 The Monologue Arinto 2022 reveals a delicate nose, with notes of green fruit and lemon tree leaf. In the mouth, it has volume and a silky character, in a lively and balanced combination where, in addition to the fruit, notes of wet stone and thyme stand out. 

 With an exquisite profile, the Monólogo Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is a wine that is fresh and has a complex aroma. Exuberant on the nose, it shows a delicate vegetable aspect with notes of asparagus and mint. In the mouth it is expressive and refreshing, with minerality, medium body and good acidity. 

 On the nose of Monologue Chardonnay 2022, the fruity side of the variety stands out with notes of stone fruit, quince and some floral. On the palate it shows volume, with acidity and freshness balancing the round character of the wine.