Celebrate Mother’s Day at Quinta da Aveleda
26/04/2024On the weekend of May 4th and 5th, Quinta da Aveleda opens its doors for an unforgettable experience dedicated to all mothers. Located in the beautiful Vinho Verde region, Aveleda invites everyone to witness a special moment among vineyards and traditions. To make this weekend even more memorable, Quinta da Aveleda offers a lunch with typical regional dishes. Among the available menus, visitors can savor traditional dishes accompanied by the award-winning house wines. And to honor the mothers present, the mother’s lunch is offered in the presence of 4 adults or more.
To ensure your place on this special day, simply contact the Aveleda Enotourism team. Reservations can be made through the website www.provasbyaveleda.com, by email to enoturismo@aveleda.pt, or by phone at +351 255 718 200.
Aveleda is an internationally renowned producer, with a century-old tradition in producing quality wines. Located in the Vinho Verde region, Aveleda is recognized for the excellence of its wines and the unique hospitality offered to visitors. It remains a reference in the world of wine tourism, providing authentic and unforgettable experiences.
For more information about this initiative or about Quinta da Aveleda, contact Maria Manuel Ferreira, Public Relations Manager at Aveleda, SA, via email maria.ferreira@aveleda.pt or rp@aveleda.pt, or by phone at +351 935 863 612.
New activities at Quinta da Fonte Souto
24/04/2024Pruning of the vineyards, bike rides, and wine tastings are some of the activities coming to the Symington family estate. Starting April 15th, Quinta da Fonte Souto opens its doors to visitors and spring for another season of activities. Until October, the Visitor Center showcases the estate, which spans over 207 hectares, and the wines produced there by the Symington family since 2017. The property is located in the São Mamede mountain range, in Portalegre, and will once again be the stage for new experiences, filled with the sounds, flavors, and the ambiance of the region’s landscapes.
Through visits to Fonte Souto, one can discover not only the property but also the history behind the wines produced there, including a tour of the winery and the estate’s old kitchen. Vineyard walks and bike rides are options for those seeking greater contact with nature, enjoying all that the São Mamede mountain range has to offer. The various available routes offer different levels of difficulty and vary in the time required to complete them, allowing visitors to choose what best suits their preferences.
For those who want to get “hands-on” and experience firsthand an essential part of wine production, Quinta da Fonte Souto offers the opportunity to participate in vine pruning. The green pruning activity represents a unique opportunity to “help” maintain the vineyards while also learning about the pruning process and the grape varieties present on the property. The activity is available depending on the progress of the work at the time of the visit.
The Visitor Center provides a complete experience, culminating in a tasting room where visitors can sample the Florão Tinto, Florão Branco, and Quinta da Fonte Souto Tinto wines, included in the Classic Tasting (22 euros). There is also the Premium Tasting, which, in addition to the three wines presented in the Classic Tasting, includes two more references: Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco and Vinha de Souto Tinto. The wines produced on-site can also be enjoyed by the glass, including options such as Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé (7 euros) and Quinta da Fonte Souto Alicante Bouschet (9 euros).
As complements to the wines, light snacks are suggested, such as olive oil and bread, cured sheep cheese, a platter of sausages, olives, or toasted almonds. If hunger strikes, a picnic outdoors, designed for two people, is Quinta da Fonte Souto’s recommendation. Comprising regional delicacies, the basket (40 euros) includes rustic bread, mushroom and coriander chutney, Alentejo cured cheese, a mix of sausages, olives, acorn breads, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of Florão Branco wine. There is also a children’s menu option, costing 15 euros, specially designed for the little ones.
Quinta da Fonte Souto is open until October 15th, and can be visited every day from 10:00 to 19:00. Advance reservation of activities and visits is advised and can be made by phone (910 104 292) or email (reservas@fontesouto.com). Reservations for picnics should be made 48 hours in advance. Further information can be found on the website www.fontesouto.com.
ABREU Agency Launches Premium Wine Tourism Travel
18/04/2024ABREU Agency has created a new travel sector dedicated to wine tourism in collaboration with journalist and wine consultant Maria João de Almeida. These will be premium experiences focused on wine tourism destinations in Portugal and around the world.
Wine tourism has grown exponentially in recent years, and ABREU Agency has expanded by establishing a new premium department that will showcase the best of what this area has to offer nationally and internationally. To achieve this, they enlisted Maria João de Almeida, one of the most recognized wine and wine tourism experts in the country.
As a journalist, award-winning author, consultant, competition judge, and President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, Maria João de Almeida has joined ABREU Agency to coordinate premium trips, featuring visits to the best wine tourism wineries worldwide, along with stories and local curiosities. These trips also include visits to the finest restaurants and hotels where wine plays a prominent role, as well as cultural sites that reveal the history of the locations. Unforgettable journeys designed for discerning wine enthusiasts.
“The knowledge and experience of Maria João Almeida in the wine sector led to her selection for designing this thematic offer, which is available in ABREU Agency stores and on www.abreu.pt,” explains Pedro Quintela, Director General of Sales and Marketing. He further adds, “These suggestions are aimed not only at organized groups of wine lovers but also at individuals. More than just trips, they are exclusive experiences centered around wine that will surely remain in the memories of those who embark on them,” concludes the responsible party. (in the photo, alongside Maria João de Almeida)
Maria João de Almeida also expresses satisfaction with the collaboration. “ABREU Agency is the oldest travel operator worldwide and is also the largest company in this area in Portugal. For me, it is a privilege to work with a company of such prestige, which did not hesitate to innovate in its offerings and invest in the premium segment of wine tourism, which involves a high level of demand,” says the expert.
Douro, Alentejo, Dão, Lisbon, Azores, and Madeira are some of the national destinations included in the first compilation of proposals for ABREU Agency’s latest venture. The offerings also include international destinations, which are equally important when it comes to wine. Among the suggestions are Spain (Rioja), France (Bordeaux), Italy (Tuscany), Germany (Mosel), Hungary (Tokaj), and more distant destinations such as Argentina (Mendoza), South Africa (Stellenbosch), and Australia (Barossa Valley). On the website www.abreu.pt, readers can find a brochure with more information about reference wineries, curiosities of wine regions and their grape varieties, an interview with Maria João de Almeida explaining her career and the reality of wine tourism in Portugal, among other complementary texts that will certainly awaken the desire to travel in wine enthusiasts.
Graham’s hosts the largest Port wine tasting event
15/04/2024More than five hundred people, gathered with a purpose: to discover and taste some of the most iconic offerings from Graham’s portfolio. This was the scene observed in Viborg, Denmark, where, earlier this month, Dahls Vinhandel – a Danish wine retailer, partner of Graham’s – celebrated its fortieth anniversary. The occasion served as the backdrop for organizing the largest Port wine tasting event ever, which saw the participation of 536 people and thus secured the entry of the renowned Port wine house – owned by Symington Family Estates – into the Guinness World Records.
The planning of this achievement was led by Gustavo Devesas, regional manager of Symington in Northern Europe, who selected some of the brand’s key references for the event. Graham’s The Tawny, Tawny 20 Years, Graham’s Six Grapes, and Quinta dos Malvedos Vintage 2012 wines were among the options available to the over 500 participants. Joanne Brent, Guinness World Records adjudicator, attended the celebration to witness the “largest Port wine tasting” ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 293 people at the Lisbon Bar Show. Johnny Symington, chairman of the Symington group, also witnessed the feat, highlighting “the unique ability of Port wine to bring people together, anywhere in the world.”
In addition to a wine tasting that will go down in history, the occasion of Dahls Vinhandel’s 40th anniversary also featured a dinner. The preparation of the various dishes for the guests involved the participation of six restaurants from the Viborg region, including a taste of Portuguese cuisine. Ann-Kristin, a Danish chef residing in Lisbon, was challenged to prepare bacalhau à Brás for the attendees and thus complemented a demonstration to the Nordic public of the finest Portuguese cuisine.
Best Wine Tourism Celebration Supports Traditions, Local Cuisine, and Gastronomic Products from Ribatejo
12/04/2024Gala Dinner of the APENO – AGEAS Seguros 2024 National Wine Tourism Award, held this year in Ribatejo, will be catered by chef Rodrigo Castelo, owner of the Ó Balcão restaurant in Santarém, recently awarded a Michelin star. The region’s gastronomic products will also be showcased through Qualifica OriGIn Portugal, an association that values, qualifies, defends, promotes, and dignifies the identity of traditional Portuguese products.
Aware that event sustainability also involves community engagement and the valorization of local products, the National Wine Tourism Award, organized by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) on May 24, 2024, at Quinta dos Anjos in Santarém, has decided to call upon a local chef to prepare the dinner for what is already the national benchmark event in Wine Tourism.
Owner of the ‘Ó Balcão’ restaurant – founded in 2013 in downtown Santarém – Rodrigo Castelo draws inspiration from traditional flavors to create his signature cuisine: “The choice of chef couldn’t be better. I’ve known Rodrigo Castelo’s work for many years and I am well aware of his efforts in promoting the autochthonous products of Ribatejo. I am sure that the dinner dishes will focus on flavors that will enhance the region,” revealed Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association. Rodrigo Castelo, in turn, is motivated to take on this challenge. “Being the chef of this dinner, which rewards the best national Wine Tourism, is an excellent challenge, where the region’s products will also shine,” promises the chef.
But before the party, there will be time to sample some traditional Ribatejo products through a small showcase organized by Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal, an association that brings together highly qualified Portuguese producers. “Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal is the Portuguese branch of the global oriGIn network, representing about 600 producer groups of products with GI (Geographical Indication) from more than 40 countries,” reveals Ana Soeiro, Executive Director of Qualifica/ Origin Portugal. “In Portugal, the promotion of traditional products and gastronomic valorization make even more sense because we have a very rich cuisine, based on high-quality products made by producers who are passionate about what they do. Being present at events like this makes perfect sense because it’s an audience that understands the concept and importance of that same quality,” concludes the spokesperson. It is also worth noting that the showcase of products from Qualifica OriGIn Portugal members will take place during the welcome drink organized by CVR do Tejo, complemented by wines from the region.
Aiming to promote local traditions, the National Wine Tourism Award did not forget culture and, with the support of CVR Tejo, promotes local traditions with a fandango show, a traditional dance dating back to the 18th century. Originating from Spain with Arab reminiscences, fandango has also taken root in Portugal, and it is in Ribatejo that it has its greatest expression. Throughout its history, it has been danced in noble halls or popular theaters, in streets, fairs, parties, and taverns, usually between men and women, between pairs of men or pairs of women. In those olden times, it was also danced in the countryside, in front of trees. And the most skilled even tried their luck at ‘fandangoing’ in taverns, with a glass of wine on their head, without spilling it. Now it will be their turn to show their skills at Quinta dos Anjos, at the National Wine Tourism Award event.
The APENO / Ageas Seguros National Wine Tourism Award (2024) will take place on May 24, 2024, starting at 6 p.m., at Quinta dos Anjos, in Santarém. As the name suggests, it is sponsored by the well-known insurer, and also has the sponsorship of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Entity; the Municipality of Santarém; the Network of Wine Cities; and recognized companies such as Grupo Amorim, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, MCoutinho, Biosphere, Abreu Advogados, and YonWine. Finally, it also has the institutional support of the Institute of Vine and Wine and will have EXAME magazine as its media partner.
A special rosé launched by Casa Relvas
10/04/2024Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom, the new rosé produced by Casa Relvas, is born from the enormous desire of the Casa Relvas team to produce a top-of-the-range rosé, which conveys, in its aromas and flavors, the terroir where its grapes are born. Rosé wines constitute a very important segment in Casa Relvas’ production, and are therefore of great importance to the producer, and here the challenge was to create a rosé that showcased the quality of the vineyards. The result is a wine with elegance and creaminess, which will certainly liven up the new season that has just arrived.
Produced at the foot of the Serra do Mendro, in Vidigueira, on clay-limestone soils, this wine is the result of several years’ viticultural work, of various experiments in the vineyard and in the cellar, leading to the result that the Alentejo producer now presents. The new rosé, which aged 10% for four months in French oak barrels, was produced from the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Syrah grape varieties.
Light pink in color with salmon tones, Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom has fresh aromas of red fruits and citrus, and in the mouth it is intense, enveloping and fresh, with plenty of creaminess and minerality. With warm weather approaching, we recommend pairing it with grilled fish, seafood, sushi and salads and, above all, with good company!
Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom 2023 is the result of a year of exceptional quality at Casa Relvas. The spring was very dry with no disease pressure. The vines were comfortable with their water needs during the beginning of the growing season, as temperatures were quite low. During the summer, and during the ripening period, temperatures were normal without heat waves. Maturation was slow, promising a unique and highly complex harvest, which allowed the production of this rosé.
“Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom 2023” is now available on the market with a RRP of €15, for sale in wine stores, specialty stores and restaurants across the country.
Discover the winemaking tradition at Herdade do Rocim
03/04/2024The winemaking tradition is lived intensely at Herdade do Rocim, in Vidigueira. With a varied proposal for wine tourists, the estate presents the ‘Amphora Wine Tour’, an extension of the already acclaimed ‘Amphora Wine Day’ event. The objective of this tour is to immerse visitors in the ancient art of carved wine production, a tradition rooted in local culture. Joining the hosts are some of the most renowned producers in the region, sharing knowledge and experiences that span generations. «Wine is part of our culture, our roots and our origin», says Pedro Ribeiro, the winemaker at Herdade do Rocim. «Each of us is curious to explore the science behind the art of creating a wine, from aromas to taste, unveiling the different phases that culminate in a personalized and unique blend».
In the ‘menu’ of activities, visitors also have the unique opportunity to create their own wine, under the guidance of Herdade do Rocim’s experienced winemaking team. A true immersion in the world of Alentejo viticulture. Lunch or dinner with traditional Alentejo cuisine is also possible, paired with a selection of Herdade do Rocim’s award-winning wines.
Visiting the Estate is not just about wine production. Visitors can explore the winery’s entire production area, relax in the wine bar and browse the products in the on-site store. An obligatory stop is the estate’s educational vineyard, where it is possible to discover some of the region’s emblematic grape varieties. Reservations at www.rocim.pt
Palacete Silva Monteiro, from CVR dos Vinhos Verdes, hosts the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition
02/04/2024Between April 3rd and 13th, Casa do Vinho Verde – Palacete Silva Monteiro, where the CVR dos Vinhos Verdes is headquartered, hosts the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition, an exhibition of architecture and interior design that invites 13 renowned professionals to recreate spaces of the nineteenth-century palace and tell the story of 13 characters created to lend a narrative to each room.
During the 10 days of the event, the program includes showcookings, tastings of Vinhos Verdes, Fado, performing arts, live painting, art auctions, among other proposals tailored to a Royal Edition that reinterprets the bourgeois life of Porto in the second half of the nineteenth century.
With the aim of promoting premium brands and professionals nationally and internationally, the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition – a registered trademark of the exhibition of architecture and interior design – features Miguel Costa Cabral, Nuska Themudo (Open Life), Sandra Pinto and Miguel Ferraz (Casa 23), Ana Paiva, Geotoni, Geovani Prado and António Aroso, Cristina Archer and Nelma Serpa Pinto (The Studio Interiores), Paula Franzini, Ana Lencastre (Lencastre Interior Design), Patrícia Nascimento da Fonseca and Maria J. Carneiro (Sete Chaves), Fabián Pellegrinet Conte, Ginha Teixeira Pinto (DonaVila), Carlos Santos and Margarida Ferreira da Silva (AM Living), and Sónia Carvalho (Dama de Paus) materializing the various concepts worked on within the scope of the characters.
Number 318 Rua da Restauração, in Porto, becomes the temporary residence of Don Francisco de Guzman (epicurean and bullfighting aficionado), the Countess of Ponthieu, Florence Marie Louise (producer of sparkling wines), Bagu Simbá Mussu and Dandara Menelik Tutu (exiles from Djibouti and descendants of the Queen of Sheba), Argus Kiryl Maximus (sole Greek descendant of the Gattelusio family and passionate about History, Music, and Cuisine), Ludvic Constance Timothe (Belgian nobleman, chief perfumer for several European royal houses), Sebastião de Santa Maria (descendant of Count Silva Monteiro and heir to the art of hospitality that the legacy of the mansion entails), Laura Federica Antonelli Grimaldi Constantini e Lancellotti (passionate about gardens, visiting Porto for an exhibition and camellias), Ingrid Martha (young European princess who renounced royalty to dedicate herself to yoga and Hinduism), Viscountess of Terylene, Eleanor Victoria Whinfield (young English fashion influencer), Archibaldo Diego Alvarez Garcia (art collector and chocolate enthusiast, Cocoa King in the Cusco region – Peru), Frederik Lorenzo de Berry, Marquis of Bruinisse (natural sailor of Dutch origin), Baroness of Céligny, Anna Justine Desirée (chocoholic and interested in developing a business with the Cocoa King), and Sir Albert Stuart George (breeder of greyhounds and Cleveland Bay horses), characters created by Dina Souto Rosa, mentor and promoter of the event, to inspire the decoration and recreation of the various spaces and tell different stories to visitors.
“The Casa do Vinho Verde opens its doors to the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition in the year that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Count Silva Monteiro, giving new life to the mansion and occupying the various rooms with stories of characters who could perfectly have attended the Count’s soirées. As a historic house in the city of Porto, it is important to host an event that brings together major names in architecture and interior decoration and welcomes visitors from various nationalities who seek to learn more about our history and other inspirations, associating the wines of the Region, showcookings, and a program that allows discovering new details on each visit,” highlights Dora Simões, President of the Board of Directors of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV).
Sleep In – Royal Edition is supported by the Porto City Council, Ágora – Culture and Sport of the Porto Municipality, the Portuguese Association of Furniture and Related Industries (APIMA), and CVRVV. Daily, between 3 pm and 9 pm, visitors can discover the proposals of architects and decorators and participate in the program’s activities. Tickets are available at Ticketline (5€).
Symington promotes Graham’s and Altano with the best in tennis
28/03/2024Cocktails and wine tastings are some of the offers from the family’s brands, which are once again official partners of the event. This year, the Millennium Estoril Open welcomes, once again, some of the best players in the tennis world for another edition, which will take place from March 30th to April 7th, with the presence of Hubert Hurkacz and Casper Ruud, both in the world top 10, joined by the Portuguese João Sousa and Nuno Borges. Symington will once again be present at the event, promoting the Graham’s and Altano brands – official partners – with the best of tennis. With the purpose of providing moments of relaxation between matches, Graham’s and Altano return to the Estoril Tennis Club with spaces dedicated to tasting wine and cocktails, and sharing experiences, combining the best of tennis with the best of wines from the Porto and DOC Douro.
Wine, socializing and prizes. The ‘Altano Cup’ space offers visitors, who will be able to find an activation related to the sport. Throughout the tournament, tennis fans will be approached and invited to interact and participate in challenges, with the chance to win various prizes. The bar area is the brand’s proposal for relaxing and enjoying breaks from the competition. At this meeting point for conviviality, visitors will be able to chat while enjoying a glass of wine, with the entire range of the Altano brand available for tasting.
At Graham’s Cocktail Bar, the renowned Port wine house promises to surprise fans of the sport – and wine – with an irreverent approach to the drink. In this space, located outside the central court and made up of chairs and sun loungers, visitors will have the opportunity to rest between matches while tasting cocktails created from Graham’s Blend Series wines: Porto Branco Blend Nº5 and Porto Ruby Blend Nº12. The brand will also be present in the VIP area, with the Premium Wine Bar, where it will be possible to discover all the references in the Symington family’s wine portfolio.
Regarding the presence of the two brands as official partners, Vicky Symington – from the fifth generation of the family and manager of the Graham’s brand – states: «it is always a pride for the Port wine house to be present at this very important event for the celebration of tennis in Portugal, closely following and contacting, once again, all the enthusiasts of the sport who will visit the Estoril Tennis Club». Cláudia Monteiro, Altano’s brand manager, highlights: «Altano has been following the Estoril Open for several editions, so the reunion between the brand and the public is always great, promoting moments of interaction and tasting».
‘Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2024’
27/03/2024Quinta de Santa Cristina recently announced that it won the gold medal with the Quinta de Santa Cristina Espadeiro-Alvarinho 2022 wine, in the Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2024 competition.
Composed exclusively of female judges, the 11th edition of this renowned competition’s mission is to distinguish the wines that best harmonize with Japanese cuisine and boost the role of women in the wine sector.
In a more gastronomic profile, Espadeiro Alvarinho is characterized by its fresh, expressive and delicate aroma, with notes of red fruit, strawberries, raspberry and a slight floral, complemented by smooth and well-integrated acidity. Finishes fresh, seductive and very appetizing. A Rosé Wine ideal to accompany foods that are not very spicy, such as Italian and Asian food.
Inserted in the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, located in Celorico de Basto, Quinta de Santa Cristina has been in the same family since 1733. Professional wine production began in 2004 and is currently owned by António and Rosa Maria Pinto and their daughter Monica Pinto. All wines are produced with our own grapes and, between white and red varieties, around 14 different varieties are produced that occupy more than 60 hectares of vineyard. The production is certified in Integrated Production and follows all Global G.A.P. certification rules.