Wine XP Platform Suggests Grape Harvesting and Olive Picking Programs

As summer fades into autumn, Portugal bursts with the vibrant energy of grape harvest season! This time of year, which runs from late August to November, depending on the region of Portugal, is marked by intense activity and much-loved traditions throughout the country. Grape harvest season is the beginning of grape picking. Vineyards buzz with activity as workers handpick the grapes that will be transformed into the country’s famous wines. This process is simultaneously a serious activity and a joyous tradition, often ending with communal meals and tastings of local wines (which you can experience!). Depending on the winery, the process can be very manual and still quite traditional, or larger wineries now have a more mechanized process due to the large quantities that need to be harvested and the fact that the winemaking process needs to start quickly. Olive picking is another fundamental aspect of harvest season in Portugal. Families and communities also come together to pick olives, which are then transformed into high-quality olive oil. This process not only supports Portugal’s strong olive oil industry but also strengthens community ties through shared work and celebration! Harvest season is also marked by the gathering of various fruits and vegetables. Markets are overflowing with fresh produce such as peaches, chestnuts, figs, and pumpkins, each playing an important role in traditional Portuguese dishes. In general, harvest season in Portugal is a period of intense activity and collective effort, celebrating the country’s agricultural heritage and the fruits of a year’s labor! These and other activities are available on the WineXP platform, and wine tourists can book directly at: https://www.winexp.pt/pt/experiencias

New Abanico Harvest to Savor This Summer

Recently launched on the market, the Abanico Reserva white 2022 owes its name to the origin of the fan as a concept, as an object to expel heat, and is one of the references suggested by Casa da Passarella for the peak of summer. This producer, whose wines are born at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, in Dão, and are crafted by the mastery of winemaker Paulo Nunes, offers a fresh and elegant profile at a price of around €10 (recommended retail price), making it ideal for the sunny days that characterize the summer season.

The blend of native grapes, Bical, Cerceal, Barcelo, and Terrantez, among others, all from poor, granitic soils, underwent 12 months of aging in oak vats. Citrus aromas with notes of white fruits mark the nose and combine with a full-bodied and elegant profile. Finishing with a long finish, it is ready to be consumed this summer but also has great aging potential.

The suggestion is part of the ‘Histórias da Passarella’ range, a collection that houses references based on stories, sometimes tales, associated with the identity of the property. The Abanico Reserva white 2022 is also a testament to the DNA of Casa da Passarella, whose wines result from classic methods and the recovery of recognized noble varieties with a significant expression in the estate’s century-old vineyards.

Quinta Vale D. Maria launches Vale D. Maria Signature

This is the result of a careful selection of red grapes from Quinta Vale do Sabor in Torre de Moncorvo, an unparalleled combination of fruit, delicacy, and acidity, complementing the brand’s portfolio.

Aveleda acquired Quinta Vale do Sabor in search of unique and singular wines to complement the quality and elegance intrinsic to Quinta Vale D. Maria wines, thus giving rise to the range of wines from the Douro Superior. Located in the sub-region of Douro Superior, Quinta Vale do Sabor is situated in one of the most special valleys in the region. This Quinta stands out for the sinuosity of the Sabor river, where the valley is narrower. In this location, various grape varieties are planted, such as Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, with different solar orientations and altitudes ranging from 230 to 320 meters.

In the Douro region, the 2022 harvest was brief and challenging, but despite the lower quantity of grapes produced, the quality achieved was excellent. The low production resulted in remarkably concentrated wines, promising a auspicious year with balanced and elegant wines. For the production of this new reference, we followed the same rigorous process that all Quinta Vale D. Maria wines undergo: carefully selected grapes, destemmed and foot-trodden in granite lagares, fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels, which in this wine occurred for 14 months.

The Vale D. Maria Signature 2022 is a wine of intense color, complex on the nose, with fruity aromas of black fruit and spices. On the palate, it is delicate, with firm and ripe tannins that give it a good structure and combine with its acidity in a long and tasty finish.

The wines from Quinta Vale D. Maria reflect the unique character of the Douro, preserving the identity of the vineyards and respecting the terroir in which they are inserted through sustainable viticulture. The care and emotion with which DOC Douro wines and Port wines, which are part of its portfolio, are created, foster the sharing of memorable experiences.

In partnership with the Sonae Group, the Vale D. Maria Signature Douro red 2022 is already available exclusively in Continente stores and is an ideal wine to pair with grilled meats and dishes.

JNcQUOI Deli Comporta: The Latest Addition to the Amorim Luxury Group

Fun, relaxed, and daring: this is the JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, the latest restaurant from the Amorim Luxury group, which has just opened its doors in Comporta and is sure to be a must-visit this summer.

Striking a perfect balance between the JNcQUOI essence, the most authentic Alentejo flavors, and the best regional products, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta is perfect for visiting at any time of day, gathering family and friends, and creating unforgettable memories.

The menu, created by Chef Jerónimo Ferreira, responsible for the JNcQUOI hub in Comporta, invites guests to savor and celebrate the longest and most carefree days. At JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, the day begins with a healthy and flavorful breakfast, served à la carte between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Throughout the day, in addition to a selection of salads and sandwiches, a menu of snacks and light dishes is available, with special highlights including Cecina “El Capricho” with melon (€24), Prawn carpaccio with potato salad and salmon roe (€35), Carabineiro with a fried egg (€45), or Sheep’s head with Kartoffel salad (€25). As main courses, the Breaded veal chop with Alentejo tomato sauce and Stracciatella (€42), the Black cuttlefish Pil-Pil (€38), the Tiger prawn with JNcQUOI rice (€45), and the Black pork cheeks with truffle mashed potatoes (€37) promise to be the stars of a menu that is full of unusual combinations that surprise.

Some of the most iconic JNcQUOI dishes could not be missing, such as the JNcQUOI Salad (€39), the JNcQUOI Hamburger (€23), or the Steak with Morilles à La Crème (€42). To finish the meal, Chef Jerónimo Ferreira suggests the Chocolate mousse with mascarpone and amaretto (€12) or the Dark chocolate and carob tart (€11), among other specialties.

With different spaces, perfect for various times of day, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta has two outdoor areas, the terrace and the covered terrace, and a main room with a capacity of 43 people. A highlight is one of the most emblematic areas of the restaurant, the Counter Deli, which provides a more relaxed meal at the counter, which at night turns into a must-visit spot in Comporta: in addition to the vintage Marshall Jukebox, a kind of hostess of this space, the Counter Deli will have DJ performances daily. It will be open from Sunday to Thursday, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 AM, and from Friday to Saturday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 AM.

Immersed in the spirit and energy so characteristic of the region, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta stands out for its irreverence, if only because it is a project by Jean-Philippe Demeyer, an eccentric Belgian interior designer listed among the top 100 architects by Architectural Digest. Portugal was the main source of inspiration for this new project that surprises in every detail, meticulously thought out, where vibrant and contrasting colors stand out.

The Viúva Lamego tiles, carefully selected and applied to the floor of JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, are the gateway to a journey that pays homage to the best of what is made in Portugal: the curtains were made by the Association ‘A Avó Veio Trabalhar’, the vases were hand-painted by the artist Susa Monteiro, from Beja, and Olaria Pirraça, located in Redondo, was responsible for the handmade production of regional Alentejo crockery used in the restaurant. Also noteworthy is the ceiling, made and hand-painted in plaster, with the aim of imitating the thatch ceilings so characteristic of this area.

JNcQUOI Deli Comporta thus marks a new stage in the history of Amorim Luxury by reinforcing the group’s concept – Food Meets Fashion Meets Hospitality – in this part of the country. Located next to the Fashion Clinic Comporta, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta will have, on the top floor, two exclusive suites, providing a complete lifestyle experience.

José Maria da Fonseca Receives TripAdvisor Distinction for the 10th Consecutive Year

In the year of its 190th anniversary, the Azeitão producer receives two distinctions: the wine tourism of the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum, in Azeitão, and the José de Sousa Winery, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, are among the preferences of users of the traveler platform.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards, awarded by TripAdvisor, have distinguished the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum for the 10th consecutive year. The Portuguese producer’s wine tourism boasts over three hundred reviews and has obtained an average of 4.5 stars out of 5, being considered the top attraction in Azeitão by users of this reference platform. In the year of its 190th anniversary, the José Maria da Fonseca brand sees its José de Sousa Winery, located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, also distinguished by TripAdvisor, with an equally high score of 4.5 stars. This award aims to recognize accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that received excellent reviews from travelers over the past year and are among the top 10% of the highest-rated properties on the website.

“We are very happy to receive the TripAdvisor distinction for exactly a decade. This year has a special meaning – in addition to the House Museum, we have received, for the second time, the distinction for the José de Sousa Winery, precisely in the year we celebrate 190 years. A recognition that reflects our effort and commitment to reinvent ourselves with almost two centuries. Also in wine tourism, the daily work and dedication of our team are valued by our visitors, who give us excellent reviews. Year after year, we have created a differentiated offer, in order to provide unique and authentic experiences for those who visit us,” says Sofia Soares Franco, responsible for Wine Tourism at José Maria da Fonseca.

The José Maria da Fonseca House Museum and, now, the José de Sousa Winery, thus join an exclusive group of tourist attractions on the platform, highlighting the quality of service and the differentiated offer of the establishments. The dynamics of the offers, the attentive and personalized service, and the entire environment of the space are some of the characteristics most recognized by visitors.

Built in the 19th century and restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum has a wonderful façade and garden. Throughout the guided tour, adults and children have the opportunity to learn about the history of the José Maria da Fonseca company, followed by a visit to the three historic wineries – Adega da Mata, Adega dos Teares Novos, and Adega dos Teares Velhos.

The José de Sousa Winery offers guided tours for adults and children, which include some games and drawings for the youngest, and encompasses two wineries that work with two very different styles, combining tradition with innovation. In the Adega dos Potes, the ancestral and ancient fermentation method is present in the production of wines, while in the Modern Winery, the technology implemented in production is essential to achieve excellence, and this ambivalence is highly appreciated.

4th Edition of the White Night at the Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito Cooperative Winery

The Vidigueira, Cuba, and Alvito Cooperative Winery will be hosting the 4th edition of its White Night on August 3rd. This annual event promises to be the longest and most lively night of the year at the Vidigueira Winery, with a program packed with new features and attractions for all tastes.

At the event, the winery will highlight the native Antão Vaz grape variety, of which it is proud to be one of the largest producers. This grape will be present in all white wines served throughout the event. The event will take place in the outdoor space of the Vidigueira Winery, from 9 pm to 4 am, with a capacity of around 1,000 people.

This edition brings several new features, including an extended schedule and a reinforced lineup with the presence of 3 DJs (DJ Roderick Bada, DJ Mark Guedes, and DJ Nuno Machado) and the band Troupe Brazil. In addition to musical performances, other surprises are planned to entertain attendees throughout the night. Participants can enjoy various activities such as face painting, a games area, a Food Zone offering a variety of delicacies, from sweet to savory, and other surprises yet to be revealed. One of the big novelties this year is the exclusive VIP VDG Zone, limited to 25 places. Sponsored by the new VDG wine range, launched in March, this area offers an open bar of wines and derivatives, terrace service with seating, a table of traditional snacks, a VDG surprise pack, and a privileged view of the stage. Access to the VIP Zone costs €50, while general wristbands cost €10.

The only requirement is to dress in white and bring a good mood. Wristbands can be purchased at the online store at www.adegavidigueira.pt, at the Vidigueira and Castro Verde winery stores, and through promoters. The White Night has the support of the following sponsors: Vinisol, Caves d’Alagoa, Benecar, Destilaria Ferreira Gomes, Eikon, LPR, António Almeida Cortiças, ABS97, Wine Crush, and GIFTs4Wine.

It should be noted that the Vidigueira Winery currently has around 300 members, maintaining an area of 1,400 hectares of vineyards. In 2023, sales and services rendered amounted to €9.5 million, corresponding to an increase of 13.17% compared to 2022. The Enotourism Unit recorded an increase of 10.33% compared to 2022, which is “very positive and demonstrates the growth potential of our Enotourism, in a context of a 14% increase in visitors, and where significant increases are expected in the coming years, in search of the ‘Vinho de Talha’ Tourist Product, in which the winery is a leader,” according to José Miguel Almeida, President of the winery, who also highlights “the women and men who, over the decades, have allowed this work to be built and consolidated, always with an eye on the future.” The winery also stands out as the largest employer in the region. For many winery employees and residents of Vidigueira, the Cooperative represents a life that goes beyond the 3rd generation.

Graham’s announces release of Porto Tawny 50 Years

Casal Garcia celebrates 85 years with a limited edition

In the special moment of celebrating 85 years, Casal Garcia, produced by Quinta da Aveleda, launches a campaign based on three stories of joy. With a fun narrative that reflects the essence of the brand and surprises the consumer, Casal Garcia presents three videos where the spirit of friendship and joy resolve three embarrassing situations. An awkward but meaningful marriage proposal, a relaxed get-together among friends that ends with an unexpected guest, and a delay that reveals a hidden talent. Three distinct contexts that end in a way only Casal Garcia can provide, with joy and good energy.

Simultaneously, the campaign incorporates the iconic jingle ‘Haja Alegria. Haja Casal Garcia’, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the music territory, where the brand has been active for several years. The rhyme, which is practically the brand’s anthem and still resonates with the Portuguese today, demonstrates that Casal Garcia is an essential element when it comes to celebrating. Present in various digital media, TV, and outdoor, the campaign highlights the range of Wines, Sangrias, and Fruitzy. It features creativity from Opal Publicidade and production by Ideias com Pernas.

“This campaign celebrates the legacy of Casal Garcia. We commemorate the special milestone of 85 years with the creation of an advertising campaign that promises to bring joy to all consumers. Casal Garcia is a frequent presence in joyful moments of the consumer’s daily life, accompanying generations, reinventing itself with each new product,” says Isabel Barbosa, Senior Brand Manager of Casal Garcia. “We chose three fun situations to once again explore various forms of joy, always with Casal Garcia as the driver of happy endings,” she adds.

As a complement to the new campaign, Casal Garcia presents a limited edition label of Casal Garcia Branco. The bottle features the signature ‘Haja Alegria’, replacing the usual logo and thus reinforcing this unmistakable brand code. This edition will be available at the point of sale until the end of summer. And because the news doesn’t stop, the brand launched two new products this year: Casal Garcia Sangria Rosé and Casal Garcia Fruitzy Passionfruit, both awarded 91 points at the IWSC 2024 Alternative Drinks Competition.

LindeborgWines Appoints António Pista as New CEO

LindeborgWines, the wine group owned by Swedish entrepreneur Thomas Lindeborg (Executive Chairman), is pleased to announce the appointment of António Pista as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic decision aims to strengthen the group’s leadership and expand its presence in the international wine market.

António Pista, previously Export Manager at LindeborgWines, brings extensive experience and knowledge to his new role. He holds a degree in Economics from the Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) and has been working in the wine industry for approximately 15 years. Since 2021, António has led LindeborgWines’ export department – with the Brazilian and American markets remaining under his responsibility – contributing significantly to the company’s international growth and success.

LindeborgWines owns four prestigious estates in Portugal: Quinta da Folgorosa and Vinhos Cortém in Lisbon; Quinta Vale do Armo in the Tejo region; and Herdade da Cabeceira in Alentejo. With António Pista at the helm, LindeborgWines is poised to continue enhancing its reputation for producing high-quality wines and exploring new growth and expansion opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

Trilogy of Arintos from Quinta do Boição

The first release of this limited collection is the Quinta do Boição Arinto Pelicular 2019 Doc Bucelas. This special wine is inspired by tradition and reinvented by the excellence of modern winemaking. In this process, the white grapes are vinified by the same method as red grapes, where fermentation occurs in contact with their own skins and yeasts, resulting in an orange color, also known as ‘Orange Wine’. With 6 months of aging in French oak barrels, this wine demonstrates an indefinite aging potential, promising to evolve and surprise over the years. “We are proud of the new Quinta do Boição Arinto Pelicular 2019 that we present, affirming our commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with tradition and traditional practices,” says winemaker Nuno Faria. This is a limited production of 3000 numbered bottles.

At the beginning of the last quarter of this year, the release of a Traditional Arinto from 2022 is planned, a year that saw an early harvest and fermentation with indigenous yeasts and without the addition of nutrients to the must, resulting in a wine with low alcohol content and high acidity.

Before the end of the year, from the 2024 harvest, the Trilogy of Arintos will be completed with the third Arinto, a young wine, without barrel aging, full of the fruity aromas of the Arinto grape variety. With the Trilogy of Arintos complete, a pack with all three references will be available.

Located in the Lisbon region, with only 140 hectares of planted vineyards, Bucelas is the only Denomination of Controlled Origin in Portugal for white wines, for the Arinto, Esgana Cão, and Rabo-de-Ovelha grape varieties. This sub-region is an authentic oenological gem with unique conditions where Arinto shows the greatest genetic variability and assumes the maximum expression of its character. The influence of the Atlantic, the Tagus River, and the Trancão River, as well as the mountains, slopes, and soils derived from marls and limestone, in their climatic diversity, this terroir is completely distinct and incomparable. It presents natural humidification, and agricultural practices are manual, such as picking, pruning, and tying.

Quinta do Boição has 28 hectares of vineyards, with some plots considered old vineyards as they are over 60 years old. Their Doc Bucelas wines are fresh, have balanced acidity, and have a high aging potential.