New Paço do Curutelo Winery Reinforces Wine Tourism in Minho

The Paço do Curutelo winery in Ponte de Lima was recently inaugurated, the result of a 3.4 million euro investment by Xvinus, a company owned by the Vila Galé and Madre groups (Jorge Rebelo de Almeida and António Parente, respectively). Located in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, the new winery has the capacity to produce more than 200,000 bottles a year and has state-of-the-art technology to manage the entire production process, from receiving the grapes to bottling.

The 57-hectare Paço do Curutelo currently includes 13 hectares of vineyards, with varieties such as Loureiro, Alvarinho, Avesso and Arinto. New plantings are planned for 2025, totalling 20 hectares. The first wine under the Paço do Curutelo brand was launched in April 2024, representing the Lima sub-region, where Loureiro is the main grape variety.

The winery, with its contemporary architecture and tasting room with stunning views, is already open to the public for visits and tastings. This project is part of an ambitious wine tourism plan, which includes the future inauguration of the Vila Galé Collection Ponte de Lima Vineyards Historic Hotel, scheduled to open in April 2025. This space will have 69 rooms, swimming pools, restaurants and a museum space, with a total investment of 20 million euros.

The property, whose history dates back to the 14th century, also includes the restoration of a castle and historic buildings, as well as a chapel dedicated to St Amaro. With this initiative, Paço do Curutelo reaffirms the tourist and cultural potential of Minho, combining tradition, innovation and oenology.

Quinta de Lemos Unveils 6 New Wines

Quinta de Lemos, nestled in Silgueiros at the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region, has introduced six new wines from the 2016 harvest to the market, celebrating the occasion with a food pairing event showcasing the best of regional gastronomy. Under the guidance of winemaker Hugo Chaves, the Dona Georgina, Dona Santana, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional wines stand out for their commitment to indigenous grape varieties and reflect the excellence of Dão winemaking.

Produced with meticulous attention to detail, the wines from this harvest have been carefully aged for eight years. Hugo Chaves highlights that the climatic conditions of 2016, marked by significant temperature variations and a dry summer, resulted in complex and balanced wines with unique characteristics. Quinta de Lemos presented four single-varietal wines – Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional – and two blends, Dona Georgina and Dona Santana, reinforcing its commitment to quality and exclusivity.

The launch was accompanied by a fitting gastronomic celebration, uniting six chefs who prepared an exclusive menu, with a dish designed for each wine. Diogo Rocha, executive chef of the 1 Michelin-starred Mesa de Lemos restaurant, invited Henrique Sampaio Ferreira, Luís Almeida, Hugo Marques, João Ferreira, and Marco Marques to join this experience, creating dishes that highlight the richness of regional flavors. Among the creations, the codfish confit paired with Alfrocheiro and the Lafões veal that accompanied the Touriga Nacional stand out, demonstrating the harmony between the wines and Dão cuisine.

Quinta de Lemos’s philosophy is based on valuing the terroir, with granitic and sandy soils protected by the Estrela, Caramulo, Buçaco, and Nave mountains. Integrated pest management and the absence of irrigation reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Only 20% of the grapes are used, ensuring exceptional quality in every bottle.

In addition to single-varietal wines, Quinta de Lemos pays homage to the women of the family with iconic wines such as Dona Georgina and Dona Santana, which join other iconic references. In 2022, the family celebrated the men of their lineage with the launch of ‘3 Armandos,’ a wine that brings together three generations around a legacy of excellence.

The presentation of the 2016 harvest reaffirms Quinta de Lemos’s position as one of the leading producers in Dão, standing out both for the quality of its wines and for its ability to integrate regional gastronomy into a complete and unforgettable wine experience.

JNcQUOI celebrates New Year’s Eve with sophistication

To mark the last night of 2024, JNcQUOI is presenting exclusive gastronomic proposals in Lisbon and Comporta, combined with entertainment that promises to make the entry into 2025 a memorable one.

Known for its sophisticated and creative approach, JNcQUOI has prepared different experiences for the night of 31 December. Whether in the centre of Lisbon or in the relaxed atmosphere of Comporta, the New Year’s Eve dinners feature menus prepared by renowned chefs, wine pairings and entertainment ranging from live music to unique performances.

In Lisbon, JNcQUOI Asia offers an exquisite experience signed by Chef Mário Esteves, where the menu highlights dishes such as Kung Pao Lobster and Grilled Wagyu, ending with a Chocolate Tart with caviar. The celebration, which includes an open bar, features a string quartet, live music and a DJ from midnight. Bookings are available for €445 per person in the main room or €395 in the Ganda Bar. At the irreverent JNcQUOI Frou Frou, dinner starts with a crispy Cheungfan with crab, followed by dishes such as sea bass with honey and Chinese vinegar sauce and braised wagyu short rib. The entertainment is a highlight, with traditional Chinese music, a drag queen show and DJ Brota livening up the dance floor after midnight. Dinner, with an open bar, costs €495 per person. Finally, at JNcQUOI Avenida, also in Lisbon, chefs António Bóia and Filipe Carvalho have prepared a menu that includes dishes such as turbot and Iberico Maldonado with chorizo barley and carabineros. During dinner, guests can enjoy live music and a DJ, with bookings starting at €445.

In Comporta, the JNcQUOI Beach Club, located on Praia do Pego, offers a sophisticated evening by the sea. Chef Jerónimo Ferreira presents dishes such as Lobster Bouillabaisse and Black Angus Duo, with careful wine pairing. The evening includes live music, a DJ and a firework display at midnight, with bookings priced at €350 per person. The recently opened JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, in Carvalhal, will have a menu also designed by Chef Jerónimo Ferreira, with options such as lobster in champagne sauce and matured veal loin. Entertainment includes a drag show and DJ, with dinner available for 350€.

For more information or bookings, those interested should contact the JNcQUOI venues directly. The brand promises to turn 2025 into a celebration where sophistication and irreverence go hand in hand.

Cas’Amaro: New Year’s Eve in style with haute cuisine and excellent wines

As 2024 draws to a close, Cas’Amaro Wine Shop & Bar in Alenquer is presenting a unique and sophisticated wine tourism proposal to celebrate the arrival of 2025. With a capacity limited to just 60 people, the event promises an exclusive evening characterised by haute cuisine, excellent wines and moments of fun, with live music and a private firework display.

The meticulously planned dinner includes exquisite dishes such as veal with brioche and low temperature yolk, turbot with scallop emulsion and lamb with pistachio and apple, all paired with wines from renowned appellations such as Lisboa, Dão, Alentejo and Vinhos Verdes. The meal will end with a dessert of Quince Tartelette, Meringue and Walnut, paired with a Vinhos Verdes Bustelo Azal.

After twelve chimes, the party continues with a New Year’s Eve supper that includes traditional preguinhos em bolo do caco, caldo verde and cheese boards, as well as a table of varied desserts.

For those wishing to extend the experience, Cas’Amaro offers two exclusive packages for stays at its luxurious Wine Villa, where guests can enjoy a New Year’s brunch, as well as a premium wine tasting on 30 December and late check-out on 1 January. The packages also include access to the New Year’s Eve party at the Wine Shop & Bar. ‘Every celebration should be unique and unforgettable,’ says Rui Costa, general manager of Cas’Amaro, highlighting the company’s offer, which combines the tradition of winemaking with the wine tourism experience. Bookings for the event can be made by e-mail (info@casamaro.pt) or telephone (964 600 943).

Global Wines Receives National Sustainability Certification

Global Wines, a winemaking group, has obtained the National Sustainability Certification for the Wine Sector, one of the most important certifications in the field of sustainability. This recognition is the result of an independent external audit conducted on five companies within the group: Global Wines, Sociedade Agrícola de Santar, which includes Casa de Santar and Paço de Santar, in Dão; Quinta do Encontro, in Anadia; and Herdade Monte da Cal, in Alentejo. The certification confirms that all these companies meet the legal requirements in the field of sustainability, from management to continuous improvement, and that they promote the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the communities and regions where they operate.

Developed by the Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV) and promoted by ViniPortugal, the National Reference, in this case, covers the total production of 235 hectares: 165 hectares in Dão, 67 in Alentejo, and 3 in Bairrada. The sustainability label will be integrated into the labels of the brands Casa de Santar, Paço dos Cunhas de Santar, Cabriz, Quinta do Encontro, and Herdade Monte da Cal, assuring consumers that sustainable practices are implemented in all of the group’s operations.

Manuel Pinheiro, CEO of Global Wines, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “This certification consolidates the path of sustainability that we have been following and the enormous focus on environmental concerns, which we have been working on at Global Wines for many months.” The manager also underlined the respect for the particularities of each terroir in the regions where the group operates and pointed to ambitious strategic objectives until 2025, which could open up new opportunities in Portugal and the international market.

For Paulo Prior, the group’s winemaking director, the label represents both pride and responsibility. “Enology and viticulture are truly hand in hand in the daily work carried out in our vineyards so that nature can be respected as much as possible and we can obtain exceptional grapes from it. This is the stimulus that we embrace daily and, with the current environmental crisis, only with commitments like this, which the National Reference represents, can we be truly sustainable, today and in the future,” he stated.

With this recognition, Global Wines reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, translating it into concrete actions that benefit not only the company but also the communities and the environment in the regions where it operates.

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta invites you to celebrate the New Year with Douro flavors and traditions

Quinta de Ventozelo, one of the oldest and most charming properties in the Douro, is preparing a New Year’s Eve full of authenticity, combining tradition, gastronomy and wine. With 400 hectares of unique landscape, 200 of which are vineyards, the estate celebrates more than 500 years of history and a dedication to the art of hospitality, offering experiences that value the essence of the region.

The special program begins with the lighting of the wood and a warm infusion of herbs from the ‘Garden of Aromas’, followed by dinner at the Cantina de Ventozelo restaurant, led by chef José Guedes. The menu celebrates the flavours of the Douro with delicacies such as Covilhetes de Javali, Consomé de caça, Truta de Boticas and Vitela mirandesa, paired with Douro and Port wines from Quinta de Ventozelo.

At midnight, fireworks will mark the beginning of 2025, with entertainment in the lagares until 3am and an open bar. To prolong the celebration, Preguinhos and Caldo Verde will be served in the early hours of the year. Those who choose to stay overnight can start the day with a late breakfast, breathtaking views of the Douro terraces and a New Year’s Walk around the property.

A celebration that promises to be a true tribute to the knowledge and flavors of the Douro, perfect for welcoming the new year with authenticity and elegance.

The Perfect Gift is at JNcQUOI

This year, JNcQUOI, the lifestyle brand of the Amorim Luxury group, is presenting an exclusive selection of suggestions for Christmas, combining unforgettable experiences and gourmet hampers carefully prepared to celebrate the festive season. Among the novelties are the experiences at the JNcQUOI Deli Suite Comporta, located in the heart of Carvalhal. Designed by architect JPDemeyer&Co, this suite offers the perfect setting for discovering the stunning Alentejo coastline, with a two-night stay for two people, including breakfast (€1,980 in high season and €1,080 in low season).

For those who prefer a gastronomic journey, the Culinary Journey Gift Voucher includes an exclusive dinner for two at JNcQUOI Asia (€260), with flavours of Chinese, Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisine, or at JNcQUOI FrouFrou (€290), which combines exquisite gastronomy with a roaring 20s atmosphere and live entertainment.

In addition to the experiences, JNcQUOI continues the tradition of its emblematic Christmas hampers, available in various options, such as the JNcQUOI Wine Box (€75), with two bottles of wine (white and red), or the sophisticated JNcQUOI Sommelier of the Year (€190), with a special selection of wines chosen by Ivo Peralta, the brand’s Head Sommelier. For gourmets, there’s also the Gourmet Box (€395), which includes a combination of wines, olive oil, jams, cheeses, chorizo sausages, among other excellent products.

Other suggestions include the elegant wine carrier bag in genuine leather, handmade in Portugal (from €205), and the book ‘Maria de Lourdes Modesto by Alexandra Albergaria’, whose recipes transformed into sugar sculptures benefit CARITAS (€184).

Baskets can be ordered by email (deliloja@jncquoi.com) or telephone (915 537 429), with deliveries available until 23 December in the Lisbon metropolitan area and until 21 December in the rest of the country. For those who prefer something more personalised, JNcQUOI offers the possibility of creating your own basket or purchasing Gift Cards valid for use in any JNcQUOI space or at the Fashion Clinic.

Cas’Amaro bets on memorable experiences as a Christmas present

With the Christmas season fast approaching, Cas’Amaro, a wine producer in Alenquer, is presenting a proposal that transforms gifts into unique experiences. Betting on memories that last, the brand is offering a selection of vouchers that promise to surprise and create unforgettable moments.

The offer includes experiences for all tastes: from guided tours of vineyards and wineries with wine tasting, to picnics among the stunning landscapes of Alenquer. For lovers of gastronomy, the highlights include harmonisations with Cas’Amaro wines and relaxing brunches for two, while the more curious can deepen their knowledge with a wine course or take part in the traditional grape harvest. ‘We want to provide gifts that go beyond the material, offering unique moments that mark people. These vouchers reflect our essence and passion for creating memories through wine and sharing,’ emphasises Rui Costa, General Manager of Cas’Amaro.

Prices range from €20 to €75, with options such as brunch for two (€35), wine courses (€50) and gastronomic experiences (from €20). Vouchers can be purchased directly through the contacts available.

Casa Vilae – Happy holidays in the heart of Serra da Estrela

With the arrival of winter, mountain landscapes take on a special charm, and Casa Vilae, located on the historic Taboadella estate in the Serra da Estrela, is the perfect refuge for an unforgettable Christmas. Designed to welcome families or groups of friends, this house combines comfort, tradition and an intimate connection to the world of wine and nature.

On the ground floor, the social areas invite you to socialise in the large living room, which opens onto an outdoor terrace, ideal for contemplating the vineyards that surround the property. On the upper floors, the eight bedrooms offer options for everyone, including a dormitory specially designed for the little ones. The décor reflects the soul of the region, with authentic materials such as burel and traditional porridge blankets, which warm up the cold nights and reinforce the cosy character of the house.

A stay at Casa Vilae is more than a rest, it’s a complete experience. Guests can explore the Wine House, a former agricultural structure transformed into a tasting room and shop, where Taboadella’s wines take centre stage. The experience can be complemented with personalised activities that make the holiday even more memorable: from craft workshops and flower arranging to oenological activities such as wine blending and tastings of regional products. For those looking to relax, there is also the option of yoga and pilates classes, as well as a personalised meal service that can be booked in advance, ensuring that comfort and gastronomy go hand in hand.

Casa Vilae’s large windows offer a privileged view over the vineyards, harmoniously integrating the interior with the exterior and creating a unique atmosphere, perfect for those who wish to escape routine and experience a Christmas surrounded by tranquillity, tradition and good memories. Casa Vilae invites you to celebrate this season with the essence of Serra da Estrela and the best of Portuguese wine tourism.

CR&F celebrates Christmas with limited editions

CR&F, the centenary brand of spirits, is presenting two special editions designed for the Christmas season, combining history and excellence. The Aguardente Velha CR&F Reserva pack pays homage to Dona Beatriz and Mr Henrique, workers from the 1950s who created two of the brand’s icons: the red seal and the rope that seals each bottle. This pack includes a bottle of Aguardente Velha CR&F Reserva and a balloon glass, ideal for tasting the balanced aromas and flavours of this brandy, which combines notes of citrus fruit, nuts and chocolate.

The CR&F Reserva Extra Pack highlights a brandy aged for six years in French oak, accompanied by a Schott Zwiesel tulip glass, designed to enhance the complex aromas of this premium brandy. Both editions are perfect for gifting or sharing, bringing to the table the best of a Portuguese brand with more than 125 years of tradition, present in more than 20 countries.

Priced at €19.89 and €49.95, these brandies celebrate not only Christmas, but also Portugal and the legacy of quality that CR&F has maintained since 1895.