The School of Port: Symington Family Estates has released a new video course titled ‘The Masters’
12/10/2022The School of Port: Symington Family Estates has released a new video course titled ‘TheMasters’.After the success of the series ‘The Essentials’, a 16-episode course covering the various stagesof Port wine production, ‘The Masters’ nowappears, which takes the viewer to the next level,approaching the various topics in greater technical detail. .‘The Masters’ is a 5-episode course that explores production, aging and bottling issues ofdifferent styles of port wine; this time, with different guests sharing their first-hand experienceand knowledge.In this course, the viewer will learn about the fermentation and fortification processes in greatdetail, hear testimonies from professionals who are directly involved in the production andaging of Ruby and Tawny ports, as well as Port wines aged in bottle. In addition, you will get to know the blending and bottling processes. ‘The Masters’ is the most technical School of Portcourse to date.In addition to the usual hostess Isabel Monteiro,known by many as #portgeek, this series alsocounts with the participation of other important names, including the Symington family-suchas Charles, Dominic and Paul Symington-who contribute with important reflections onthemes of their specialty areas.’The Masters’ course is hosted at schoolofport.com. To access it, simply register or log in to thewebsite. Subtitles in Portuguese and English are available, as well as a short final exam forthose who, like the previous course, want to obtain a certification.It is recommended to view in sequential order of episodes:Episode 1: Fermentation, fortification and agingEpisode 2: Aging in Wood–Part I-Ruby, Reserve Ruby, LBVEpisode 3: Aging in Wood–Part II-Tawny, Reserve Tawny, Aged TawniesEpisode4: Bottle Aging-LBV, Crusted, Vintage PortEpisode 5: On the way to the bottle–Blending and bottling.
In addition, School of Port will continue its work of sharing educational content via Instagramat @schoolofport as well as providing face-to-face and online training to professionals.
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova among the best in the world of sustainability
10/10/2022Herdade da Malhadinha Nova has just been highlighted in second place in the Best Use of Sustainability in Culinary category, in the Global Culinary Travel Awards 2022, promoted by the non-profit association World Food Travel.
The World Food Travel Association announced the winners of the 2022 Global Culinary Travel Awards in mid-September, recognizing excellence and innovation in products and dining experiences for travelers. The ceremony will be streamed online on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 4 pm London time, UK.
Os vencedores deste ano são:
Best Emphasis on Wellness & Health in Culinary Travel
1st place – Spa Eastman (Quebec, Canada)
Runner Up – Nomads, Nature & Nurture (Lebanon)
Best Use of Sustainability in Culinary Travel
1st – Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages (Nepal)
Runner Up – Herdade da Malhadinha Nova (Portugal)
Best Celebration of Culinary Culture in Culinary Travel
1st – Jiranileo (Zambia)
Runner Up – Heather’s Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland)
Best Focus on Wine & Beverages in Culinary Travel
1st – HaliPuu / Campfire Baristan (Finland)
Runner Up – Cadushy Distillery (Bonaire)
Best Appreciation of Agriculture & Rural in Culinary Travel
1st – La Balade Gourmande (Quebec, Canada)
Runner Up – Conseil de l’industrie bioalimentaire de l’Estrie (Quebec, Canada)
The Global Culinary Travel Awards (first called the FoodTrekking Awards) were introduced by the WFTA in 2015 to set the benchmark for excellence and innovation in the industry. The annual awards open in March and winners are announced in the fall. This year, 10 winners were chosen from 131 entries from 27 countries that strove to gain recognition for their business or destination.
Culinary travel was officially recognized as a niche industry in 2001 with the publication of the report ‘Culinary Tourism: The Hidden Harvest’. Since then, the industry has experienced significant growth in both the quantity and quality of products and experiences for food and restaurant lovers.
The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) was founded in 2003 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization (NGO) and today is recognized as the world’s leading authority on Food & Beverage tourism. Each year, the Association accompanies 200,000 professionals in more than 150 countries. WFTA’s knowledge, tools and training help industry professionals and organizations leverage the F&B products and experiences in their field to help create a strong sense of belonging, which increases visitor arrivals; the value of the destination’s brand and the exportation of goods from its area. But information at www.worldfoodtravel.org.
ABOUT MALHADINHA:
Born in 1998, as a result of the enormous determination of the Soares family to produce wines of the highest quality on their abandoned lands, Malhadinha Nova immediately became the enormous challenge of maintaining the sustainability and natural balance of a unique property, never attacked by farms. soil exhaustion through chemical fertilization and the use of pesticides or plantations of any intensive monoculture or the target of any real estate speculation.
In 2008, they embarked on hospitality, with the restoration of a ruin transformed into rural tourism with the Monte da Peceguina house, but it was in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, that a new phase of the hotel project was inaugurated, new villas spread across the property, all restored to from the ruins of the land. These villas elevated the estate to a luxury project, never losing focus on sustainability and the future.
The enormous concern with the need to share and preserve knowledge, knowledge and traditions results in the involvement of local communities of artisans, musicians, artists in various areas of the estate, whether in the materials used in the construction and restoration of the ruins, in decoration elements present in all suites and villas and which can be sold on the estate, at the request of customers. Also in all the experiences promoted by HMN in its tourist activity, intangible heritage of knowledge of the region is included in terms of handicrafts and gastronomy.
The entire property is part of the “Natura 2000 Network“. This special protection zone created by UNESCO in 1998 aims to protect extremely rare species. The sustainability and environmental protection measures cover different practices, such as: organic production, efficient use of water, use of biological WWTPs, collection of rainwater, heated in boilers with firewood for cleaning the land, breeding of indigenous breeds in a extensive farming, grazing, traditional olive groves, among others.
Malhadinha Nova was one of the first producers to integrate the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program, a pioneering project in the country and one of the most relevant in Europe.
Montebelo Golf hosts the 1st Casa de Santar Golf Tournament
06/10/20221990 Premium Wines, the top-of-the-range wine division of the Global Wines group, will promote the 1st Casa de Santar Golf Tournament on the 8th of October at Montebelo Golfe, in Viseu. The competition, held in collaboration with the Viseu Golf Club, will be individual and played in the Stableford modality, 18 holes, promising a day of lively competition on a course that stands out among the best in the country.
With this initiative and Casa de Santar, an unavoidable Dão wine brand, with centuries of history and tradition, 1990 Premium Wines is committed to promoting regional cultural wealth, joining the practice of sports in the region, contributing to the healthy outdoor competition and peer interaction. The event will end with a gala dinner and awards ceremony, at 8 pm, at Paço dos Cunhas, in Santar.
According to Marisol Benites, manager of 1990 Premium Wines, «this exclusive tournament is a way of providing a pleasant day of socializing between players and other guests, while contributing to promote the Dão region and Casa de Santar as one of its oldest and most prestigious wine brands’.
The competition is aimed at federated players with a valid WHS handicap and takes place at Montebelo Golfe, in Viseu, a 27-hole course that is a real challenge for all levels of golfing experience. Framed by the Estrela and Caramulo mountains, Montebelo Golfe has a setting of 200 hectares where, in addition to the gorse and heather, the pines and oaks stand out, offering a landscape of rare natural beauty.
Registration for this first edition of the Casa de Santar Golf Tournament is open until 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 5, and can be done online at https://1990.wine/torneio-golfe-casa-de-santar- 2022/, or by calling 232 856 464
It is recalled that 1990 Premium Wines is the division of the Global Wines group that is in charge of marketing and promoting single estate wines produced in Portugal that are part of the group’s premium brands – Vinha do Contador, Casa de Santar, Encontro and Saturn. It is also responsible for managing wine tourism, which will be one of the biggest areas of investment for the next five years.
1990 Premium Wines has a rich and diversified portfolio of well-defined wines, from both secular terroirs and more recent vineyards, to which the wisdom and experience of its viticulture and oenology teams continually apply upgrades that give them a level and a exclusive quality. The 1990 Premium Wines wines are a perfect association of the characteristics of the land, the climate, the grapes and the people who, with their dedication, give them a distinct character and personality, recognized by the most prestigious critics and masters of wine.
Celebrate Autumn with new wine tourism proposals at Quinta do Bomfim
03/10/2022Quinta do Bomfim, in Pinhão, presents more and more proposals so that visitors can not only enjoy the Douro landscape, but also get to know more about the terroir of the Douro and about Port wine. Between tours through the vineyards, wine tastings and the new restaurant Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos, there is much to discover in this property with more than a century of history.
Located next to Pinhão train station (five minutes on foot) and about 1h30 by car from the city of Porto, Quinta do Bomfim suggests that the itinerary starts with a guided tour of the museum, cellar and old warehouse – a space that was completed in 1896 and was designed with a complex system of wooden trusses, where the Port wines produced on the farm are still stored before being transferred to the Gaia Cellars. The visit will also introduce, in addition to details of the Douro terroir and the history of the Symingtons, the Bomfim mill, which is equipped with modern mills designed by the family at the beginning of the 20th century, which represent the most advanced technology of port wine vinification.
After the visit, not only Port wine tastings are available to the visitor – as is the case of the Classic Tasting (17 euros), which includes wines such as Cockburn’s Special Reserve, Graham’s LBV and Dow’s 10 years Tawny – but also also of DOC Douro wines from the family, where the Altano Branco, Quinta do Ataíde and Quinta do Vesúvio wines can be tasted (22 euros). For family visits, there are activities designed for the little ones, including hobbies and offering grape juice.
To comfort your stomach, the suggestion is to have a picnic on the terrace of the Wine Tourism Center, enjoying the view of the Douro River. The picnic menu, which is signed by Chef Pedro Lemos, features delicacies such as cold beef heart tomato soup, marinated horse mackerel, chicken pie or lavender cheesecakes. The snacks are delivered in a typical picnic basket and are accompanied by a bottle of Altano Branco (for every two people) and a glass of Porto Dow’s 10 years or LBV. The picnic is available for 35 euros per person (must be booked 24 hours in advance).
Discovering “the secrets of Douro wines” can continue with a tour of the vineyards. With three routes available (depending on the degree of difficulty), varying between 15 and 90 minutes, the three existing pedestrian trails allow you to learn more about the soil, climate and orography of the Douro, as well as discover the “Symington Variety Collection” – a research project aimed at safeguarding the genetic diversity of Douro grape varieties, as well as studying their viticultural and oenological potential. The value of the experience is five euros, and each visitor is entitled to a map, a canteen of water and a straw hat.
After a sunset on the terrace, tasting a Porto Tonic with roasted almonds, the suggestion for dinner is at the table of Symington’s latest gastronomic project: Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos. Inserted in an old wine warehouse, completely renovated, the space is an ode to classic cuisine and haute cuisine, inspired by the family kitchens of the Douro, with large chimneys and wood-fired cooking. The menu, which has “fire” as a transversal element to all dishes, is complemented with wines from the Symington Family Estates portfolio, as well as from family-friendly producers (national and international).
Sea fish, the highest quality seafood, and meat from national (and local) producers are just some of the ingredients that will be featured at Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos. In the menu of the new restaurant you will find suggestions such as oysters, grapes and champagne; braised fish of the day, bivalves, squid in stew; duck, belly, lentils and mushrooms; or mille-feuille, smoked cream and salted caramel. The space is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 23:00. Reservations can be made through the Bomfim1896.pt website.
The remaining experiences at Quinta do Bomfim can be scheduled by telephone (351 254 730 370), e-mail (quintadobomfim@symington.com) or website www.symington.com, with pre-booking mandatory.
Tejo Regional Wine Commission celebrated 25th anniversary and end of harvest with ‘Adiafa do Tejo’
29/09/2022The Tejo Regional Wine Commission (CVR Tejo) has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, an event that coincided with the time of the harvest – or the end of it. Two reasons that were the perfect motto for the realization of ‘Adiafa do Tejo’, an event conceived a few years ago, but postponed due to the pandemic. In a spirit of joy and relaxation, the first edition took place this Saturday, the 24th of September, in Só Rio, an activity park recently opened in Valada do Ribatejo, overlooking the river that gives its name to the region. No date yet, this event promises to return for the farewell to the 2023 harvest.
In some wine regions, ‘Adiafa’ is the name given to the end-of-harvest event, where producers and employees gather for a festive lunch. In the case of ‘Adiafa do Tejo’, CVR Tejo wanted to bring together wine producers, employees, family and friends, having opened the event to the public, in a program for the whole family, between 16:00 and 21:00. Tasting of Tagus Wines and live music – with the Eden Acústico project – for the adults; adventure activities, water sports and non-alcoholic cocktails for the little ones. Added to this was a novelty with the signature of Vinhos do Tejo: cocktails made from wines from Fernão Pires, the queen of the Tagus grape variety, made by the sommelier Rodolfo Tristão. With sparkling wine, white wines, more aromatic or not so much, and liqueur, there were three proposals that surprised – and a lot! – those present: Tejo Tônico, Tejo Winejito and Tejo Sunset. Before the start of the ‘Adiafa’ itself, CVR Tejo offered its employees a delicious lunch at the OH!RIO restaurant, located next to the park. A warm moment, during which the three oldest employees of this entity were entitled to an extra gift. They were João Silvestre, current director-general of the Wine Commission, but with different functions for a quarter of a century now; Marco Marques and Ana Martinez, from the certification and quality departments and with around twenty years of experience.
The CVRs are inter-professional associations, with the task of representing the production and trade of the wine sector in a given region. The Vinhos do Tejo was established on 17 September 1997, at the time as the Regional Wine Commission of Ribatejo, name that would later be changed to the Regional Wine Commission of the Tejo, on the 24th of November 2008. It is your responsibility to monitor compliance of the rules and the certification of white, rosé, red, sparkling, liqueur wines, brandies and vinegars produced in the region, entitled to the Tagus Denomination of Origin (DO do Tejo) and the Geographical Indication Tejo (IG Tejo). Any wine certified by CVR Tejo has the Tejo guarantee seal on its label. On its 25th anniversary, CVR Tejo has Luís de Castro as president – a position he has held since May 1, 2014.
For Luís de Castro, CVR Tejo’s mission is to promote the certification of wines produced in the demarcated region, bringing more value to the territory, socially and economically speaking; help in the promotion of Tagus Wines, in Portugal and in the export markets, helping in their diversification; and give the region tools so that the Tagus Wines have more and more recognition and notoriety among the consumer. We believe that, in the last 25 years, we have been fulfilling this purpose. A gradual increase in the certification and quality of Tagus Wines is proof of this. And this is a work that is only possible with teamwork and union between all: elements of CVR Tejo and producers. It is this sense of group and joint mission – elevating the Vinhos do Tejo brand, here and abroad – that makes us look to the future with great enthusiasm. At the national level, after the ‘Tejo a Copo’, in March, and the ‘Vintage of Fernão Pires do Tejo’, at the end of August, we started this “new tradition”, which is the ‘Adiafa do Tejo’. All carried out in the region, for which we want to capture the maximum attention, we think it is an excellent way to join forces, get closer as a region, for producers to exchange impressions and to celebrate another harvest. That next year, we are all together again celebrating another excellent year for the Tagus Wines’.
Eugénio de Almeida Foundation Open Day is back!
28/09/2022From Páteo de São Miguel to the Social Innovation Center, from Cartuxa Wine Tourism to the Art and Culture Center, the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation prepares concerts, shows, guided tours, among many other free activities for the whole family, in the context of its Open Day. and the celebrations of the European Day of Foundations and Donors, which is celebrated on 1 October.
Évora will come to life even more with the programming of the 10th Edition of the Open Day. Between shows for schools, children’s workshops, yoga, night races, scientific gatherings, presentation of social projects and many other activities, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida prepares four days full of music, art, culture and heritage.
Promoting local talent, on September 30, at 6 pm, the outdoor patio of the Social Innovation Center will welcome Mia Lucas, an artist from Ebor who will present her original work, and some covers, in a unique and intimate acoustic concert. On the 1st, it will be possible to get to know the Foundation’s heritage in a motorcycle visit experience, an initiative in collaboration with the HotRoads Motorcycle Club of Évora, in a cultural tour between Páteo de São Miguel, Cartuxa Enoturismo, the Art and Culture Center and the Adega de Pinheiros – a challenge for the most adventurous. Also noteworthy is the concert with Kateryna Avdysh, a young Ukrainian singer, who presents her solo contemporary jazz project, also constituting a tribute concert to the freedom of Ukrainian music and culture. Saturday and Sunday mornings invite you to discover the architectural and historical value of the building where Adega Cartuxa was established, including a wine and olive oil tasting. In the afternoon, a special show with Maria D’Alegria, Palhaça and Empreendedora Social, which presents a show for families with the certainty that it will increase the Gross National Happiness of all.
These will be unforgettable days that the Foundation is preparing to strengthen ties with the community in the Évora region. All activities are free and more information and registration for the 10th edition of the Open Day and program can be found on the website https://www.fea.pt/diaaberto2022, from Fundação Eugénio de Almeida.
Companhia das Lezírias launches harvest program
20/09/2022Of the various possible programs to take place throughout the year at Companhia das Lezírias, the ones during the harvest season stand out, where visitors can be part of a team for a day and harvest, step the grapes on foot in presses and, finally, , delight in the tasting of grape must and wines commented by the winemakers.
The “Harvest from A to Z” program costs €50 and also includes a wine tasting and a picnic. The program may also include a guided tour of Adega de Catapereiro. As a way of celebrating this moment, there will also be the possibility of reserving a personalized bottle with the wine obtained from this harvest, to be delivered next year.
Those who opt for this experience during the week, there is also the possibility of participating in this activity by means of prior registration, for a group with a minimum of eight people. The experience is for all ages and is available until September 24th, with reservations required 72 hours in advance.
Contacts: Telephone: +351 263 650 600 – Mobile: +351 961 523 119 – E-mail: turismo@cl.pt
Alentejo on the rise with harvest programs
20/09/2022With the start of the harvest in the Alentejo, there are also wine tourism programs that meet the expectations of visitors who want to delve into the ancient tradition of the region and discover the wine production process. From visits to fields and cellars, grape treading, wine tasting or gastronomic experiences, the Alentejo Wine Route has more than a dozen vintage programs tailored to all types of tourists.
Adega da Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito – During the month of September, Adega Vidigueira promotes a six-hour program with the right to visit the vineyards of the Adega associates, a break for the “bucha” – the traditional mid-morning snack –, and, still, to know the winemaking process. The activity ends with a lunch paired with the members’ nectars, at Casa das Talhas, and participants can also enjoy the offer of a bottle of wine per person. Address: Bairro Industrial 7960-305 Vidigueira – Price: €55 p.p. – Website: www.adegavidigueira.pt
Adega José de Sousa – From August 20 to September 18, Adega José de Sousa offers a morning program of about two hours in which participants can participate in activities taking place at Adega Nova and Adega dos Potes. All those who want to know not only the nectars of the region, but also its gastronomy, can go for a lunch of typical Alentejo snacks, accompanied by José de Sousa wines. If you don’t want to stay for lunch, you can end the morning with a tasting of three wines of the brand accompanied by sausages, cheese, bread and regional olive oil. Address: R. de Mourão 1 7200, Reguengos de Monsaraz – Price: From €28 p.p. (without lunch) or €58 p.p. (with lunch) – Website: https://www.jmf.pt/index.php?id=8
Adega do Rocim – Daily until the 4th of September, visitors to the Adega do Rocim will have the opportunity to get to know the harvest process and end the experience with an Alentejo loofah made with local products. On the 17th of September, it is time to sing the harvest of Rocim, being able to join a celebration of the harvest rocked by the Alentejo cante. The day begins with a visit to the vineyard to learn about the harvesting process, followed by a visit to the winery and a typical Alentejo lunch paired with wines from the Herdade do Rocim and, finally, it is time for participants to make their own batch. of wine with some vintages from previous years, living a day in the “skin” of the winemaker. Address: Estrada Nacional 387, 7940-909 Cuba – Price: Program with loofah – €35 p.p.; Program with Alentejo singing – €80 p.p. – Website: https://rocim.pt/
Casa Relvas – Between the 20th of August and the 20th of September, Casa Relvas opens its doors to welcome all those interested in learning about the production process of its wines. The proposal invites you to a five-hour program, which includes a walk through the vineyard, identification of grape varieties and sensory analysis of berries, seeds and stalks, manual harvesting, foot treading and must tasting. If you want to let it go, you can still go for a lunch accompanied by a tasting of wines from the Herdade. Address: S. Miguel de Machede, 7005-752 Évora – Price: €50 p.p. (without lunch) or €80 p.p. (with lunch) – Website: https://casarelvas.pt/
Herdade do Sobroso – Herdade do Sobroso will give visitors the opportunity to get to work and participate in the harvesting process. Afterwards, they can count on a visit to the winery, where they will be entitled to a tasting commented by the estate’s winemaker and a tasting of traditional Alentejo cheeses. The program closes with a lunch consisting of five starters, main course, convent sweets, laminated fruit, tea, coffee and Herdade do Sobroso cakes and wines. Address: Herdade do Sobroso, 7960-909 Vidigueira – Price: €85 p.p. or €195 p.p. (with accommodation at Herdade do Sobroso Boutique Hotel) – Website: www.herdadedosobroso.pt
João Portugal Ramos – Starting with a visit to the city’s viewpoint, at this producer in Estremoz, the “enocurious” will have the opportunity to harvest and feel the atmosphere that is lived in the vineyards. This is followed by the foot treading of the grapes in marble presses, followed by a visit to the winery and cellars. Finally, enjoy a vintage lunch. Address: Adega Vila Santa, Estrada Nacional 4, 7100-149 Estremoz – Price: €75 p.p. – Website: https://www.jportugalramos.com/ –
Malhadinha Nova – Herdade da Malhadinha Nova presents a special harvest program that can last two, three or five nights and allows participants to follow the entire process of creating Malhadinha wines. The proposals for these days in Malhadinha range from themed dinners, visits to the property in vintage off-road terrain, manual harvesting of the grapes, at dawn, breakfast in the vineyard, wine therapy massage, grape treading, cooking workshop, preparation of a batch of wine, hot air balloon experience, must tasting, a special wine therapy bath, among many other initiatives that promise to make these days a unique experience. Address: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, 7800-601 Albernoa – Price: For the 5-night experience, between €2,100 and €3,100 p.p.; 3 nights, between €1,300 and €1,900 p.p.; and 2 nights, between €780 and €1,180 p.p.. The indicated values include accommodation. – Website: https://www.malhadinhanova.pt/pt/
Quinta da Fonte Souto – Between the 5th and 25th of September, you can enjoy a guided tour of Quinta da Fonte do Souto, in Portalegre, and enjoy a tour of its vineyard, the tasting of three different wines and participation in the vintage activities. For those who want to stay, they can also enjoy a picnic at the Quinta. Address: Quinta da Fonte Souto, Estrada de Alegrete, Reguengo and São Julião, 7300-404 – Price: €15 p.p. (no picnic) and €35 p.p. (with picnic) – Website: https://www.fontesouto.com/
Torre de Palma – Respecting the Roman roots in Torre de Palma, wine is celebrated in “Lusitania”, as in the Roman period. The “vinalia rustica” marks the beginning of the harvest in mid-August, as well as the beginning of the harvest program. In October, the program ends, celebrating the “meditrinalia”, the date on which the must is consecrated. During the weeks during which the harvest takes place, participants will be able to spend a day in the vineyard, participate in the harvest, and in the cellar they will be able to learn more about the vineyards and varieties, choose the best grapes and taste the wines. If they wish, participants can also have lunch or dinner at Restaurante Palma. Finally, they can count on the offer of a bottle of Torre de Palma Tinto BASILII wine as a souvenir of the harvest Address: Herdade de Torre de Palma, 7450-250 – Price: €84 p.p. – Website: https://www.torredepalma.com/
Quinta de Ventozelo celebrates the harvest with a special program
20/09/2022To celebrate the harvest season, Quinta de Ventozelo organizes a special program, on the 24th of September, dedicated to the art of wine production. From walking through the vineyards of this centuries-old farm to make the harvest, to embarking on a boat trip on the Douro River or enjoying a lunch with regional flavors at Armazém 1840, Douro traditions will reign supreme on this festive day. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants, and is open to both Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta guests and the general public.
This one-day program costs €90 per person (€40 children) and is subject to prior appointment via email: activities@quintadeventozelo.pt .
PROGRAM: Reception of participants with animation and delivery of the Harvest Kit Visit to the vineyard with guide Departure with Bedford transport to the plot to be harvested. Pause for “Mata-bicho” in the vineyards (ball of cod, onion broth, glass of wine). Traditional lunch at Armazém1840. MENU: Sardines of São João in marinade, Tomato salad with beef heart from the Douro, Ventozelo Olive Oil, bread, olives. Azul de Ventozelo Branco 2020 and Quinta de Ventozelo Malvasia 2020; Rancho Ventozelo Reserva Red 2019 and Quinta de Ventozelo Sousão 2021; Cheese and Port Wine French toast Quinta de Ventozelo Porto Late Bottled Vintage 2014; Boat trip on the Douro River after lunch.
New menu from Paço dos Cunhas is a tribute to the summer in Santar
20/09/2022Located in a 17th century manor property, in the noble village of Santar, the Paço dos Cunhas restaurant is an icon of the gastronomic culture of the Dão-Lafões region, in the district of Viseu. Living up to its reputation as a fine dining space, Chef Henrique Ferreira and his team designed a letter for the summer that pays homage to Beira cuisine and the traditions of Santar, in a reinterpretation of traditional Portuguese cuisine that results in surprising dishes, where Past and present intersect unexpectedly.
«We wanted to pay homage to the people and traditions of Santar, reinterpreting some of the classics of Portuguese cuisine, as well as the regional recipes, respecting the products and local and seasonal ingredients, such as the heart of the bull tomato, the green beans, the loquats and even violets, so typical at this time. More than just an enogastronomic experience, we want the visit to Paço dos Cunhas to be a journey through the flavors and stories kept over time in this unique village», says Chef Henrique Ferreira, responsible for the cuisine of this emblematic gastronomy space in the heart of the city of the Dão.
The choices start with the starters, where the tributes to traditional dishes of this season stand out, with reinventions of the summertime Sardinhas Assadas com Pimentos, Peixinhos da Horta or Bifana no Pão, tributes to the typical snacks of popular summer gatherings. In terms of fish, you can see the Pasta Fresca de Lingueirão à Bolhão Pato, the Arroz Caldoso de Polvo, or the Fish Stew from Nossa Costa. The work of reinventing ancestral recipes is also present in meat, where dishes that revive old flavors such as Chicken from Campo de Fricassé, Pork Belly with Beetroot and Cabbage or Steak with Onion.
The desserts respect Portuguese recipes, telling stories of their own, such as “Ananás, Violetas e Moscatel, where the fruit of the Azores is worked with muscatel and finished with a crunchy violet, recalling the colors and aromas of the streets of Santar in summer; the Loquat and Chocolate Burnt Cream, with the loquats gathered in the backyard; or the Golden Soup French Toast, inspired by a Portuguese sweets classic.
There are many more options, either à la carte or in three tasting menus proposed by the Chef: the Origins menu (€27.50, or €36.50 with harmonization), the Santar menu (€35.00, or €50, €00) and the Do Chef menu (€57.50, or €82.50). The tasting menus have the option of pairing with the best wines from the 1990 Premium Wines portfolio, from the brands Casa de Santar, Vinha dos Amores, Encontro or Saturno, whose selection can be advised by the sommelier and head chef, André João.
Finally, a reference to the famous Corn Bread that is offered at the beginning of the meal, mashed and cooked in the kitchen at Paço dos Cunhas. The story goes that, in ancient times, cinnamon and sugar were added to the leftover dough and sweet breads were made for the children on their way home from school – the same Sweet Bread that is also present on the menu, accompanying the coffee, as well as such as the Farturas from Feira de S. Mateus and the Cavacas from Resende, in versions reinvented here.
«Paço dos Cunhas is one of our most charismatic wine tourism spaces, where we combine fine dining with our terroir wines, produced in the vineyards of Dão, Bairrada and Alentejo. The new menu, prepared by Chefs Henrique Ferreira and Alberto Correia, makes our enogastronomic experiences even more exclusive and special», says Vítor Castanheira, CEO of 1990 Premium Wines, the company that owns Paço dos Cunhas.
The new menu for the Paço dos Cunhas restaurant will be available until next October and reservations can be made by calling 232 945 452 or by emailing reservas.santar@1990.pt. The Paço dos Cunhas restaurant is open from Tuesday to Thursday for lunch, from 12:00 to 15:00; Fridays and Saturdays, lunch and dinner, from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00; and Sundays for lunch, from 12:00 to 16:00.