Beira Interior is the stage for the tenth Regional Wine Tourism Forum APENO – Ageas Seguros
19/10/2023The Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) and Ageas Seguros, in partnership with the national Regional Wine Commissions (CVR), continue their journey in favor of Wine Tourism, opening the doors to economic agents from the various Portuguese wine regions to discuss problems and solutions in a sector that grows year after year at a national level. These are the Regional Wine Tourism Forums that have traveled to various parts of the country. After the first nine successful forums that took place in the Lisbon region, the Tagus region, the Setúbal region, the Alentejo region, the Algarve region, the Dão and Bairrada region, the Vinhos Verdes and Távora-Varosa and in the Douro and Trás-os-Montes region, November is the month to host the Regional Wine Tourism Forum of the Beira Interior Region. It’s on the 14th, at Solar dos Vinhos da Beira Interior, in Largo das Freiras, in Guarda.
Decentralizing has been the keyword of APENO and Ageas Seguros to do more and better for Wine Tourism in Portugal. Therefore, the mission, this time, is to open doors to cycles of debates, in which the focus is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of national wine tourism, with the aim of finding solutions to further grow a sector already in its own right. frank expansion, but with much more to give in Portuguese territory.
As the first national association dedicated exclusively to the sector, APENO, in partnership with Ageas Seguros, invites economic agents from the various national wine regions to debate Wine Tourism on the same stage, in sessions open to the general public. APENO will travel from land to land to listen to the main problems of different regions and to find, together, new approaches to achieving the best Wine Tourism.
«It is with great enthusiasm that we join, once again, an initiative with APENO. We want to reinforce our positioning in the Wine Tourism sector, among these professionals, contributing to a safer and more sustainable sector. It is our commitment to be present in the lives of Companies in a relevant, close and emotional way», reinforces Gustavo Barreto, member of the Executive Committee of the Ageas Portugal Group.
Objective: create solid foundations for Wine Tourism
«APENO – Portuguese Wine Tourism Association was born just two years ago but already brings together among its members the best wine tourism players at national level, and we continue to grow every day. There is a lot of talk about Wine Tourism, but no one yet has definitions or numbers that help to understand it, among other issues that need to be debated. And, obviously, APENO has been focused on resolving these issues and creating solid work bases so that Portugal is considered a reference region in Wine Tourism worldwide», states Maria João de Almeida, the President of APENO.
«Obviously, this also involves the attention we want to give to each of the national regions, where we will identify and debate existing problems in Wine Tourism, try to present solutions and publicize the work we have been doing since we were born. In these sessions, which we do together with Ageas Seguros, our partner company, and with the CVRs in each region, we will also have a training session related to Risk Prevention and Management as a key to efficiency in Wine Tourism, as well as a round table which will bring together economic agents with space for debate. I’m sure the result will be very positive», concludes Maria João de Almeida.
The tenth of these Regional Forums is dedicated to the Beira Interior region, on November 14th, at 2:30 pm, at Solar dos Vinhos da Beira Interior, in Largo das Freiras, in Guarda.
«Wine tourism is a strategic tourism product for Central Portugal, differentiating and with high growth potential. I am certain that the Beira Interior Regional Wine Tourism Forum will be a privileged stage for important reflections on the sector’s strategies and challenges, similar to similar forums that have already been dedicated to other wine regions. Beira Interior is a region where there is a close connection with vineyards and wine and which provides rewarding experiences for visitors. It is a territory that allows, as little as possible, the combination of good wines and the discovery of the magnificent nature and exceptional human heritage surrounding it», as stated by Raul Almeida, President of Tourism in the Center of Portugal.
For Rodolfo Queirós, President of the CVR of Beira Interior, «this forum is very important for our CVR, not only for the development that Wine Tourism has brought to all regions, but also for the identification of new ideas, new paths for sector that APENO can bring to the Beira Interior region specifically. Furthermore, this is a territory that differentiates itself from all others, as it has more than a dozen historic villages, shale villages, the Serra da Estrela Geopark, the Tagus International Geopark or the Mondego Walkways. Given our proximity to Spain, we also receive more and more Spanish wine tourists, who have sought us out not only for these local attractions, but also for our gastronomy and wines and who have done a lot, together with national tourists, for Wine Tourism in the region».
This is a work session where Wine Tourism in the Beira Interior region will be discussed, with the following program:
2:30 pm – Opening of doors and reception of guests.
3:00 pm – Presentation of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association APENO (mission, benefits and activities) – Members of the APENO Board of Directors
3:45 pm – Risk Prevention and Management as a key to efficiency in Wine Tourism – Francisco Erse – Responsible for SME & Corporate at the Ageas Portugal Group.
4:30 pm – Presentation of the APENO Wine Tourism Guide (a project already in development that aims to establish itself as the reference Wine Tourism guide at national and international level) – Adelino Abrantes – APENO Commercial and Editorial Consultant.
17h00 – Debate: Reflections on Wine Tourism: The needs of the sector – a brief conversation about the region’s main challenges for wine tourism in the Beira Interior region.
Speakers:
Pedro Carvalho – Commercial Director of Quinta dos Terms;
Raul Almeida – President of Tourism of Central Portugal;
Rodolfo Queirós – President of the CVR of Beira Interior;
Tiago Cristóvão – Commercial Director of Quinta do Cardo.
Every moment will have space for questions and answers
Thank you in advance for signing up using the link https://enoturismodeportugal.pt/forum-regional-de-enoturismo-regiao-da-beira-interior/
Graham’s Harvest 1952: latest edition celebrates coronation of Charles III
17/10/2023Graham’s – one of the most recognized Port wine houses, owned by Symington Family Estates – has just launched a commemorative edition of the Single Harvest Tawny 1952 Port, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. This will be the last edition of Harvest 1952, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, after the commemorative editions in honor of the late monarch’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilees.
Seven decades of aging in oak casks in the Graham’s cellars gave a unique breadth and complexity to the Single Harvest Tawny 1952 Port. The remarkable freshness and concentration of the wine make this the perfect choice to drink, slowly, after a meal, as if what a dessert it was. This commemorative edition is also ideal to accompany desserts made with cream or dried fruit.
With aromas of honeysuckle, bitter orange, almonds and caramel, this Port has exceptional vitality for a 70-year-old wine, whose venerable age is reflected in a coppery gradation, with subtle tones of pale orange and green in the halo. The citrus touches in the mouth, together with the notes of caramel and marzipan, create the perfect balance between concentration and freshness. It is recommended to serve the wine chilled and, once opened, consume it within 8 weeks.
Charles Symington, director of production at Symington Family Estates, says: “We are very proud to announce the restricted and commemorative release of our 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port, in honor of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III – the last bottling we will make of this exceptional wine». He adds: «Produced in the year the late Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne and previously released to mark her Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, this wine was specially selected as a moving symbol of continuity across generations».
With a price of three thousand euros, there are only 30 75cl bottles of the wine, available for sale, exclusively, in the Graham’s Cellars store. Tasting this special edition by the glass will also be an option for visitors to the Lodge and also to the Vinum at Graham’s restaurant, which will serve the wine directly from a jeroboam – a 4.5 liter bottle.
3rd edition of CR&F XO Fine & Rare: exclusivity in a bottle
12/10/2023From the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated region comes the 3rd edition of the CR&F XO Fine & Rare brandy. Considered one of the best Portuguese spirits, CR&F has a long legacy in its DNA with more than a century of tradition. This third edition, bottled in 2023, has just 5,496 bottles in exclusive packaging. For connoisseurs, it is now possible to find it in wine cellars from the north to the south of the country.
In a constant search for perfection and the best batches of national spirits, the desire to create this brandy was born. For its creation, a long process of selecting old batches was necessary, from which spirits of various ages were selected, with the main batch being over 40 years old. This final blend results from the distillation of several spirits from grape varieties from the Vinho Verde region, all stored over time in French oak and carefully selected. Each batch is different, with the aim of achieving and offering all connoisseurs a unique and incomparable product, respecting the aromatic versatility of its terroir.
CR&F XO Fine & Rare is a modern spirit, with a style created and marked by difference. In this third edition, CR&F XO Fine & Rare presents shades of ocher punctuated by soft highlights of green and bronze. On the nose, it is possible to notice hints of light sweet notes of fruit, which merge in complete balance with aromas of wood to produce soft and delicate perfumed notes. In the mouth, it presents itself with a deep palate, of elegance and moderation, which evokes spices in their splendor. It is a well-structured spirit with a silky final freshness.
Whether in the bottle or in the packaging, all elements represent CR&F’s care for detail – an artistically bold and irreverent bottle, slowly silkscreened in gold; a necklace, numbered to mark the exclusivity of this moment; and a case complemented by the strings and seal that have always sealed the CR&F brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.
Ideal for giving as a gift and enjoying with those you love most. Because, as tradition dictates, it is these reunions and these moments of sharing, around a good glass of brandy, that become the stories remembered in the future.
Symington family launches oenophiles club
10/10/2023With privileged access to exclusive wines, wine experiences and new releases. Inspired by the memory of the Symington family matriarch, Matriarca is a community of wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and curious people – which now opens its doors to the first 100 founding members.
All strong clans have their Matriarch. In the case of the Symington family, producers of Port wine and DOC wine for five generations, we are talking about Beatriz Leitão de Carvalhosa Atkinson, member of the first generation of the family and wife of Andrew James, the first Symington to come to Portugal to work in the sector of Port wine, in 1882.
Beatriz, being Portuguese-British, embodies the history of Port wine; She was a master of the art of hospitality, an enthusiast for life, a lover of lunches with family and friends. Beatriz was the determined and decisive woman who made it possible to build the family business that continues four generations later. Today, it is from this that the fifth generation is inspired to launch the most innovative project at hand: the Matriarca.
Matriarca is a community of wine lovers, gastronomy enthusiasts, curious people – a club of oenophiles. Being a member of the Matriarca guarantees you receive a bi-annual selection of specially curated wines from the portfolio of Symington Family Estates and friends as well as access to an exclusive online store. But that’s not all. With this new project, the
Symington opens doors to your home like never before. Members of Matriarca – oenophiles club will have access to an exclusive cultural program that will allow them to visit spaces closed to the general public, as well as participate in training, new product launches, and reserve wines with special allocations. More than a wine club, Matriarca is a wine experience club.
The Symington family is now looking for the first 100 founding members of this community. Registration must be made via the project website, matriarca-club.pt. Once the hundredth member has been found, any subsequent application will be placed on a waiting list until a new entry phase is announced, hopefully in 2024. Matriarca is, therefore, a restricted access community that is now opening its doors, for the first time, to wine lovers, to the good fork, to the curious. If you are one of them, reserve your place online now and be part of a group with privileged access to wine experiences, private events and new releases. The Matriarch is also an ode to the strong women in each family who, like ours, know how to welcome, care and nurture like no one else. Join us in this tribute and enter as if you were coming home. Discover the entire project in detail at matriarca-club.pt
Caves Cockburn’s invites 50 people to sit “A La Mesa”
08/10/2023The invitation is out. For the third consecutive year, Caves Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house, owned by the Symington family – once again opens its doors to 50 people for an exclusive dinner, in an initiative in partnership with Argentine chef Maurício Ghiglione, from the Belos Aires restaurant. . Repeating the formula from last year’s edition, the “A La Mesa” dinners will be “four hands on”, with the presence of four more guest chefs. The initiative takes place on the last two weekends of November, the 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th.
Always with the presence of chef Maurício, each “A La Mesa” dinner will feature a different guest, thus creating a menu that will only be revealed on each night of the initiative. Integrating an initial moment, in which appetizers and cover are served, dinner continues afterwards, at a large table for 50 people, in the heart of what is the largest wine aging warehouse in Port in Vila Nova de Gaia. Diners thus have the opportunity to taste a menu – of five moments –, in a space with more than 10,000 oak vats. The dishes will be accompanied with wines from the Symington portfolio, and there will, of course, be space for a tasting of Cockburn’s Ports.
André Pinto Batista, from the Lessa restaurant, is the first chef to take action at the “A La Mesa” dinners, presenting his menu on the 17th. The following day, it is Aurora Goy’s turn to introduce herself to the diners – a chef who was born and grew up in France, but has roots in Minho and Douro – arriving directly from the Apego restaurant. In the second weekend of the initiative, Pedro Braga, from the Mito restaurant, and Angelica Salvador, from Indifferent, take the reins of the improvised “kitchen” that will be created in Cockburn’s Cellars.
Regarding the “A La Mesa” dinners, Andrew May, responsible for the Cockburn’s brand, highlights the spirit of sharing and conviviality that prevailed in the last two editions: “in addition to the fantastic gastronomic experience, it has been incredible to see a table with 50 people, with many of them arrive in groups of two or three and leave with new friends at the end of the night.” The person responsible also adds that “this type of initiative is completely in line with the personality of Cockburn’s, since for us the most interesting side of wine is precisely the people with whom we taste it”. Tickets for the initiative are now available on Eventbrite, costing 70 euros per person (plus the platform’s service fee).
Wine lunch has Vértice sparkling wine as the main character
06/10/2023Symington Family Estates and Caves Transmontanas will organize a wine lunch in which sparkling wine takes on the role of the main character. “I get a kick out of sparkling wine” is the motto of the event, which aims to demonstrate the growing importance and potential of sparkling wine, highlighting its more elegant and refined side, as well as its potential to create complex and surprising pairings. . During the event, all pairings will be made with Vértice sparkling wine, in order to demonstrate the freshness, elegance and quality of the wines from the brand owned by Caves Transmontanas and Symington Family Estates. The experience takes place on October 7th, at the Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos restaurant, located in Quinta do Bomfim, in the Douro, and the reception for guests begins at 1pm.
Lunch will feature a menu created by chef Pedro Lemos, with each dish harmonizing with one of the references from the Vértice range. Upon arrival, eel, oyster and pâté en croûte will be served, with Vértice Rosé. At the table, there will be a tasting with scallops and Vértice Chardonnay, blue lobster with Vértice Gouveio, cow maronesa, with Vértice Pinot Noir and to finish, a mille-feuille will be served, with Vértice RD. To present the sparkling wines and the Vértice universe, the event will be attended by Celso Pereira, the brand’s winemaker. This unique experience will cost 180 euros per person. Reservations can be made via email: info@bomfim1896.com.
WineFest, an event with lots of wines for good causes!
03/10/2023Condeixa-a-Nova hosts on October 7th, Saturday, from 5pm to 11pm a solidarity wine event, the proceeds of which will greatly contribute to improving the future of those who need it most, in the areas of support from the ADFP Foundation – Assistance, Development and Professional Training, non-profit social solidarity institution, owner of the host space: Conímbriga Hotel do Paço.
Winefest 2023 is now in its fifth edition and promises to liven up the Coimbra region, a growing success that this year aims to bring together thousands of people passionate about the world of wine. And there is no shortage of good reasons to attend: there is live music, delicious cuisine for perfect pairings with the many wines on offer and a fabulous garden where you can see a unique and breathtaking sunset.
The Conímbriga Hotel do Paço is located in Condeixa-a-Nova, just a few minutes from the historic ruins of Conimbriga, Coimbra, Serra da Lousã and Aldeias de Xisto. It is the perfect home to enjoy a visit to the central region, between history, nature, wine and gastronomy. It is a beautiful building dating from the 17th century. XVI, the former Palácio dos Almadas, where individuals of the most distinguished European nobility and royalty once lived. Destroyed in the French invasions, it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. XX. In 1993, it became Pousada de Portugal and, since 2019, it has been a charming 4-star hotel that offers an environment of charm, refinement and the promise of a peaceful and unforgettable break, enjoying a privileged location, a large and beautiful garden with swimming pool and an irresistible Spa.
Tickets can be purchased at the reception of the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, at Fnac and Worten stores nationally, as well as online at www.ticketline.sapo.pt. The entry fee per person is €15, funds that will be used in social projects benefiting people in need. The ticket includes a glass for a free tasting of all wines.
New Mutante Awards competition: Design at Wine
29/09/2023The relevance of design in building the memory and history of wines is undeniable. Labels tell stories, awaken sensations and establish an emotional relationship between the consumer and the oenophile. The new ‘Design at Wine’ competition seeks to enhance this visual narrative, reinforcing the fundamental role of design in the wine sector.
In an initiative supported by CIEBA and Mutante Magazine, the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon launched the ‘Mutante Awards: Design at Wine’ competition. The initiative arose during the round table on the role of labels in Portuguese wines, a subject that arouses interest and generates dialogue between professionals and connoisseurs of the area. The prizes also have the collaboration of Floema, a Sustainable Signage and Equipment company, further strengthening the identity of this competition.
Independent designers or large agencies, producers and distributors can participate in the competition. The competition is open to anyone who wants to be present and contribute to the visual history of Portuguese wines. With different wine categories and packaging formats, there is room for the expression of different styles and approaches.
Therefore, this competition does not only evaluate a visually appealing design. The jury will look for works that stand out for their quality, brand expression, innovation and, especially, their ability to establish an emotional connection with the consumer. These are the pillars that will define the winners. The competition will distinguish the best in each category, not forgetting the possibility of special mentions by the jury. Three winners per category will have the opportunity to see their work recognized and publicized.
For more information, visit the official website https://mutante.pt/design-at-wine/ or contact us via email: design@mutante.pt.
Cockburn’s wine tourism embellished by 10 urban artists
28/09/2023Cockburn’s is preparing to once again challenge 10 urban artists to paint a mural at its facilities in Vila Nova de Gaia. The Steet Art Competition, organized by the brand since 2020, takes place on September 30th and invites the community to follow the creation of murals by the artists participating in the event. In addition to the spectacle provided by the creation of the paintings on site, the experience is also marked by the proposals of three food trucks – hosted by Rua Street Food Market – and a bar where Cockburn’s cocktails and DOC Altano wine will be served. Regarding the murals, the inspiration will revolve around Port wine, the Douro and the twin cities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, not leaving creativity aside and doing justice to Cockburn’s DNA.
This year – and like previous years – the competition will feature new competitors. They are: Theritch, Rasoal, Smile, Joram Roukes, Darren John, Tea One, NSN997, George Chionis, Mârie Balbinot, Facio and Bruta. Cockburn’s, which has been approaching a more urban audience, establishing a bridge between Port wine and graffiti, invited Paula Rezende – the winner of the last edition – to be part of the jury. It should also be added that the brand and the artist will soon launch a box of two Vintage bottles inspired by street art and for exclusive sale at the Cockburn’s Caves store. Also noteworthy is the presence of the School of Port, which will be present at the event with several free workshops on Port wine. To guarantee a place, you must register via email at schoolofport@symington.com or on the brand’s Instagram.
Discover the work of some of the competitors here: https://we.tl/t-jxRith4dF2.
This year’s fourth and final edition of Churchil’s Lodge Pops has arrived
27/09/2023Live music, signature food and Churchill’s wines, the perfect combination to welcome autumn. Next Saturday, September 30th, the Churchill’s Caves garden, in Gaia, will bring, for the fourth time this year, the edition of ‘Lodge Pops’, an initiative that takes place during the warmer months and reflects the creative spirit present in the brand’s DNA.
1982 Bar once again welcomes the irreverent gastronomic creations of João Ribeiro, chef of the Goela restaurant, one of the most creative gastronomic projects in the city of Porto. The menu, as usual, was designed to bring together influences from other countries and explore flavors from around the world, always in harmony with Churchill’s elegant wines.
The afternoon menu, which starts at 1pm and continues until 6pm, includes tender shrimp pastries; Mushroom and gruyère arancini; Katsu Sando with suckling pig, orange and green salad and Brioche, fried mushrooms, slaw and teryaki sauce. For dessert there will be pumpkin pie and mountain cheese cream and chocolate, hazelnut and popcorn. The menu is completed with fresh wines from Churchill’s or a cocktail from the 1982 Bar.
Saturday afternoon will be livened up by playlists from the house DJ, James Graham, better known as DJ Grapevinyl. In addition to its musical selection, the event features friends of James, who will make this latest “Lodge Pops” even more memorable.
As usual, lunch will be served until the food runs out. There are tables for those who arrive first, or picnic blankets for those who prefer to enjoy the experience and the view sitting on the grass, accompanied by a stunning scenery over the Douro and the city of Porto.