Pátio das Caves Cockburn’s with snacks and cocktails

APENO AWARDS BEST NATIONAL WINE TOURISM

Cockburn’s Opens the Doors of Quinta dos Canais to Emerging Artists

From the streets and museums to the Douro landscape. Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house of Symington Family Estates – has just launched an initiative that will bring art to the walls of Quinta dos Canais, the brand’s home in the Douro region. ‘Mosto’ – the term for the fresh grape juice intended for alcoholic fermentation – was chosen as the name for the project, which aims to be a ‘fermentation of ideas’ space for professional and emerging artists, providing a platform for the creation and sharing of their work.

The challenge from Cockburn’s has been set: a two-week artist residency in the unique nature of the Douro, far from conventions, promoting total freedom for the artists. Each residency will result in a piece inspired by the surrounding environment of the Quinta and the brand’s own spirit, which aims to develop an exhibition with the various creations in the long term.

The first residency at Quinta dos Canais took place between May 6 and 12, following an invitation extended to Gavin Renshaw (Tea One). The English artist was the winner of the latest Street Art Competition last September, winning over the jury with a mural that highlighted the rabelo boats and the Douro River landscape. Over the coming months, Cockburn’s will offer other artists the opportunity to join the ‘Mosto’ project. Applications for the next artist residencies are now open and should be submitted via email to mosto@cockburns.com.

The ‘Mosto’ project marks another step for Cockburn’s in supporting culture, particularly the visual arts. The brand, known for its young and irreverent approach to the commerce and consumption of Port wine, has promoted the Street Art Competition over the past three years. This initiative has brought together dozens of national and international artists at Cockburn’s cellars, challenging them to create projects inspired by the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Port wine, and the tangible and intangible heritage of the Douro, over an afternoon.

The commitment to fostering close relationships with these artists, as well as the desire to support emerging artists, is a priority for the brand, which has promoted other initiatives in this field. An example of this is the 2023 launch of an exclusive box of Porto Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canais Vintage 2007, illustrated by Brazilian artist Paula Rezende – winner of the 2022 Street Art Competition. Combining irreverence and tradition, Cockburn’s also honored the work of coopers with a mural developed in partnership with Projeto Ruído, presented last year on the walls of Garrafeira do Carmo in downtown Porto. It is worth noting that Cockburn’s is the only Port wine house with a cooperage in its cellars, also housing the largest aging warehouse for Port wine in the historical area of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Spending a Day in São Miguel is to Experience Alentejo Traditions

On May 25th, Casa Relvas opens the doors of Herdade de São Miguel to welcome friends, clients, and all those who, curious or passionate about wine and Alentejo, want to participate in ‘A Day in São Miguel’.

“We are very happy and excited for another day in São Miguel. It’s a unique day of the year and very special for the entire team, as we can bring together not only the family that is Casa Relvas but also be with our clients, friends, partners, and all those who, like us, love Alentejo and visit us with their families and friends on this day, with the certainty of a great afternoon,” says Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. “Last year, the weather forced us to cancel the event, so this year we are prepared to welcome everyone with all conditions, and it will be a day of celebration, a day to celebrate the best of Alentejo. In addition to our wine, gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, are elements that create a very special atmosphere and that translate the cultural richness of the region. We want this date to remain in the memory of all who visit us, and so once again, we open the doors of Herdade de São Miguel for this great celebration,” he concludes.

Starting at 2 p.m. and until sunset, this is the perfect weekend program for wine lovers – and gastronomy – and also for those who enjoy being in good company, outdoors, always in a good mood and lively. From wine tastings to gastronomy, from traditional games to demonstration and exhibition of regional crafts, and various musical moments, there are many reasons to go to Alentejo, and experience a different and very special day with the Casa Relvas family. Upon arrival, visitors will need to present a wristband at the entrance to the venue, which can be purchased in advance at the online store of the Alentejo producer. The ticket (wristband) has a cost of 20 euros per person (minors under 18, accompanied by adults, have free access). Five euros of the ticket price will go to the Évora Food Bank Against Hunger, a Private Social Solidarity Institution, supported by Casa Relvas, which fights against food waste, channeling it for free distribution to people in need in this district.

To accompany the wines from the Herdade de São Miguel and Casa Relvas ranges served at the venue’s bar, the ticket also includes delicious spit-roasted pork. Fans of Alentejo flavors can also nibble on other regional delicacies, purchasing them at the gastronomy exhibitors, where various suggestions from local producers will be available. From cheeses to sausages, bread, honey, olive oils, sweets, and ice creams, there will be no shortage of options for gastronomic proposals to taste and harmonize with the Redondo producer’s references. In addition to the display of regional products, the space also has a Casa Relvas store, where it will be possible to buy merchandising, wines, and various products from the region, and where consumption vouchers can be purchased.

Since the event will take place in the countryside, there is not always an ATM network, so it is advisable to bring cash for shopping. The wristband also includes the possibility of registering for one of the four wine tastings in the event program (subject to availability, as each tasting has a limited capacity of 60 people): ▪ Single varietals from Casa Relvas (2:30 p.m.), with Nuno Franco, director of oenology and viticulture at Casa Relvas; ▪ 20 years of Herdade de São Miguel (3:30 p.m.), with Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas; ▪ Sustainability in Alentejo (4:30 p.m.), with João Barroso, Coordinator of Sustainability of Alentejo Wines; ▪ Trincadeira, the maligned one (5:30 p.m.), with João Paulo Martins, writer and journalist specialized in the area of wines. Those interested in participating in the tastings must pre-register – for free – via email carlota.paisdias@casarelvas.pt.

On Saint Michael’s Day, there will also be traditional games for the little ones, sheep shearing, and the potter’s wheel of Xico Tarefa, with typical Redondo pottery. But visitors can also see up close the painting of typical Alentejo furniture, the Flowered Streets, with a demonstration of local work with paper flowers, and can even engrave their name on a personalized corkscrew to take home as a souvenir. On this day celebrating Alentejo, there will also be musical performances to liven up the atmosphere. From local bands, like Trovadores de Redondo, or the jazz that SevenDixie play throughout the venue, Casa Relvas promises a lot of animation. In the late afternoon, it’s Luís Trigacheiro’s turn, a friend and partner of Casa Relvas, to take the stage and get everyone to sing along to some of his songs, a moment that precedes a surprise that the Relvas family has prepared for those who want to stay until sunset, with the best Portuguese music. Casa Relvas thus challenges to a great afternoon in Alentejo, at Herdade de São Miguel, where it aims to create memories, and promises to awaken the five senses, with sounds, smells, flavors, traditions, and landscapes of our Alentejo!

“Open Days” at Quinta da Fonte Souto are back

Quinta da Fonte Souto, reopened since April, is preparing the “Open Days,” offering visitors the opportunity to get to know the space for free. Located in the Portalegre sub-region, the property—the first of the Symington family outside the North of the country—has developed a special program for those who want to enjoy the upcoming May 23rd (municipal holiday in Portalegre) and the June 10th holiday in a different way.

The “Open Days” program begins with a guided tour of the property, where visitors can learn about the region’s terroir and the wines produced there by the Symington family. The winery and the old kitchen of Quinta da Fonte Souto are also included in the tour, guided by an expert who will share the history and secrets of the wine production that takes place there. The activity ends in the tasting room, where visitors have the opportunity to taste Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé wine. Additional wine tastings featuring more Symington references are also available, with the Classic Tasting (€22) or the Premium Tasting (€35), as well as other wine-by-the-glass options.

To make the most of the good weather, contact with nature is ensured with a vineyard walk offered by the Visitors Center, which can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, with the São Mamede mountain range’s landscape, marked by chestnut trees and abundant water, as a backdrop. The property features various trails, varying in difficulty and time required to complete, ensuring that each visitor can tailor the experience to their preferences.

Amidst the tours and visits, a moment of rest to savor some snacks is a must. The Visitors Center’s suggestion is to complement the experience with pairings of traditional flavors and regional products. Accompanied by a glass of wine, cured sheep cheese, olive oil and bread, a plate of sausages, olives, or even roasted almonds are great options for a lighter meal. At Quinta da Fonte Souto, it is also possible to have an outdoor picnic, with a basket (€40) that includes rustic bread, mushroom and coriander chutney, cured Alentejo cheese, a mix of sausages, olives, acorn cookies, and seasonal fruit. To accompany, the suggestion is a bottle of Florão Branco, also included in the picnic basket. For the younger ones, a children’s menu is available at a cost of €15.

The free activities of Quinta da Fonte Souto’s “Open Day” can be conducted at 10:30 AM or 3:00 PM, subject to prior reservation, with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Reservations can be made via email (reservas@fontesouto.com) or by phone (910 104 292), with a maximum availability of 20 people. The property is open for visits, and activities can be done every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but are not included in this special offer.

Casa Relvas Invites You to Spend ‘A Day in São Miguel’ to Celebrate Alentejo

‘A Day in São Miguel’ is the proposal from Casa Relvas for May 25th, Saturday, starting from 2 p.m. until sunset. The gathering, aiming to bring together friends and family around the best Alentejo has to offer, will take place at Herdade de São Miguel in Redondo, the perfect setting for a delightful day focused on wine, gastronomy, and lots of entertainment. ‘We are very happy and excited for another day in São Miguel. It’s a unique day of the year and very special for the whole team because we manage to bring together not only the family that is Casa Relvas but also to be with our customers, friends, partners, and all those who, like us, love Alentejo and visit us with their families and friends on this day, ensuring a great afternoon,’ says Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. ‘Last year, the weather forced us to cancel the event, so this year we are prepared to welcome everyone with all the conditions, and it will be a day of celebration, a day to celebrate the best of Alentejo. In addition to our wine, gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, these are elements that create a very special atmosphere and reflect the cultural richness of the region. We want this date to stay in the memory of all who visit us, and that’s why we once again open the doors of Herdade de São Miguel for this grand celebration,’ he concluded.

From wine tastings to gastronomy, traditional games to demonstration and exhibition of regional crafts, to various musical moments, there are many reasons to spend ‘A Day in São Miguel’ with Casa Relvas. Upon arrival, visitors will need to present a wristband at the venue entrance, which can be purchased in advance on the online store of the Alentejo producer. The wristband costs 20 euros per person (children under 18, accompanied by adults, have free access). Five euros of the ticket price will go to the Évora Food Bank, supported by Casa Relvas.

To accompany the wines from the Herdade de São Miguel and Casa Relvas ranges served at the venue bar, the ticket includes tasty spit-roasted pork. Those who appreciate the flavors of Alentejo can also enjoy other regional delicacies, purchasing them from the gastronomy stands, where various suggestions from local producers will be available. From cheeses to sausages, bread, honey, olive oils, sweets, and ice creams, there will be no shortage of options for gastronomic proposals to savor and harmonize with the references from the Redondo producer.

The wristband also includes the possibility of registering for one of the four wine tastings in the event program (subject to availability, as each tasting has a limited capacity of 60 people):

• ‘Single Varietals from Casa Relvas’ (2:30 p.m.), with Nuno Franco, director of oenology and viticulture at Casa Relvas;
• ’20 years of Herdade de São Miguel’ (3:30 p.m.), with Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas;
• ‘Sustainability in Alentejo’ (4:30 p.m.), with João Barroso, Sustainability Coordinator of Wines of Alentejo;
• ‘Trincadeira, the Misunderstood’ (5:30 p.m.), with João Paulo Martins, writer and journalist specializing in the wine industry.

Those interested in participating in the tastings must pre-register – for free – via email carlota.paisdias@casarelvas.pt. To give everyone the opportunity to register, access is limited to one tasting per person.

This day also brings together a series of moments that reflect the essence of the region, such as traditional games for the little ones, sheep shearing, and the potter’s wheel of Xico Tarefa, with typical Redondo pottery. Visitors can also see up close the painting of typical Alentejo furniture, the ‘Flowered Streets,’ with a demonstration of local work with paper flowers, and they can even engrave their name on a personalized corkscrew to take home as a souvenir. On this day celebrating Alentejo, there will also be musical performances to liven up the atmosphere. From local bands like Trovadores de Redondo to jazz played by SevenDixie throughout the venue, Casa Relvas promises a lot of entertainment. In the late afternoon, it’s time for Luís Trigacheiro, a friend and partner of Casa Relvas, to take the stage and get everyone singing some of his songs, a moment that precedes a surprise that the Relvas family has prepared for those who want to stay until sunset, with the best Portuguese music.

Torres Vedras organizes Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum

The Municipality of Torres Vedras, in partnership with the Lisbon Wine Commission, will organize the fourth edition of the Reserva-Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum on May 24, 25, and 26, at the former premises of the Torres Vedras Vine and Wine Institute (IVV). With free admission, this edition has the institutional support of the Central Tourism.

The Reserva aims to continue to value the work developed by producers, promote and enhance differentiating and innovative projects that interconnect with the world of wine and consequently with business, culture, cultural and natural heritage, music, discovery, well-being, and happiness.

The event is aimed at the general public and professionals in the wine sector, wine tourism, gastronomy, catering, and services.

The program will feature various activities, including musical moments. All producers from the Lisbon region are invited to this edition, highlighting local producers. The intention of this forum is to annually invite a different region of the country and another international one.

The realization of Reserva | Gastronomy and Wine Innovation Forum also aims to enhance and strengthen the creation of collaborative networks dedicated to the strategic asset of Gastronomy & Wines. More information and schedule: https://www.cm-tvedras.pt/agenda/detalhes/169693

Sunset Marks Alentejo Anniversary with Wines, Local Tapas, and Folk Songs

The summer 2024 program at Herdade do Rocim, in Cuba, Alentejo, kicks off on May 18th, with open doors to celebrate the Herdade’s 17th anniversary and the arrival of summer time. The sunset event brings wines by the glass and harmonized tapas accompanied by local music and folk songs. Entry is free but requires prior reservation by May 15th, via email: enoturismo@herdadedorocim.com.

The inevitable wine tastings tailored to the visitors’ preferences, regional tapas, and a wider gastronomic offering will be in harmony this year with programs focused on physical activity and contact with nature. There’s a range of diverse experiences, with the main backdrop being the Herdade’s vineyards. Herdade do Rocim was recently awarded the Five Star Regions Prize in the Enotourism category. “It’s recognition of the work we’ve been doing. We believe this year will be one of consolidation so that we can have a more extensive offering, but above all, one with superior quality. Last year, we welcomed around 7,000 visitors to the estate, this year we expect to reach 10,000,” highlights Pedro Ribeiro, responsible for Herdade do Rocim.

“This year, we’re anticipating the grape harvesting programs for August and September, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the process and taste some typical grape harvesting dishes,” says Bruno Gomes, responsible for events and wine tourism. In November, on the 16th, another edition of the Amphora Wine Day returns to celebrate St. Martin and the opening of the clay amphorae.

With the announced communication, whose detailed program will be revealed soon, Herdade do Rocim seeks to establish itself as a gastronomic space and promote the harmonization of its wines with a “more traditional and healthy cuisine, without losing the identity of this region,” says Bruno Gomes. Additionally, they will also focus on expanding their gastronomic offering, with wine menus and traditional grape harvesting meals available daily by prior reservation.

Last year, about 7,000 people visited this space, with a highlight on citizens from the United States of America, Brazil, and Central Europe, who sought to “get to know the local culture and the diversity of native vineyards.” This year, the goal is to surpass this number, but above all, to expand the offering of other services, so that this region is not just a passing point, but a mandatory stopping and staying point.

In this sense, and with the aim of promoting this sub-region as an excellent destination, Herdade do Rocim, together with local partners (Herdade do Sobroso, Herdade da Lisboa, and Quinta do Quetzal), created the ‘Vidigueira Weekend Food Wine & Design.’ “We have very similar visions regarding the quality of the offering, service excellence, and enhancing the visitor experience,” he concludes. All experiences can be found at www.rocim.pt.

Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos distinguished with Silver Fork in the Good Bed Good Table Guide

A ‘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.

Comprised 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.