José de Sousa Winery and José Maria da Fonseca Museum House with activities for Father’s Day
14/03/2024Father’s Day is coming and José Maria da Fonseca’s wine tourism units – Adega José de Sousa and Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca – are prepared to offer a unique experience to families. On the weekends of March 16th and 17th and 23rd and 24th, children will have the opportunity to create a personalized label for a bottle of wine, which they can then give to their parents.
Located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Adega José de Sousa offers guided tours, allowing the discovery of two wineries that combine tradition with innovation. In the historic Adega dos Potes, with its 114 clay amphorae and two presses for crushing the grapes, visitors can check out the ancient methods of wine fermentation, while in the modern Adega, with its 44 stainless steel tanks, the technology is fundamental to achieving excellence. Keeping alive a tradition started by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, Adega José de Sousa is truly unique in the world.
On the other hand, at Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, a 19th century building located in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão and restored in 1923 by Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, the highlights of the guided tour vary according to visitors’ preferences. Some are enchanted by the majestic garden, while others prefer to explore the Adegas da Mata, Teares Novos and Teares Velhos. The latter includes the much-desired “Frasqueira”, where José Maria da Fonseca keeps its oldest Moscatéis de Setúbal, some over 100 years old.
After visiting the wineries, children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by designing a personalized label, which will then be applied to a bottle of wine to give to their parents. Additionally, adults can enjoy a tasting of two wines, while children will have the opportunity to try two fruit juices. Both tastings will be accompanied by regional products, such as sausages, cheese, olive oil and Alentejo bread.
Father’s Day Program
José de Sousa Winery, Reguengos de Monsaraz
José Maria da Fonseca Museum House, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão
On the weekends of March 16th and 17th and 23rd and 24th, at 11am and 3pm
Price per adult: 15 euros
Price per child (3 to 17 years old): 10 euros
Family price (2 adults + 2 children): 45 euros
VAT included
The entry price includes a visit to the winery, wine tasting for adults, two juices for children and regional products and the offer of a bottle of wine per registered child, with a personalized label designed by the child. Includes colored pencils and drawings for children.
Subject to availability and advance booking.
Reservations: Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | +351 212 198 940. Visiting times: Every day – 11am and 3pm
Adega José de Sousa, josedesousa@jmfonseca.pt | | +351 918 269 569, Visiting times: Every day – 11am and 3pm
Sogevinus’ suggestions for Valentine’s Day include a special Rosé, gift packs and personalized bottles
13/03/2024For the Valentine’s Day dinner, the Sogevinus group suggests one of its most romantic, seductive and elegant wines, São Luiz Winemaker’s Collection Rosé, which promises to highlight the flavors of the romantic meal, as well as the atmosphere of passion. Breadth and complexity are adjectives that go well with this decidedly gastronomic wine, which goes well with sea dishes, such as seafood or fish, but also with white meats and medium-intensity cheeses. This rosé is available in specialized wine stores and at Uva WineShop (https://pt.uvawineshop.com/), where it will have a special 20% discount until February 14th. Still during this period, in this store, but with a 15% discount, you can also find special gift packs from the Sogevinus group, ideal to offer as a gift to your better half or to toast as a couple on Valentine’s Day.
Two proposals in particular stand out, one with Port wine and the other with DOC Douro wine, both with special packaging. The DOC Douro pack consists of a bottle of Quinta da Boa-Vista Douro Reserva Red (2019) and a glass, costing €47. The Port wine suggestion includes a kit with a bottle of 20 year old Tawny and two glass goblets with the Cálem logo, worth €49.50. For those who are fans of Port wine and want to offer a personalized gift, you can also customize an iconic Kopke bottle, with special messages and declarations of love, free of charge until February 14th. All information available at UVA WineShop (https://pt.uvawineshop.com/).
ROCIM launches three iconic whites from emblematic regions of the country
13/03/2024To mark the arrival of warm weather, Rocim will launch a limited edition on the market that brings together its three iconic whites, from emblematic wine regions in the country: O Estrangeiro (Dão), Bela Luz (Douro) and Clay Aged (Alentejo). The trio from the 2022 harvest is called ‘Great Whites from Rocim’, and appears in a personalized box with the image of the great white shark, developed by Rocim’s in-house team. Only 30 units will be available, for sale in the online store, for approximately 100 euros. The wines, with oenology by Catarina Vieira and Pedro Ribeiro, are also available for individual sale. The action reinforces Rocim’s commitment to reinforcing the diversity of its portfolio and consolidating great wines from projects in various wine-growing regions of the country, while continuing to surprise consumers with distinct wine experiences. «The combination of three of our most iconic white wines, from the same year, in a unique product, will allow the consumer to travel through three wine-growing regions of the country and experience what distinguishes them. We want Great Whites from Rocim to be a moment of special consumption, to welcome long days because the wine is always much more than what the bottle contains», says Pedro Ribeiro, winemaker and administrator of Rocim.
With DNA strongly cemented in the Alentejo, this exclusive release includes one of Rocim’s most acclaimed wines, Clay Aged, a unique wine, trodden by foot in a stone press, with all its stems and only indigenous yeasts, aged in clay from Herdade do Rocim and produced from the Verdelho, Viosinho and Alvarinho grape varieties. Of Rocim’s presence in Dão, O Estrangeiro is the iconic reference, a field blend of old vines, just like Bela Luz, which consolidated and reinforced Rocim’s presence in Douro.
The brand, which already had a vineyard in the Lisbon – Vale da Mata region, is strongly based in Alentejo, but has, over the years, invested in other regions, with vineyards in Douro and Dão and partnerships with wine producers in islands of Madeira and the Azores, the Algarve and Vinhos Verdes. Last year he launched an Arinto, from Lisbon, in a project that brought together Rocim winemaker, Pedro Ribeiro, and Austrian winemaker, Lenz Moser. «We are curious by nature. We like to anticipate and create trends and surprise lovers of special wines», concludes Pedro Ribeiro.
The trio of wines can be purchased at selected wine stores or at the Rocim winery wine tourism store.
Symington suggests Bom Rascal for Easter lunches or Father’s Day
12/03/2024With the days getting longer and the sun peeking out, moments of conviviality and leisure with family and friends are back. Between good conversations and good food, Symington Family Estates suggests the company of Bom Malandro, its latest project in the area of still wines. Launched at the end of last year, the wine comes in white and red.
Bom Malandro DOC Douro Red 2021 and White 2022 are traditional Douro blends, fresh and young. Produced with grapes from high-altitude vineyards, they have a balanced profile, with an aromatic and fruity character, ideal for serving good tables and conversations between groups. With a full-bodied and velvety profile and aromas of red fruits, Bom Malando Tinto is ideal to accompany dishes such as roast lamb or duck rice, delicacies enjoyed at Easter. But not only that: in more relaxed moments, why not combine it with hard cheeses, such as manchego or aged cheddar, or with hamburgers grilled over charcoal.
The freshness of Bom Malandro Branco is the perfect complement for hotter days. The combination of pineapple and mango aromas, with a touch of plum and subtle notes of vanilla, makes this wine the ideal pairing for fish dishes such as marinated fish or cod with cream. And if spring and summer afternoons don’t go without a picnic, chicken salads, soft cheeses or shrimp ceviche, they won’t go without Bom Malandro Branco.
More than a wine, Bom Malandro is an invitation to appreciate the best in life, with the right dose of irreverence. With Father’s Day and Easter approaching, the challenge is set: forget about deadlines, the rush and stress of everyday life, and be at the table with family and friends, chatting, socializing and, of course, to eat and drink. Bom Malandro wines are available in restaurant channels and in specialized wine stores. For sale in multiple online wine stores, Bom Malandro has a recommended RRP of eight euros. More information about Bom Malandro DOC Douro Red and White is available on the [bommalandro.pt] website and on the Instagram and [facebook.com/bommalandrovinho] Facebook pages.
Wine tourism in full swing at Adega da Vidigueira
11/03/2024It’s called ‘Talha à Mesa’, it will take place at Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito, on the 23rd and 24th of March, with the aim of elevating the role of Talha Wine in Portuguese gastronomy. For this, renowned chefs with connections to Alentejo were invited, José Júlio Vintém, João Mourato and Pedro Mendes, who over the two days have the task of impressing visitors with their food suggestions that combine harmoniously with the wines from the carvings. In addition to wine lunches and dinners, the program includes showcooking in the vineyard and cellar, masterclasses on carved wines and a carved wine bar, among other activities included in the theme.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the chefs cook in a century-old vineyard and on Saturday afternoon, showcooking takes place in the cellar. But the program, taking place between 11:00 am and 10:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on Sunday, includes other activities that will allow visitors to participate and actively contact the chefs, especially because the idea is that «the event is educational and instill in the consumer the desire to explore the gastronomic potential of carved wine», says Luis Gradíssimo, from the event organization. All activities can be purchased individually with prices ranging from €10 to €65 with availability between 15 and 150 people. Tickets are on sale at Ticketline and on the Adega website.
«It is time to elevate the role of Vinho de Talha in Portuguese gastronomy and position it in a premium segment, as a wine par excellence for pairing with food, especially at this important moment in which its inscription in the National Inventory of Cultural Heritage has been approved. Intangible Material (INPCI) of Talha Wine Production», says José Miguel Almeida, president of Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito.
‘Talha à mesa’ has its first edition scheduled for the first weekend of Spring, but the Adega intends for it to be repeated every year because, for the guest chefs, «Talha Wine is increasingly a presence on restaurant menus and there are more and more gastronomic experiences to find dishes that harmonize with these new released aromas and flavors typical of a good Talha Wine» concludes the director.
The program includes a variety of activities that aim to show the relevance that Talha Wine can have in Gastronomy:
– Wine meals: Exclusive lunches and dinners, prepared by guest chefs (José Júlio Vintém, João Mourato and Pedro Mendes), paired with Talha wines;
– Talha Wine Masterclass: A special and very restricted tasting where different styles of Talha Wine will be tasted, combined with a little history and sharing of this ancient art;
– Showcookings in the Vine: Combining a culinary demonstration with pairing with Talha Wines, in the unique environment of a century-old vineyard in the region;
– 5 o’clock glass: a moment dedicated to snacks and Talha Wine, which includes the service of a selection of traditional snacks with Talha wine to accompany;
– Talha Wine Bar: A display of Talha Wines, from different producers, where you can taste and get to know different houses and wine profiles;
– Varied animation: Throughout the event, in different places and moments, different animation notes.
PROGRAM:
Saturday
– 11am-12pm: “Cozinha na Vinha” Show cooking at Vinhas Centenárias – João Mourato
– 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Talha à Mesa lunch with João Mourato
– 2:30 pm – 3 pm: Coffee & Digestive (Balcony | Spirits Room – Brandy and Fortified served from the barrel)
– 3-8pm: Talha Wine Bar & Musical Entertainment (Adega Velha)
– 3:30pm-4:30pm – Carved wine masterclass
– 5-6pm: “Cup of 5” – Regional snacks and Talha Wine
– 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: “Kitchen at the Cellar” Showcooking at the Cellar – Pedro Mendes
– 8pm – 10pm: Talha à Mesa Pedro Mendes Dinner & Entertainment
Sunday
– 11-12h: “Kitchen in the Vine” with José Júlio Vintém
– 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Lunch with José Júlio Vintém
– 2:30 pm – 3 pm: Coffee & Digestive (Balcony | Spirits room)
– (*optional) 3:30pm-4:30pm – Carved wine masterclass
– (*optional) 5-6pm: “5 o’clock cup”
Guarita da Chocapalha: a tribute to the family patriarch
08/03/2024Perfect to honor all the family patriarchs, Quinta de Chocapalha suggests Guarita 2016 as an offering for Father’s Day. Designed for family, this red from old vines is a tribute to Paulo Tavares da Silva, a Navy officer who in the middle of The 80s moved to the countryside and led Alice, his wife, and their three daughters — Sofia, Andrea and Sandra – to embark on the adventure that is Quinta de Chocapalha. With a limited and numbered production of 2,580 bottles, this monovarietal Alicante Bouschet combines the characteristics of the grape variety with those of the patriarch: determination, strength and personality.
The year 2015 was the first harvest of this wine, when Alicante Bouschet reached, at Quinta de Chocapalha, the expected quality level. The result resulted in an opaque wine in color, which presents a great density of black fruits and chocolate, but with a fine profile. It has a large volume in the mouth, with a silky texture complemented by high quality tannins. A tribute created and designed together by the Tavares da Silva family, it is also the ideal suggestion and tribute to offer, and toast, all fathers and patriarchs. For sale in selected wine stores and at the Quinta de Chocapalha wine tourism store.
Symington family evokes ‘Matriarch’ on Women’s Day
07/03/2024On March 8th, the Symington family and the Vinum restaurant will challenge members of the Matriarca – Clube de Oenophiles to travel back in time to the 19th century. A typical Douro banquet, with food, music and period costumes, is the setting chosen to mark Women’s Day, celebrating the life of Beatriz Leitão de Carvalhosa Atkinson – wife of Andrew James, the first Symington to come to Portugal to work in the port wine sector, in 1882 –, and thus paying tribute to all women.
From 8:00 pm, among the cask corridors of Graham’s Cellars, diners will be transported to one of the famous dinners of the matriarch of the Symington family, an enthusiast for late-night conversations around a lavish table. Over the course of a five-part meal, you will be able to try a variety of delicacies that evoke typical Douro cuisine. Gizzards, rojões, roasted chorizo, soup from the stone, roast suckling pig with chestnuts, bacon from heaven and even a selection of cheeses. Each moment of the menu will be harmonized with some of the main references from the Symington family’s wine portfolio, such as Quinta do Vesúvio DOC 2016 or Graham’s Tawny 20 Years Porto.
Designed for wine lovers, gastronomy enthusiasts, or simply for the more curious, Matriarca – Clube de Enófilos opened its doors to founding members at the end of last year. The legacy of Beatriz Atkinson, master of the art of welcoming, adept at banquets with family and friends, and a decisive element in the construction and success of the family business, served as inspiration for the launch of the project by the fifth generation of the Symington family.
In addition to the cultural program that includes unique events – some of them free –, members receive, throughout the year, two deliveries of a selection of six bottles of Symington wines, with a commercial value greater than the amount paid for the annual subscription. Matriarca also offers access to an exclusive online store, which includes rare references and restricted releases. Members also receive an annual voucher for two people, valid for family visit centers, as well as a 10% discount on all experiences in the Symington universe. More than a club, Matriarca presents itself as a community, enabling its members to interact with other wine and food lovers.
It should be noted that two subscription options are available: the first worth 350 euros per year, to receive a selection of premium wines; the second worth 500 euros per year, to have access to a selection of super premium wines. It is still possible to reserve a place on the Matriarch, but registrations will close as soon as the 100th member is found. Subsequent applications will be placed on a waiting list until a new entry phase is announced. More information at matriarca-club.pt.
Quinta do Bomfim reveals new space to welcome companies
06/03/2024The recently opened Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Room – owned by Symington Family Estates for five generations, located in Pinhão – is prepared to host meetings, presentations, receptions and other business events. With the Douro as a backdrop, this new space – cosily decorated and making use of natural light, enhancing the property’s historical layout – brings together all the necessary conditions to host group events, including projection and sound equipment.
Integrating all the amenities to provide personalized events, booking the Vintage Room includes a coffee station, with coffee, water and tea. There is also the possibility of adding a more complete coffee break service, whose menu includes coffee, tea and juice, as well as fruit, cake and mini-sandwiches. Groups are also invited to visit the “home” of the renowned Dow’s Port wines, winner of the ‘Global Winner’ distinction in the Best of Wine Tourism 2024 awards. Through the visit, which can be complemented by a wine tasting, it is possible to discover the history of the property and the family.
To enjoy a complete experience, combining the discovery of a unique landscape with the authenticity of Port wine and the flavors of the region, Quinta do Bomfim suggests continuing the gathering at the Bomfim 1986 with Pedro Lemos restaurant, located on the property. Built on the top floor of an old wine warehouse, the restaurant, which finds inspiration in the ancient kitchens of the Douro, is an ode to classic cuisine and haute cuisine.
Upon advance reservation, groups can enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant and select one of two available menus. The first option, which costs 70 euros per person, includes four moments: starter, fish or vegetarian dish, meat or vegetarian dish and dessert. The second option, priced at 90 euros per person, includes, in addition to the previous options, a second starter, and a selection of Portuguese cheeses. Stew with fish of the day, bivalves and squid, lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven and mille feuille with smoked cream and salted caramel are just some of the suggestions on the group menus, which can be paired with wines from the Symington family portfolio.
With capacity for 56 people, the Vintage Room can be rented for a full day or half a day. Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance, with the possibility of canceling without penalty up to 72 hours in advance. For more information, contact quintadobomfim@symington.com
Quinta de Lemos presents new olive oil harvests
28/02/2024Wine tourism does not live on wine alone. Olive oil, another of Quinta de Lemos’ most precious products, presents itself with a new harvest, in the Galega, Cobrançosa and Arbequina varieties. Coming from Silgueiros, in Viseu, this harvest reaches the market as a premium quality extra virgin olive oil, with more mature organoleptic notes compared to the previous year, especially in Galega and Cobrançosa. «This year we obtained olive oil of much higher quality. We can even say that we had extra virgin olive oils of excellent quality, which once again meets Quinta de Lemos’ requirements for the launch of new olive oils”, says Cátia Correia, olive oil specialist at Quinta de Lemos. «Just like Quinta de Lemos wines, our olive oils also reflect the best of Dão and our country, with high quality production, which represents the demanding standards to which we are committed, and which guarantee the trust that our customers deposit in us”, says Pierre de Lemos, general director of Quinta de Lemos.
All Quinta de Lemos olive oils are extra virgin and have a very low acidity, which varies between 0.12 and 0.18, and can be found in three available varieties: 100% Galega, 100% Cobrançosa and 100% Arbequina. The first, a typically Portuguese variety, has 0.18 acidity and is characterized by a fragrant oil, with small notes of green apple. In the mouth it is sweet and harmonious, with a long and persistent finish of dried fruits. 100% Cobrançosa olive oil has an acidity of 0.15, and a fruity aroma of green grass, with notes of olive leaf. It is harmonious, with a long and persistent aftertaste. The last variety – 100% Arbequina – has a ripe fruity flavor, with a velvety mouthfeel and light notes of banana peel. It is an olive oil with an acidity of 0.12, light, spicy and low bitterness.
With approximately 2500 olive trees, olive harvesting is done manually, carefully, from small trees. On larger olive trees, a vibrating tool is used on the branches, so as not to damage or break the tree branches. At the end of the harvest, all olives are processed within a maximum period of 24 hours, to preserve maximum freshness and quality. The olives are placed in boxes weighing up to 15 kg and transported to the oil press, located at Quinta de Lemos itself, where the oil is extracted using strictly mechanical and cold processes.
In addition to quality standards, environmental sustainability is another major concern for producers in the Dão region. Like the vineyard, the olive grove is treated within an integrated protection program, with concern for environmental sustainability. This olive grove has an area of 7 hectares, 6 of which are converted to biodynamic agriculture.
Quinta de Lemos began its olive oil production in 2007, with an average production of 3000 bottles per year. Olive oils can be enjoyed at the Mesa de Lemos restaurant and purchased at the property’s store.
Aveleda Announces Exclusive Wine Tourism Program in 2024
19/02/2024Quinta da Aveleda, one of the most prestigious wineries in Portugal, is pleased to present its Wine Tourism program for the year 2024, with a variety of activities that aim to provide memorable experiences for all ages and celebrate special occasions in a unique way. .
Thus, Aveleda began an integration program with local schools in January, which includes guided visits to vineyards and gardens, providing a unique opportunity for students to learn about wine culture and the importance of environmental preservation. This program may also include snacks or lunch on the farm.
In February, Aveleda began to have a broader offer by offering the Family Ticket, which includes a visit to the gardens and the Adega Velha for two adults and two children for just €30, thus ensuring that all members of the family can enjoy the beauty of the landscape of Quinta da Aveleda.
Já para o Dia dos Namorados, a Aveleda convida casais a celebrarem o amor num ambiente encantador e romântico. Durante a semana em que se celebra o Dia dos Namorados, a Quinta oferecerá experiências exclusivas, como passeios românticos pelos jardins e provas românticas harmonizadas. O programa pode ainda incluir a atividade ‘Oficina do Pão’ em que o casal pode fazer o seu próprio pão na Cozinha Velha da Quinta. Este programa tem preços variados que poderá consultar no site.
Com a chegada da primavera e o espírito festivo da Páscoa no ar, a Aveleda convida famílias e amigos a participarem de uma emocionante busca pelos ovos de Páscoa escondidos nos pitorescos jardins da vinícola. O Programa de Caça aos Ovos de Páscoa da Aveleda estará disponível durante os dois fins de semana que antecedem o Domingo de Páscoa (23/24 e 29/30 de março), em dois horários, às 10h e às 15h. O programa inclui, além da Caça aos Ovos que estarão espalhados pela Quinta, um Workshop de Ovos.
Em homenagem ao Dia do Pai, Dia da Mulher, Dia da Mãe e Dia da Criança, a Aveleda convida todos a desfrutarem de experiências enoturísticas únicas. Durante esses dias especiais, os visitantes terão a oportunidade de explorar os encantos da Aveleda, desfrutando de visitas guiadas pelos vinhedos, degustações exclusivas de vinhos premiados, experiências gastronómicas e atividades temáticas e familiares.
Há ainda muitas outras novidades por desvendar ao longo do ano, incluindo durante o verão e a época de vindimas.
Para estar a par de todas as novidades que o Enoturismo da Aveleda tem para lhe oferecer e para agendar a sua visita e experiência, visite o site oficial do Enoturismo Aveleda www.provasbyaveleda.com, siga-nos no instagram @provasbyaveleda, envie-nos um email para enoturismo@aveleda.pt ou ligue para +351 255 718 200.