Wine Tourism Open Days at Quinta da Fonte Souto
17/08/2023The Visitor Center of the Alentejo farm belonging to the Symingtons, located in Portalegre, presents a complete program for visitors to get to know the property The first Visitor Center of the Symington family outside the north of the country, can now be visited free of charge on the 19th of August, September 17th and October 22nd, between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm.
To this end, Symington devised the ‘Open Day’ programme, which begins with an explanation of the terroir of the Serra de São Mamede natural park, then passes through the cellar and the old kitchen of the farm and ends with the tasting of the wines produced there. The wine tourist can also walk through the vineyard, in order to better understand the nature that surrounds him.
Those who choose to stay a little longer can have a snack in the middle of the vineyard, as activities also include a well-filled basket of regional products and wine to take away to enjoy after a tour of the property. This activity (for a minimum of two people) includes rustic bread, mushroom and coriander chutney, Alentejo cured cheese, black pork paio, olives, acorn bread and seasonal fruit. The wine is from the brand Florão white, a relaxed white but already with some presence.
In this experience the little ones are not left out. It is possible to add an extra children’s menu, with rustic bread, seasonal fruit, chestnut jam and fennel, a snack of chips or dried fruit, water and orange juice. The picnic is subject to reservation (48 hours in advance).
In addition to these activities, the farm’s visitor center also suggests different pairings that can accompany several suggestions of wine by the glass. On the menu there are options such as olive oil and bread; cured sheep’s cheese; plate of sausages or olives, among others.
Apart from this special offer on the days mentioned, visits and tastings are available every day, from 10am to 7pm, and prices depend on the type of experience chosen. More information: Tel: 910 104 292 or e-mail (reservas@fontesouto.com).
Summer rhymes with Ravasqueira
16/08/2023Longer days and vacations suggest relaxed lunches and late afternoons, in idyllic and refreshing environments. A good wine, socializing with friends and family and a table where there is no shortage of snacks are the ideal setting for a memorable summer. And, those who want to taste it in loco, can also visit the Monte da Ravasqueira wine tourism.
The experienced oenologist, David Baverstock, suggests four wines that, on their own or accompanying the typical gastronomy of the season, will complement the good atmosphere of summer. To enjoy a sunset on a terrace or for a relaxed lunch, we suggest the Ravasqueira Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (RRP €6.20), a wine that enhances the characteristics and expressiveness of the variety: notes of tropical fruit , intense sandpaper, vegetable, asparagus and lime flavor. On tasting, it has a vibrant and vigorous freshness, balanced by a fruity touch. It can be drunk alone or with fresh salads or even sushi! For David Baverstock, the location of Ravasqueira, on the outskirts of Arraiolos, allows the creation of Alentejo wines that stand out for their freshness and pleasant presence in the mouth and nose. «A good example of joviality and gastronomic appetite is our Encantado Branco 2022, (RRP €8) a blended wine, which combines Viognier, Alvarinho and Arinto». A multifaceted wine in the dishes it accompanies and that demonstrates all its expressiveness: intense herbal side, good minerality and a taste of yellow fruit and even some more tropical fruit. «The flavor it presents should accompany good fish dishes, a nice seafood rice or fried snacks. An all-terrain option for the summer», says Ravasqueira’s head winemaker.
In this hot season, there is more time to enjoy the company of friends. For last-minute invitations, bringing a good wine always guarantees that you will look good. Ravasqueira’s proposal is to show your friends that there are high quality rosés in Portugal. The suggestion in this case is clear, the Heritage Rosé 2022 (RPPR €26)! «A filigree wine, made with a selection of grapes from the Touriga Nacional variety, which presented the ideal characteristics in the vineyard to show off at the highest level in a Rosé of excellence. A rosé with a serious profile, full-bodied and smooth, one of the first of its kind in Portugal. A wine that surprises and gives great pleasure to taste». David Baverstock, adds that, «the visual elegance of its salmon color fits with its taste, mineral, with finesse and texture. Ideal to brighten up a dinner with delicate dishes». Summer deserves wines like this!
Harvest Program 2023 at Tapada de Coelheiros
15/08/2023Tapada de Coelheiros has announced its exclusive 2023 Harvest Program for wine enthusiasts and all the curious. This immersive and captivating experience invites visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of the grape harvest season and discover the art behind wine production.
From the 17th of August to the 18th of September it will be possible to follow and experience all the stages of the harvest at Tapada de Coelheiros. The visit starts in the field and the highlights of the 2023 Harvest Program include:
– Analysis of maturation: Observe and understand the different states of maturation of the grape and what are the ideal properties and levels to start picking the grapes. Learn from the experienced team at Tapada de Coelheiros the subtleties that influence the characteristics of the wine.
– Jeep tour: Tour of the property, where you can observe part of the fauna and flora of Tapada de Coelheiros, as well as some of the methods that promote organic and sustainable agriculture, for which the producer is recognized.
– Visit to the cellar: Observe and get to know the “blank canvas” of winemaker Luís Patrão, as well as the secrets that underlie winemaking.
– Wine tasting: To finish and relax, a tasting of 5 wines paired with a plate of snacks and typical products from the region.
«It is increasingly important to make known all the processes and practices inherent in wine production. We believe that it is fundamental to understand the origin of things and with this Harvest program we will have one more opportunity to share with visitors the detailed work that is done in the vineyard and in Tapada in general, and how everything starts again in the cellar each year. At Tapada de Coelheiros, we value respect for nature and this helps us to follow the right path», says João Raposeira, responsible for the countryside and ecosystems.
This program costs €70 per person and is available between August 17th and September 18th. Reservations are now open, and spaces are limited. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the soul and dedication of producing the iconic Tapada de Coelheiros wine. Prior appointments are mandatory and can be made via email enoturismo@coelheiros.pt, telephone 266 470 000 or WhatsApp +351 927 324 551.
In addition to this program, Tapada de Coelheiros offers other experiences, which are also available for consultation on the website www.tapadadecoelheiros.pt
New Tannat harvest from Quinta do Gradil launched
14/08/2023The single varietal Tannat is the best-known wine from Quinta do Gradil and also the most appetizing, with all the vintages selling out in a short period of time. Now it hits the market again in the 2021 harvest, but already triple awarded. ‘Best Red Lisbon’ in the Wines of Lisbon Contest; ‘Gold Medal’ and ‘Lisboa Red Trophy’ at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).
Coming from one of the oldest properties in the municipality of Cadaval, inserted in the wine region of Lisbon, the single varietal Tannat exists since the 2015 harvest and, since then, has established itself as a milestone in the history of wines from Quinta do Gradil. 100% Tannat, it clearly reflects the profile of the grape variety and the Atlantic character of the terroir where it was born. Fermentation took place in stainless steel conical vats and then 30% of the lot aged for 9 months in new French and American oak barrels. In the tasting it presents a lot of color, immediately suggesting a concentrated wine, with hints of black plum, wild berries, smoked products and a touch of vanilla from the wood. The very full body involves vigorous but polished tannins. The wine is rich, intense, fresh and has a very long finish. On the table, it harmonizes with traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as meat stew, sausages, feijoada and pork roasts or other dishes with an intense flavor. It also makes an excellent pairing with chocolate desserts.
In the history of the reference, it counts about two dozen awards at national and international level, in the most prestigious competitions and publications. Tannat is a variety of French origin, which appeared around 1780 between the south of the country and the Pyrenees, but which ended up gaining a lot of expression in Uruguay. This type of grape gives rise to tannic wines, with character, plenty of body and structure, great color intensity, aromas of dark fruits, spices and chocolate, with excellent concentration. It is a demanding variety in terms of soil and climate but which, in the terroir of Quinta do Gradil, has shown a surprising qualitative consistency and balance.
The wine is for sale in leading restaurants, wine cellars and at Quinta do Gradil wine tourism.
Quinta do Bomfim expands experiences with ‘Merenda na Vinha’
13/08/2023The vineyards of Quinta do Bomfim – owned by the Symington family, in Pinhão (Douro) – are now the stage for picnics, one of the various gastronomic options available to those who visit the property. To this end, there is a dedicated space in the middle of the vineyards, in total communion with nature and the Douro landscape.
Available from Wednesday to Sunday (from 12:00 to 17:00), the Merenda na Vinha picnics are developed by the teams at Casa dos Ecos and Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos, the Quinta do Bomfim restaurants. A selection of bread, cold beef heart tomato soup, vegetable salad, pickled horse mackerel, covilhetes and cured cheese are some of the delicacies that make up the Bomfim picnic, to which are added seasonal fruit and bacon from the heaven for dessert. As for drinks, the lunch basket includes a bottle of Altano White (for two people) and a glass of Dow’s Tawny 10 Years Port or LBV. As for vegetarian visitors, the picnics now present a new proposal that differs from the basic menu in the selection of bread (includes cornbread and rye bread), as well as vegetable covilhetes, roasted vegetables and lunch cheese. The desserts and drinks presented are the same. These two proposals are available for 40 euros per person.
Finally, and thinking of all visitors, it is possible to order a snack that includes options that are more suited to the little ones. Consisting of a cheese and ham sandwich, a chicken pie, bacon from the sky, seasonal fruit and lemonade, this option is available for 15 euros.
Picnics must be reserved 24 hours in advance to the following contacts: 254 730 370 or quintadobomfim@symington.com. Visits are available every day of the week, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, prior reservation is always advised.
JP Branco 2022: the lightness and freshness that summer demands
12/08/2023In family, with friends or with your better half. All moments of conviviality, especially on warmer days, deserve to be enjoyed in the company of light, fresh and striking wines, such as the João Pires Branco 2022. The brand’s new vintage is now available and will delight all wine lovers. wine.
João Pires Branco 2022 is distinguished by its perfume marked by intense floral notes and its fresh and balanced taste. Citrine yellow in color and with aromas of orange blossom, very typical of the Moscatel de Setúbal grape variety, this white wine has a fresh and balanced palate.
After the success achieved with João Pires Branco, over several decades, José Maria da Fonseca also launched a rosé from this brand, in 2021, to meet market trends and consumer tastes. João Pires Rosé, produced with Moscatel de Setúbal and Touriga Nacional, is a delicate and floral wine. With a pale salmon color, this rosé presents notes of violets and wild roses, granted by the Touriga Nacional, and notes of lychee, resulting in a wine with very delicate aromas.
Produced by José Maria da Fonseca, since the 70s of the 20th century, João Pires wines can be enjoyed in light family lunches – which include fish dishes, salads or seafood – in moments shared with friends by the pool, at a beach bar or on the terrace or simply to regain strength at the end of a challenging day, while enjoying the sunset. Without any type of ageing, João Pires Branco 2022 should ideally be drunk at a temperature of 12ºC.
Harvest at Herdade do Rocim to the lullaby of the Alentejo song
11/08/2023The liveliest time of the year in the vineyard cycle is here. Herdade do Rocim already has a harvest program available, between August and September, which allows direct contact with the process of harvesting, receiving and treading the grapes. During the month of August, between 11 am and 1 pm, the estate opens its doors to Bucha Alentejana, to accompany the reception of the grapes. On the 9th of September, between 11:00 am and 5:30 pm, an event will take place that respects local tradition and culture and brings together two ancestral knowledge: foot treading to the sound of singing by local groups and the unique wines of Rocim. Reservations are now open.
The harmony between tradition and contemporaneity happens naturally at Herdade do Rocim. In the vineyard, organic viticulture is privileged, with the least possible intervention and environmental impact, and, in the cellar, the raw material is respected to safeguard the quality of each berry. This symbiosis with the environment also extends to the community and the region and in the Herdade’s wine tourism programs, there is always a preservation of traditions, millenary productive processes, regional products and local culture. The base program can also be complemented with the Vidigueira Master Blender experience, an activity for those curious about the role of winemaker and where they are challenged to create their own wine.
Also during the month of August, it is possible to follow the harvest process, booking the ‘Bucha da Vindima’ experience, which consists of a more technical visit to the winery and the grape reception area and includes a tasting of the musts of the grape that is being harvested that day. Loofah will consist of traditional products such as cheese, sausages, scrambled eggs with asparagus, tomato and mushrooms, local pies, bread, olive oil, seasonal fruit and some desserts.
Bucha da Vindima daily – throughout the month of August, from Tuesday to Saturday between 11 am and 1 pm. Value: 35 euros per person (minimum of two people).
Pisa on foot with momentum – September 9
Program:
11:00 am – Reception with Herdade do Rocim wines and Alentejo cheeses and sausages 11:30 am – Visit to the pedagogical vineyard and monitoring of the harvest process 1:30 pm – Black Pork Barbecue with migas in buffet style
16:00 – Pisa on Foot with Embalo
5:30 pm – Closing
AMOUNT: €65.00/pax
Complement with Vidigueira master Blender: 25 euros.
INCLUDES: Technical monitoring of the group. Free T-shirt, hat and fresh amphora wine. The program is subject to booking 72 hours in advance and takes place with a minimum of 12 people and a maximum of 40. Corporate groups on request.
Reservations via email: enoturismo@herdadedorocim.com
Porto Cruz and Boozie team up to launch Port Wine ice creams
10/08/2023With hot summer days in mind, Porto Cruz teamed up with Boozie to produce ice creams flavored with white and rosé Port wine. Boozie is a start-up from the north started a year ago, which has been traveling the country with a range of alcoholic ice creams inspired by cocktails, the Cruz White and Cruz Pink ice creams have been on sale since July.
Fresh, dye-free, gluten-free and with an alcohol content of just 6%, Cruz White and Cruz Pink ice creams are now part of Boozie’s menu of flavors this summer. The first combines white port wine with passion fruit aromas, while the second mixes rosé port wine with strawberry. Two combinations that perfectly balance the symbiosis between port wine and fruit, perfect for refreshing the palate on hot days.
Cruz White and Cruz Pink ice creams are sold by the unit (€3) and will be available at Boozina’s, Boozie’s fun food trucks that will be present at parties and summer festivals from north to south, such as BR Fest or RFM SOMNI. Alongside the sale at events, it will also be possible to buy these ice creams online, through the Boozie website, which will then be sent by mail in a liquid state and frozen by the customer upon receipt.
As a recognized Port wine brand, this bet by Porto Cruz for the summer is intended to maintain the tradition of consumption of this drink, while innovating in the way it can reach the final consumer, potentially attracting the attention of younger generations.
Churchill’s Wine Tourism returns with ‘Lodge Pops’
09/08/2023With 42 years of existence, Churchill’s continues to innovate and invest in initiatives and partnerships with new projects that reflect the irreverent and entrepreneurial spirit present in its DNA. At 1982 Bar, this summer’s second ‘Lodge Pops’ returns with food, music and, of course, the unmistakable Churchill’s wines. The ‘Lodge Pops’, which marks the second of four events, will take place at Churchill’s Cellars in Gaia, on the 29th of July, from 1pm to 6pm.
The July pop-up has a partnership with Mirone, the Vila Nova de Gaia restaurant best known for the famous Porto puppies. /The partnership will explore the typical traditional flavors, but will also feature greener and healthier options.
The menu prepared especially for the occasion features the well-known cachorrinho (Porto-style hot dog, slightly spicy), the veggie cachorrinho (Porto-style vegetarian hot dog), “prego misto” (rump sandwiches with cheese and ham), ham sandwiches with Serra cheese, fries with special sauce and, for those with a sweet tooth, there’s nothing like ending the meal with a red fruit cheesecake or a chocolate mousse with orange. All pairings can be complemented with Churchill’s fresh and versatile wines.
This event will have the presence of DJ Maurício Mau Mau who will ensure a summer afternoon packed with a selection of eclectic music, to liven up those present.
Lunch will be served from 1pm, as tradition dictates, and will last until the food runs out. The space has picnic tables, available for the first guests to arrive, and picnic towels, for those who prefer to enjoy their meal while enjoying the Douro River sitting on the grass.
The event will return on the last Saturdays of August and September. Be aware!
Cocktail Extravaganza, Wine Sunsets and Oysters & Champagne enliven late afternoons at Mind The Glass
09/08/2023The heat calls for fresh and colorful drinks. If we have trendy music to accompany it, it’s perfect!
Perfect is also the pairing that Mind the Glass prepared for the late afternoon: Oysters & Champagne.
From the 10th to the 20th of August, until 8 pm, Mind the Glass offers the Cocktail Extravaganza where, when consuming one of the drinks on the special menu, the wine tourist receives the offer of the second. You can see the Special Cocktails Menu here: https://menus.mindtheglass.pt/mtg-extravaganza.pdf
There is no moment more anticipated than the end of a long day. There is also no better time than the end of the week. At Mind the Glass, you also get the best of both worlds with wine sunsets every Saturday, between 5pm and 9pm. With a DJ set and a special selection of wines.
Finally, what do fresh oysters and a flute of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut have in common? Your company in Mind the Glass. From Thursday to Monday, until 8pm, for only €15 wine tourists can enjoy this sophisticated pairing. Book your place for these or other activities at reservas@mindtheglass.pt or Telm. 913 093 932.
Mind The Glass opened in February 2022 with a distinct and multidisciplinary concept: A Bistrot, guided by Chef consultant Henrique Ferreira (owner and Chef of Tertúlia, in Nelas), a Garrafeira and a Bar – Wine & Cocktail Bar. A modern, relaxed and comfortable space, where the most demanding connoisseurs and lovers of wine, craft beer and spirits/cocktails can taste a wide range (more than 600 wines by the glass), with the guarantee of quality of service and professional advice from the sommelier of the house, João Lourenço.