DÃO IN CELEBRATION: QUINTA DO CASTELO WELCOMES THE BEST IN WINE TOURISM

There are many surprises in store on the night of the APENO – Ageas Seguros 2025 National Wine Tourism Awards, which this year will be held in the Dão region. But there are secrets that can already be revealed. Quinta do Castelo is the venue for the gala and the dinner has been designed by chef Henrique Ferreira, one of the region’s most renowned and talented chefs.

This year, the APENO – Ageas Seguros National Wine Tourism Award travels to the heart of the Dão region and once again meets the community and local traditions of the Portuguese regions it has visited, following good sustainability practices as usual. This time, Nelas, in Viseu, is the city chosen for the great national wine tourism festival. On May 30, starting at 6pm, Quinta do Castelo will be transformed into the stage for the National Wine Tourism Award, with a gala dinner prepared to perfection by renowned chef Henrique Ferreira, owner of the Tertúlia restaurant at the Hotel Puro Dão in Nelas, and with a long career in some of the best national kitchens.

“As well as rewarding the best wine tourism companies and professionals, the idea is once again to highlight the region that hosts the National Wine Tourism Awards, and to surprise with its elegance, details, creativity and professionalism, wines and, of course, gastronomy. All in one evening that promises to be magical! After a search of the region, Quinta do Castelo turned out to have the ideal conditions to host the event, and Henrique is a chef who works very well with the products and flavors indigenous to the Dão, with a modern and creative eye. I’m sure the guests will also be won over by their stomachs,” says Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association.

Located on the Beira plateau, between Serra da Estrela and Caramulo, Nelas stretches across the Dão and Mondego valleys and is recognized as the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region. It is in this vineyard-covered setting that we find Quinta do Castelo, an ideal venue for organizing events. As well as having a restaurant renowned for its tasty regional cuisine, Quinta do Castelo stands out for producing its own wines – Casa do Castelo – from its 8 hectares of vineyards and a well-equipped wine cellar. “It’s an honor and a privilege to host the National Wine Tourism Award, which is a benchmark event, the big party that highlights the best in wine tourism in Portugal! Hosting this ceremony gives us a huge responsibility, but it also goes hand in hand with what we try to do best, which is to welcome our visitors with great quality. Wine tourism is a key part of our house and of the sustainable development of wine-growing regions, as well as a very important factor in enhancing our cultural and gastronomic heritage,” says Pedro Morais, manager and head of Quinta do Castelo.

As for the menu, it is already being marinated in the head of chef Henrique Ferreira, who has proudly embraced the challenge of preparing the ceremony’s meal inspired by the traditional flavors of the region. “I’m very flattered to have been the chef chosen by both the municipality of Nelas and APENO to prepare the dinner for the National Wine Tourism Award. As they say, I’m a son of the land, I know the aromas and flavors of the region very well and I’m going to give them my interpretation. That’s why it’s with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I’m going to cook the best I can to highlight the gastronomy of our region,” says Henrique Ferreira, who wants every detail of this meal to convey a sensory journey through the past and the present, through the Dão and its people. “I’m not going to reveal the menu just yet, but I can guarantee that each dish served on this special evening will tell its own story, just as it does in wine tourism,” says the chef.

Chef Henrique Ferreira, a native of Santar, began his career in gastronomy at a young age, helping out in his great-uncle’s restaurant. After studying catering, he worked in top kitchens such as Quinta das Lágrimas, Tasca da Esquina and Paço dos Cunhas de Santar, where he consolidated his career. He also worked at the Estoril Open and with renowned chefs such as Henrique Sá Pessoa and Vítor Matos.

In 2009, he joined the GlobalWines group, where he headed several restaurants and, in 2016, became the group’s Executive Chef, coordinating the kitchens at Quinta de Cabriz, Paço dos Cunhas and Quinta do Encontro. Between 2020 and 2023, he was F&B Consultant at the Quinta do Medronheiro restaurant and, in 2022, he worked as a consultant at the Wine Bistro, Mind The Glass in Porto. He is currently responsible for the Tertúlia Project, which opened in 2023 at Tertúlia Gastronomia in Nelas, a space that celebrates the gastronomy of Dão and Portugal, with a wine list focused on the region.

Quinta do Castelo, on the other hand, is a family estate with around 12 hectares, 8 of which are dedicated to vineyards. The estate grows grape varieties such as Tinta Roriz, Jean, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Pinheira and Touriga Nacional.
Inspired by previous generations and their passion for wine, the owners have modernized and innovated the viticulture and winemaking processes, resulting in Casa do Castelo wines. In addition to wine production, Quinta do Castelo offers a restaurant serving typical Beira cuisine, using local ingredients and pairing dishes with the wines produced on the estate. The space also offers areas for events, including large gardens and a hall with capacity for up to 300 people, making it an ideal venue for large parties and special gatherings.

Algarve Wine Tourism Fair promotes the region as a wine destination of excellence

In April 7, between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium in Lagoa will be the epicenter of the Algarve Wine Tourism Fair, an initiative aimed exclusively at professionals in the sector. The event, promoted by the Algarve Wine Commission as part of the Algarve Wine Tourism Route, has the support of Lagoa Municipal Council and aims to consolidate the region as an essential reference in national wine tourism. The Algarve Wine Tourism Fair aims to provide a privileged space for networking and promoting the Algarve’s wine offer. Agents from the sector, tour operators, travel agencies, tourist entertainment companies, restaurants and hotels will have the opportunity to make direct contact with local producers, discover new wine tourism experiences and explore synergies to boost the sector. With a diverse offer, ranging from visits to wineries and commented tastings to immersive experiences in the Algarve’s terroir, the Fair promises to be a meeting point for creating new business opportunities and enhancing the region’s wine heritage. Participation in the Algarve Wine Tourism Fair is free, but requires prior registration. Those interested can guarantee their presence by using the QR Code available on the event notice or via the official link. For more information, please contact: cva@vinhosdoalgarve.pt Tel:282 341 393.
The Algarve Wine Commission is the body responsible for certifying and promoting Algarve wines, guaranteeing their quality and authenticity. In an ongoing effort to enhance the region’s wine identity, the CVA is committed to promoting the Algarve as a wine tourism destination of excellence, promoting its estates, wines and unique experiences.

José Maria da Fonseca Group strengthens its commitment to sustainability

José Maria da Fonseca continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability by obtaining new certifications and reinforcing innovative environmental practices. Adega José de Sousa, located in the Alentejo, recently received certification from the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Programme (PSVA), a seal that recognises good environmental, social and economic practices in the region. This certification reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring sustainable production processes in line with the standards required by the programme, which currently has more than 637 members, of which only 26 are certified.
Following this commitment to sustainability, José Maria da Fonseca also renewed its FAIR’N GREEN certification, a European recognition that guarantees the adoption of good sustainable practices. The company was a pioneer in Portugal in obtaining this certification in 2022, with the iconic Periquita Reserva as its first certified reference. With an annual production of around one million litres, this wine not only supplies the domestic market, but is also exported to several countries.

‘These certifications recognise the work we’ve been doing for decades to make our business more sustainable. We are a company with 190 years of history and we believe that commitment to the environment, the community and economic viability is essential for generations to come,’ emphasises António Soares Franco, CEO of José Maria da Fonseca.
One of the company’s many sustainable initiatives is the installation three years ago of a solar photovoltaic system for self-consumption at Quinta da Bassaqueira, in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. This system, developed by ENGIE Hemera, enables energy savings of 38% and avoids the emission of 250 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of preserving 55 hectares of forest or taking 139 cars off the road each year.
José Maria da Fonseca was also a pioneer in environmental certification in the Portuguese wine sector, being the first company to obtain the ISO14001 standard. In the area of food safety, it achieved BRCGS Food status in 2003 and since then has maintained top ratings after rigorous annual audits.

In addition, the company implements innovative measures to reduce water consumption, setting annual targets that include the treatment and reuse of wastewater for watering its green spaces. Since 2007, José Maria da Fonseca has stopped discharging its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) into the water, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

Bacalhôa Group strengthens its commitment to Brazil and expands its presence in the international market

Bacalhôa, one of Portugal’s most prestigious wine brands, is investing in a fixed structure in Brazil to consolidate its position among the three main Portuguese brands in the country. With this strategic move, the company is strengthening its presence in the Brazilian market, which has established itself as the main destination for its exports.

Bacalhôa’s commitment comes at a time of growth for Portuguese wine in Brazil. By 2025, ViniPortugal will increase its investment in promoting the category in the country by 28 per cent, reinforcing the visibility of national producers in a market historically dominated by Chile and Argentina. These two countries benefit from Mercosur agreements, a bloc that facilitates trade between its members, but Portugal has been winning over more and more Brazilian consumers.

To speed up expansion and strengthen the brand in Brazil, Bacalhôa has announced two strategic reinforcements to its team. Karene Vilela, President of the São Paulo Chamber of Commerce and professor at The Wine School Brasil, joins the company after more than a decade as a distributor. With a vast knowledge of the sector and a solid network of contacts, she will be responsible for communication actions, exclusive events and training for professionals and consumers in Brazil. In Portugal, she will act as an oenological consultant and develop initiatives for the Brazilian community living in the country. In the UK, her presence at international events will help expand the brand’s global reach.

Another name to join the Bacalhôa team full-time is José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, Professor of Oenoculture and until now the brand’s Brand Builder. With a total focus on the company, he will take over the management of Bacalhôa’s imports into Brazil, guaranteeing a more solid and competitive positioning in the market.
In addition to the new hires, Bacalhôa has created an administrative team to optimise the logistics and management of the brand’s 40 or so importers in Brazil. The aim is to streamline processes, reduce delivery times and strengthen sales, guaranteeing a more efficient and personalised service.

With these new investments and strategic reinforcements, Bacalhôa is strengthening its ambition for sustainable growth, consolidating its presence in Brazil and expanding its position in international markets. The company remains faithful to its commitment to innovation and quality, continuing to raise the name of Portuguese wine across borders.

Casal Garcia strengthens its presence in Brazil and launches Fruitzy range at Lollapalooza

Casal Garcia, the leading Portuguese wine brand in Brazil, is reinforcing its commitment to the South American market by taking part in Lollapalooza Brasil 2025, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals. During the event, which takes place between 28 and 30 March at the Autódromo de Interlagos in São Paulo, the brand will present first-hand its latest innovation: Casal Garcia Fruitzy, a range of low-alcohol wine-based flavoured drinks available in various flavours.

With over 70 years of history in Brazil, Casal Garcia is currently the best-selling Portuguese wine brand in the country and is committed to a strategy of approaching the young and urban public. ‘Lollapalooza Brasil 25 is the ideal stage to reinforce the brand’s connection to the world of music and mark the launch of our new range of drinks,’ explains Isabel Barbosa, Casal Garcia’s brand manager. ‘As pioneers in introducing this new category to the Brazilian market, we want to offer a differentiating experience to the consumer, combining innovation, lightness and the spirit of celebration that characterises the brand.’

The activation strategy at the festival includes a lounge area with its own bar, in a privileged location, where visitors can get to know and taste the new Casal Garcia Fruitzy wines. In addition, the brand will be promoting a special activation to consolidate its connection with the festival-goers, reinforcing the young and vibrant identity that has characterised its communication in recent years.

Casal Garcia’s relationship with music festivals is not new. In Portugal, the brand began this strategy at NOS Alive in 2013 and has been strengthening its presence at cultural and entertainment events.Now, in Brazil, it is betting on internationalising this approach, bringing to Lollapalooza the same energy and proximity to the public that it has conquered in other markets.

Present in more than 70 countries, Casal Garcia is a true ambassador of joy and one of the greatest icons of Vinho Verde in the world. Casal Garcia white wine remains the best seller in its category, both in Brazil and globally, and the new Fruitzy range is a natural step in the brand’s evolution, adapting to new consumer trends.

Quanta Terra continues to be a stage for art and culture

The former Casa do Douro distillery opens its doors on March 21 for the exhibition ‘Quanta Terra Quanta Arte’, curated by Galeria Contagiarte, which brings together 25 works by Vhils, HelioBray and Paulo Neves to show the link between the creative process and winemaking, in an event that will run until December 31, 2025 and will include a conference on Wine Tourism.
The event brings together, once again, the presence of Alijó and Alexandre Farto, known as Vhils, with seven works, in addition to eleven pieces by HelioBray and seven by Paulo Neves, for a total of 25 works that aim to build a parallel between winemaking and the creative process, from the seed to the final product. The opening is scheduled for March 21, at 3pm, with the presence of the Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos, and the exhibition will remain open to the public until December 31, 2025, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5:30pm, with a guided tour and wine tasting included. The event also includes a conference on ‘Exclusive wine tourism: The growing demand for the interior’, moderated by Maria João de Almeida, journalist and president of APENO – the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association.

According to Rui Pedro, Contagiarte’s curator, “the idea for this exhibition comes from valuing the material and its context. Vhils excavates layers that reveal history, like a painter on canvas; HelioBray mixes techniques and pigments that give rise to forms connected to nature; and Paulo Neves unites sculpture and art with a strong connection to wood and organic materials.” Founded by winemakers Celso Pereira and Jorge Alves, the Quanta Terra space reaffirms its commitment to valuing the interior, opening the doors of the former Casa do Douro distillery to various forms of art and highlighting the role of wine as a driving force behind the regional economy. After hosting exhibitions such as Joana Vasconcelos’ (2022), Leni van Lopik’s ‘Color in the Douro’ (2023) and ‘Ancestral Technique’ curated by Underdogs Gallery (2024), the space celebrates its 25th anniversary by promoting, in 2025, a new reflection on the creative process that unites wine and art, reaffirming its role as a stage for cultural events with free access. For those interested, reservations can be made by e-mail (reservas@quantaterradouro.com) or by calling 935907557.

Quinta da Lagoalva launches a new harvest of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from 150-year-old olive trees

Belonging to the Holstein Campilho family and one of the largest and oldest in the Ribatejo region, Quinta da Lagoalva is widely known for its Tejo wines, but olive oil is also part of its portfolio of products and crops, such as honey, corn, peas, broccoli, wheat, oats, lucerne and ryegrass. With a new image (already present in the previous edition), Quinta da Lagoalva Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the 2023/2024 harvest was launched on the eve of Christmas, in time to reach the table and the codfish so typical of the season, and is now available in Portugal and also on the international market, in countries such as Poland, France and Switzerland.

At Quinta da Lagoalva, olive oil production dates back to 1875, when the Duke of Palmela had an olive grove planted with the Italian varieties Frantoio and Motaiolo. He was a pioneer in this introduction, thus giving this olive grove the title of the oldest of these two varieties in Portugal. At 150 years old, it covers around 9 hectares and produces Quinta da Lagoalva Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the first edition of which is from the 2010/2011 harvest. The family felt the need to launch bottled olive oil as a complement to their wine portfolio. Until then, the oil was sold in bulk, which is still the case, but not the same oil that comes from centuries-old olive trees. In 2007, 6.5 hectares of hedgerow olive groves were planted, to which 17 hectares will be added this year. This investment gives Quinta da Lagoalva a total area of 32.5 hectares of olive groves.
Made in a mill equipped with the most advanced technologies, which allow it to work at low, permanently controlled temperatures and a short time between harvesting the olives and extracting the oil, it results in an oil with a fruity aroma of ripe olives, it is smooth and sweet in the mouth, with a slight bitter and spicy touch at the end.

Quinta da Lagoalva Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available in 500mL bottles and 5L demijohns. In bottle form, it can be found on sale at Adega Mercado Santos, Adega São Bento, El Corte Inglés, E.Leclerc, Living Wine, Lojas Francas in Airports or Mercearia Criativa, for example. Both formats are available in the Quinta shop in Alpiarça or in its online shop.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a box of wines

This year, surprise your father with a unique and memorable experience. WOME BOX presents the ‘Super Dad’ special edition, an exclusive selection combining quality wines, gastronomy and music, delivered directly to his home.
The box includes 4 exclusive Portuguese wines that can’t be found in supermarkets, accompanied by 4 recipes created by renowned chefs to pair with each label. But the experience goes further: each wine comes with a story linking it to the producer and the region of origin, transporting connoisseurs to the essence of the Portuguese terroir. And to match the mood of the moment, WOME has prepared Spotify playlists to complete this sensory journey.
WOME BOX was born at the beginning of the pandemic, in 2020, with the aim of bringing the Portuguese closer to new gastronomic and wine experiences. Every month, subscribers receive a mystery box with four wines carefully selected by Filipe and a panel of experts – winemakers, sommeliers and producers – who guarantee diversity and quality. In addition to the wines, each box includes recipes prepared by chefs such as Miguel Laffan (Torre de Palma), Pedro Almeida (CAN THE CAN Lisboa), Ricardo Gonçalves (SAUVAGE) and chef Chakall, among many others.

In addition to the monthly editions, WOME offers themed boxes for special occasions, such as Celebrate Love (Valentine’s Day) or Super Mom (Mother’s Day) and Sparkling Wines. The monthly subscription has a fixed price of €57.99 with postage included, allowing access to exclusive wines and additional benefits, such as discounts on individual purchases of favorite labels and free delivery for subscribers.
WOME defines itself as a community where wine lovers can share experiences, learn more about grape varieties and pairings and discover new producers. The experiences are not limited to the monthly boxes: the platform also offers face-to-face events for community members to meet and explore the world of wine together.
To find out more and secure your special box, visit wome.pt.

APENO presents the National Wine Tourism Award at BTL 2025 and Highlights the Heart of Dão

At the BTL 2025 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which is taking place in Lisbon, the president of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO), Maria João de Almeida, took to the stage yesterday afternoon at the invitation of the mayor of Nelas, Joaquim Amaral, to present the long-awaited National Wine Tourism Gala, scheduled for May 30. The gala, which will be held in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region, aims to reward the best in the wine tourism sector, highlighting best practices and the quality of the country’s tourist offerings. The event is an important milestone in the promotion of Nelas as a destination of excellence for wine tourism.

In her speech, Maria João Almeida stressed the importance of the National Wine Tourism Award, which aims to highlight the best in the sector, stimulating the growth of the wine tourism offer in Portugal. “This award is a great opportunity to highlight the quality and diversity of the wine tourism offer in Portugal and, without a doubt, Nelas is a prime example of this excellence,” said Maria João.
The mayor of Nelas, Joaquim Amaral, then highlighted the municipality’s initiatives to promote the identity and traditions of the Heart of the Dão. According to the mayor, Nelas has taken important steps to consolidate the region as a leading tourist destination. “We are working every day to promote our territory in a cohesive and dynamic way. Wine tourism has been one of the main pillars of our development and our presence here is proof that we are on the right track,” said the mayor, also referring to the success of events such as the Dão Wine Fair and Holy Week in Santar, which attract tourists and visitors from all over the world.

The BTL program continued with the Gastronomic Tertulia ‘À Mesa no Coração do Dão’, led by chef Luís Almeida, from the Memórias Santar Restaurant, and oenologist Patrícia Santos. The event promoted not only gastronomy, but also the region’s wines, which have been gaining a prominent place on the Portuguese wine tourism scene. During the tasting, participants were able to enjoy innovative and traditional dishes, paired with wines from producers in the Nelas region, such as Caminhos Cruzados, Casa de Santar and Pedra Cancela Berço.
Luís Almeida, whose restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide, highlighted the importance of a gastronomic project like ‘À Mesa no Coração do Dão’, which aims to promote the authentic flavors of the region and create a link between culinary tradition and modernity. “It’s an honor to be part of this movement that puts Dão cuisine at the center of national and international gastronomy. We are creating a bridge between the past and the future, with dishes that are both memorable and innovative,” commented the chef.
Winemaker Patrícia Santos also made her mark by sharing her vast knowledge of the Dão wine region with the audience. “The Dão is a unique region, with an extraordinary terroir that allows us to produce wines with a great identity. The wines we are tasting here today are just a small sample of what the region has to offer,” said the winemaker during the event

In addition to the tastings, the event included a draw for vouchers for tourist experiences in the region, such as visits to wineries and stays in local hotels, such as the Hotel Pantanha and the JP Village Hotel, reinforcing the experience of immersion in the Heart of the Dão.
Throughout the event, various cultural and tourist projects were also presented that reinforce Nelas’ identity. Joaquim Amaral highlighted the importance of the Caldas da Felgueira River Park, which will soon begin construction, as part of an effort to requalify and enhance the region’s natural and cultural heritage. “The River Park will be a magnet for tourists from different areas, from nature tourism to wellness and cultural tourism. This is one of the many initiatives we are implementing to strengthen our offer and attract more visitors to the Heart of the Dão,” explained Amaral.
The event was a milestone in the promotion of Nelas and wine tourism, with the presence of several tour operators and local producers, who showed the diversity of the region’s products and wines. Nelas’ participation in BTL 2025 was a remarkable experience, highlighting the region to tourists and professionals in the sector.

The presence of the Municipality of Nelas at BTL reaffirms its position as one of Portugal’s most promising wine tourism destinations. With initiatives such as the National Wine Tourism Award, the À Mesa no Coração do Dão project and its commitment to new tourist and cultural spaces, Nelas continues to be an example of success in the wine tourism sector.

Baixo Alentejo announces candidacy for European City of Wine 2026 at BTL

BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Market 2025 has been the scene of important announcements for the wine tourism sector. On the same day that the National Wine Tourism Award 2025 was presented in the Dão region, the Alentejo stand hosted a landmark moment: the official announcement of Baixo Alentejo’s candidacy for European City of Wine 2026, a distinction awarded annually by RECEVIN – the European Network of Wine Cities.
The announcement was made by the President of the Regional Tourism Authority of Alentejo and Ribatejo, José Santos, who highlighted the enormous potential of Baixo Alentejo to win the title, underlining the territory’s unique characteristics and its strong connection to wine culture. To strengthen the promotion of the candidacy, official ambassadors were appointed, including journalist and wine critic Maria João de Almeida, musician Buba Espinho and comedian Jorge Serafim.

Baixo Alentejo’s application comes at a time when wine tourism is playing an increasingly important role on the national and international scene. If it is awarded the title of European City of Wine 2026, the region could benefit from a strong projection in foreign markets and a boost to its wine heritage. With this initiative, Baixo Alentejo joins a range of applications from various European cities, and is now awaiting RECEVIN’s final decision, which is expected in the coming months.
The European City of Wine distinction is awarded annually to a wine region in one of RECEVIN’s member countries, promoting culture, tourism and sustainable development through wine. Portugal has already won this title in previous editions, with Reguengos de Monsaraz (2015), Torres Vedras and Alenquer (2018) and Peso da Régua (2023).