Baixo Alentejo announces candidacy for European City of Wine 2026 at BTL
14/03/2025BTL – 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).
João Portugal Ramos invests in wine tourism festival
13/03/2025The João Portugal Ramos winery in Estremoz will host the Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out, a festival that brings together wine, gastronomy and music in a unique event. The initiative, the result of a partnership between Marquês de Borba wines and Time Out magazine, will take place on 17 May, from 4pm to midnight, offering participants unforgettable experiences. During the event, visitors will be able to taste iconic wines, savour Alentejo snacks and dance to the sound of a heavyweight musical programme. The wine tastings will be led by experts, while guest chefs will guarantee a gastronomic offer of excellence. On the musical programme, DJs will keep the rhythm going throughout the day, the Bandidos do Cante will take to the stage at 7pm and, at 9pm, Capitão Fausto will toast the end of the day before the dance floor is handed back over to the DJs.
Tickets will be available from 21 February, with three types of access. The Harvest ticket (€25) includes entry, access to the cultural programme, a pork sandwich on the spit, three glasses of Marquês de Borba wine and participation in the tastings (subject to registration). The Old Vines ticket (€33) offers everything from the Harvest ticket, plus two additional mini-dishes. The Reserva ticket (€75) offers the complete experience, with an exclusive dinner prepared by the winery’s chef, Vítor Hugo Dordio, harmonised with special wines, as well as all the advantages of the previous tickets.
There will also be special tastings led by the winemakers of the João Portugal Ramos house, visits to the winery and a gastronomic area in the main courtyard, where participants can toast and savour the best of the Alentejo without rushing. For Filipa Portugal Ramos, Marketing Director of the João Portugal Ramos group, ‘Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out is an opportunity to publicise not only the most important brand in our portfolio, but also our entire project in the Alentejo. In a relaxed way, we want Marquês de Borba lovers to make the most of this idyllic setting where our wines are born.’
he partnership between Time Out and João Portugal Ramos comes at a special time, as Estremoz has been named ‘City of Wine 2025’, making the event a perfect tribute to the region’s winemaking tradition. With the support of Turismo do Alentejo, the initiative promises to become a reference in the national wine tourism calendar. Tickets can be purchased at timeout.pt and on the 3cket platform. Children under 3 years old get in free, while those aged 3 to 17 pay €12.5, with the right to two non-alcoholic drinks and a pork sandwich on the spit. For more information, visit www.timeout.pt/lisboa/pt/marques-de-borba-fest.
PipaDouro reinforces luxury river services in the Douro
11/03/2025Pipadouro Excellence is reinforcing the Douro’s status as a luxury river wine tourism destination by presenting an exclusive set of premium services for its Vintage Wine Travel programmes. The operator, which won the world award for best innovative wine tourism experience at the People’s Choice Awards by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, is now betting on highly personalised experiences aboard its vintage yachts.
Among the new features are butler services, babysitting, massages and live music, providing passengers with a journey full of sophistication and comfort. The operator recorded record occupancy for the second year running, with more than 2,064 passengers on board last year, and is committed to diversifying its offers to cater for a demanding clientele.
The Pipadouro Excellence also has an à la carte chef who prepares exclusive menus, a private driver for transport in classic or modern vehicles to the Pinhão pier, a photographer to record special moments, a certified local guide and a wine educator, a professional specialising in wine culture.
Ana Clara Silva, Pipadouro’s Operations Director, stresses that the aim is to offer a unique and personalised experience, taking the Douro to a new level of exclusivity. According to her, the operator’s philosophy is inspired by the best hotels and estates in the region, but with the personalisation and scale of a boutique hotel on the water.
Pipadouro’s fleet includes Friendship I, a 1957 superyacht that served the British Navy, and Pipadouro II, a 1965 Vintage Boat. The programmes on offer range from a day on the Douro to tailor-made options for corporate events, meetings and team building, always with a commitment to providing authentic and memorable experiences.
With the growing demand for luxury tourism and exclusive experiences, Pipadouro Excellence has established itself as a benchmark in river wine tourism in the Douro, offering a distinctive approach where care for every detail guarantees unforgettable moments for its clients.
Quinta de Pancas launches Reserva Rosé 2023 to celebrate Women’s Day
06/03/2025This year’s International Women’s Day gets a new toast with the latest creation from Quinta de Pancas. As part of the portfolio renewal promoted by WineStone, Quinta de Pancas Reserva Rosé 2023 stands out for its elegance and authenticity, reflecting the distinctive character of this historic Alenquer estate. With a fresh and sophisticated profile, this rosé promises to make the celebration even more special.
Located in a privileged terroir, protected by the Serra de Montejunto, with the influence of the Mediterranean climate and clay-limestone soils, Quinta de Pancas has the ideal conditions for producing wines of excellence. Pancas Reserva Rosé 2023 is born from this unique setting, resulting from a blend of Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Merlot grape varieties. Bright coral in colour, it has a young and vibrant aroma, with notes of raspberry and strawberry, complemented by the elegance of barrel ageing.
‘This rosé marks a new chapter for Quinta de Pancas, combining freshness and sophistication with the unmistakable character of our terroir. WineStone continues its commitment to enhancing this iconic estate, renewing the portfolio to express its full potential,’ says David Baverstock, the company’s Chairman Winemaker.
With a versatile gastronomic profile, Pancas Reserva Rosé 2023 adapts to different pairings, but also shines on its own, making it the perfect choice for toasting women’s achievements and life.
NELAS, THE HEART OF THE DÃO, WILL ALSO BE THE HEART OF THE NATIONAL WINE TOURISM AWARD 2025
06/03/2025OnMay 30th, starting at 6pm, Quinta do Castelo in Nelas will host the National Wine Tourism Award 2025. An event organised by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) that rewards the best companies and professionals in the sector. Fifteen categories are up for vote.
After Lisbon, the Alentejo and Santarém, the APENO/Ageas Seguros National Wine Tourism Award 2025 will now take place in the municipality of Nelas, in the heart of the Dão region. On 30 May, starting at 6pm, Quinta do Castelo will host the ceremony that rewards the best projects, companies and professionals that stood out in the wine tourism sector in 2024.
With Ageas Seguros as its main sponsor, the National Wine Tourism Award is also sponsored by
Câmara Municipal de Nelas, Entidade Regional Turismo do Centro de Portugal, Comissão Vitivinícola Regional (CVR) do Dão, as well as recognised companies such as Grupo Amorim, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Viagens Abreu and MCoutinho. Finally, it also has the institutional support of the Vine and Wine Institute.
‘We are delighted to announce that the fourth edition of the National Wine Tourism Award will be held in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão. Decentralising and showcasing the potential of all national regions has always been APENO’s main objective. This time, it’s up to the Dão region to host the festival that honours the best of national wine tourism,’ says APENO President Maria João de Almeida. ‘As usual in previous years, this year we also promise an unmissable festival that is in keeping with a sector that is growing more and more. Expect lots of news and surprises at a party that we believe will remain in everyone’s memory,’ she said.
Ageas Seguros has always been with APENO and reaffirms its enthusiasm for the sector by supporting another edition of this National Wine Tourism Award. Increasingly asserting itself as the insurer of this business area, last year AGEAS presented an exclusive product for wine tourism companies. ‘Our strategy continues to be based on prevention and safety, and it is in this sense that we have introduced PAR (Prevention and Risk Analysis) to APENO members, a free service that assesses the risks of companies, as well as their possible consequences, acting to prevent them,’ explains Gustavo Barreto, Member of the Executive Committee of the Ageas Portugal Group.
Known for its wines of excellence and its strong commitment to wine tourism, Nelas is known as the heart of the Dão region. Flanked by the Mondego and Dão rivers, along a mountainous landscape, surrounded by the Serra do Caramulo and Serra da Estrela, it is home to sublime gastronomy, harmonised with very elegant wines, born from the best terroirs. It is in this setting, more precisely at Quinta do Castelo, that the fourth edition of the National Wine Tourism Award will be held. On a farm overlooking the Dão valley, guests will have the opportunity to sample reinvented local gastronomy, where wines and cheeses are the protagonists. ‘It is with great pleasure that we welcome to our municipality an award of such importance for wine tourism, a sector that has gained absolute prominence in our region. Aware of the potential of wine tourism in our municipality, for 34 years we have been organising the oldest wine fair in the country, the Dão Wine Fair, the biggest celebration of the wine-growing culture of the Dão Demarcated Region and of Portugal. It is also in this municipality that we host the CEVD – Centro de Estudos Vitivinícolas do Dão (Dão Wine Studies Centre), the largest institution for research, investigation and the transmission of knowledge to all Dão producers and winemakers.
This year, we’ve added the National Wine Tourism Award to the Fair, thus signalling the importance that wine tourism has for our municipality. If Nelas is the heart of Dão wines, it is now also the heart of national wine tourism,’ says Joaquim Amaral, mayor of Nelas.
In the words of Anabela Freitas, vice-president of the institution, the Regional Tourism Authority of the Centre of Portugal reinforces the prominent role that wine tourism plays throughout the region. ‘Adding the excitement of a festival like this to the Dão wine-growing landscape is a major factor in attracting more and more wine and tourism lovers to our region. The National Wine Tourism Award will be a key event to further energise the Dão region in terms of wine tourism.’
The CVR do Dão, which is promoting the welcome drink for the National Wine Tourism Award, also emphasises the importance of this event in the region as an important strategy for attracting new audiences. ‘By promoting the region through initiatives like this, we are once again reinforcing the image of the Dão as a destination of excellence for wine lovers and wine tourism, consolidating its position on the national and international wine scene, where Dão wines have been increasingly in demand and have received notable recognition,’ says the president of the Dão CVR, Arlindo Cunha.
Fifteen categories honoured
The APENO / Ageas Seguros 2025 National Wine Tourism Award will honour Portuguese businesses/projects that have distinguished themselves as success stories, in the following fifteen categories: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal; Best Professional; Best Stay; Best Restaurant; Best Chef; Best Sommelier; Best Tasting Room; Best Tourist Company; Best Inclusive Project; Best Sustainable Project; Best Shop; Best Art and Culture; Best Innovation and Culture; Best Hospitality and Best Urban Wine Tourism.
See the categories and judges here: https://enoturismodeportugal.pt/premio-nacional-de-enoturismo-2025/
Voting is carried out online and will take place in May via a digital platform specially designed for the purpose, with each juror simply voting in each of the existing categories.
The panel of more than 250 judges includes recognised wine and tourism journalists, official wine and tourism bodies (Regional Wine Commissions and Regional Tourism Entities), chefs and sommeliers, and even APENO members (official bodies will vote for different regions from their own, and professionals from the sector and members for people and projects from other regions). The nominees and winners will be announced during the event in Nelas.
It should be remembered that APENO was founded in February 2021 with the aim of organising and supporting the promotion of wine tourism, a sector with no official definition, no legislation and no figures; and that since its creation it has worked to alert the government to this need. Its already vast membership includes some of the largest wine producing companies (which already account for more than 80% of national production), travel and tourist agencies, hotels and wine restaurants. As a non-profit business association, it has the support of a number of companies that have believed in its potential from the outset.
Tejo a Copo returns to Santarém and Tomar to celebrate the region’s wines
05/03/2025The 2024 edition of Tejo a Copo already has dates set and promises to once again be a meeting point for wine lovers. The first session will take place on 8 March in Santarém and the second on 11 October in Tomar, both from 15:00 to 20:30. Organised by the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional dos Vinhos do Tejo (CVR Tejo), the event reaches its seventh edition consolidated as a landmark in the district capital and, after a successful debut, strengthens its presence in the Templar city.
Tejo a Copo in Santarém will once again be held in the emblematic Convento de São Francisco and 28 producers will take part. The event continues to focus on enhancing the value of Tejo wines, promoting a complete experience that includes free tastings, commented on by sommelier Rodolfo Tristão, and tastings dedicated to innovative winemaking, such as pet nat, orange wine and tanning or amphora wines, always certified with the DOC Tejo and IG Tejo seals.
Professionals from the sector will have exclusive time from 11am to 1pm, subject to accreditation, with access to producers, distributors and specialised media. From 3pm, the doors will open to the public, who will be able to take part by purchasing the event’s official glass, which costs €7.50.
In addition to the wines, the event will offer a gastronomic experience, with appetisers signed by chef Rui Lima Santos, from the Deselegante restaurant, which opened this year in Santarém. There will also be musical entertainment from the band The Singles and DJ Fernandinho.nFor those interested in taking a bit of the event home, the official Tejo a Copo shop will be offering wines from participating producers at special prices and free postage to mainland Portugal when you buy six or more bottles.
CVR Tejo has also planned a parallel event in Lisbon: Tejo n’A Praça, to be held on 10 May, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the region’s wines to the urban public.
Vinalda distributes Companhia das Lezírias wines and olive oils
04/03/2025Vinalda has entered into a strategic partnership with Companhia das Lezírias to take on the exclusive distribution of the wine and olive oil brands produced by Portugal’s largest agricultural and forestry organisation.
Founded in 1836 during the reign of King Maria II, Companhia das Lezírias began its wine business in 1881 after planting its first vineyards. Today, the public company manages an area of 21,300 hectares, with 140 hectares of vineyards and 70 hectares of olive groves. For Bruno Amaral, Vinalda’s director, this partnership strengthens the distributor’s portfolio, which for some time has not had a producer from the Tejo Wine Region, emphasising the value of Companhia das Lezírias’ brands as a historical reference in the vinification of grape varieties such as Fernão Pires and Castelão, combining ambition, an appealing image and excellent value for money. Eduardo Oliveira e Sousa, president of Companhia das Lezírias, says that the choice of Vinalda as a partner reflects the company’s strategy of growing its presence in the wine market, trusting in the distributor’s experience and expertise to strengthen the brand and accompany the increase in production and quality of its products. Among the highlights is the Tyto alba brand, whose wines come from protected vineyards located in a forest in the south of the Tagus region, where biodiversity plays an essential role in the ecological balance of the vineyards. The barn owl, the brand’s symbol, finds refuge in the habitats managed by Companhia das Lezírias, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. In addition, Herdade de Catapereiro, where the vineyards and winery are located, integrates ancestral methods such as clay amphorae in the production of wines, demonstrating the fusion between tradition and innovation. Companhia das Lezírias also presents wines of excellence through the 1836 range, which honours the company’s foundation with limited productions from historic vineyards, and the Séries Singulares, unique wines that reflect the authenticity of the grape varieties and terroir. This partnership between Vinalda and Companhia das Lezírias marks a new stage for both organisations, consolidating the brand’s recognition in the national and international markets.
Pai Chão white voted Portugal’s best white wine
04/03/2025Adega Mayor once again stands out on the national wine scene. Pai Chão Branco Grande Reserva 2022 was voted Portugal’s best white wine in the ‘Top 10 Portuguese Wines’ organised by Essência/Revista de Vinhos. Carlos Rodrigues was responsible for the oenology of this wine.
The Top 10 was selected by a panel of 50 experts – including journalists, critics, sommeliers and importers – from 14 nationalities, in a rigorous blind tasting. In total, 65 samples were assessed after a pre-selection carried out by Revista de Vinhos. The winners were announced and awarded at the Feitoria Inglesa in Porto on 21 February.
With a history dating back to its first harvest in 2009, Pai Chão is a tribute by Rita Nabeiro, CEO of Adega Mayor, to her grandfather and founder of the company, Comendador Rui Nabeiro. The wine’s name reflects a play on words between ‘Pai Chão’ and ‘passion’, symbolising the Commander’s deep love for the Alentejo and Campo Maior. The inaugural vintage was launched in 2011 during Wine Talks & Arts, an event that brings art and wine together in a relaxed way.
At the end of 2023, Adega Mayor extended the Pai Chão range, which until then only included reds, with the launch of the unprecedented Pai Chão Branco 2022. For Rita Nabeiro, this distinction is special: ‘This is a range made up of demands and detail, but also of soul and meaning, because of the tribute it pays to my grandfather, Rui Nabeiro. This recognition, in the very first vintage we present, is a very important milestone in our journey and reinforces our commitment to quality. We would like to thank Revista de Vinhos and all our customers and consumers who, over the last 18 years, have challenged us to always do better.’
Produced from the Arinto and Sercial grape varieties, the wine stands out for its citrus yellow colour and aromatic complexity. On the nose, it displays a strong mineral impression combined with notes of citrus peel, delicate flowers and resinous notes. On the palate, it surprises with its balance between freshness, acidity and minerality, with a long, striking finish. To celebrate its uniqueness, each bottle is presented in an elegant wooden box, the lid of which is a book entitled ‘Eis a Essência’, written by José Luís Peixoto especially for this project.
‘Adega Mayor Pai Chão Branco Grande Reserva 2022 is an irreverent wine with personality. It has longevity and authenticity. It’s fresh, with balanced acidity, a white wine that doesn’t reflect the hot Alentejo, but aims to be disruptive in the usual Alentejo profile,’ emphasises winemaker Carlos Rodrigues.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Johnny Symington retires after 40 years at Symington Family Estates and passes the baton to the next generation
03/03/2025Johnny Symington, Chairman of the Board of Symington Family Estates since 2019, formally retired at the end of February 2025 after four decades of dedication to the family business. During this time, he has worked alongside members of the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations of the family, playing an essential role in the group’s evolution and expansion.
With his departure, Rupert Symington, until now CEO, takes over as Chairman of the Board, while Charles Symington, until now production director, has been appointed co-CEO, retaining responsibility for wine production. Rob Symington, 5th generation, joins as co-CEO and will be responsible for the commercial, wine tourism, people and culture and sustainability areas. The new leadership will also involve six other 5th generation members – Charlotte, Harry, Anthony, Vicky, Teresa and Hugh – who will take on roles in marketing, sales and wine tourism.
Over the last 40 years, Symington Family Estates has undergone a profound transformation, establishing itself as a benchmark in the sector. Under the management of Johnny Symington, the family’s four historic port brands – Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s – have launched premium wines that have strengthened the relationship with consumers and won over new generations. At the same time, the company expanded into the production of still wines in the Douro, Alentejo and Vinho Verde, as well as a sparkling wine project in Hampshire, UK.
Wine tourism was another area of great growth under his leadership, with the opening of two restaurants at Quinta do Bomfim, a visitor centre at Quinta da Fonte Souto, in the Alentejo, and a new project in downtown Porto, due to open soon.
Reflecting on his journey, Johnny Symington emphasised the team’s resilience and dedication over the decades, especially during the pandemic. ‘The last 40 years have been a time of incredible progress, innovation and growth. The company has transformed itself profoundly to remain relevant in a highly competitive market. I have enormous confidence in those who will succeed me and believe that our legacy and reputation for quality and reliability will endure.’
The transition marks a new chapter for Symington Family Estates, which continues to focus on innovation and preserving its legacy, now with a new generation at the helm.
The character of old vines and mountain viticulture: Wine&Soul’s new vintages have arrived
25/02/2025Wine&Soul, a family project recognised for its dedication to expressing the essence of the Douro’s old vines and indigenous grape varieties, presents three new vintages that embody the brand’s philosophy: Guru Branco 2023, Pintas Character 2022 and Pintas 2022. With an unwavering commitment to mountain viticulture and respect for the land, this trio reflects the authentic character of the Douro region.
Guru Branco 2023 is born from a vineyard over 70 years old, where the Viosinho, Rabigato, Códega do Larinho and Gouveio grape varieties coexist. Planted at an altitude of 600 metres and with exposure to the north, the vineyard provides the basis for a white wine that ferments and ages in French oak barrels. The result is a wine with an elegant profile, seductive aromas of white flowers, lime, white peach and a touch of minerality, with a smooth texture and a long finish.
Pintas Character 2022, on the other hand, is the result of old vines that bring together around 30 indigenous grape varieties. After rigorous selection, the partially destemmed grapes are fermented in traditional lagares with foot treading. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation. The result is a fresh and expressive red, characterised by notes of plum, blackberry, black cherry and spices, with remarkable texture, concentration and tannins, culminating in a long and balanced finish.
Pintas 2022, the most iconic of the range, reflects the wisdom of a vineyard over 90 years old and the complexity of 40 indigenous grape varieties. Like the other wines, it ferments and ages in wood, in this case for 20 months. With an opaque colour and deep aromas of black fruits, violets, redcurrants and spices, it has freshness, minerality and elegant tannins. This robust and structured red shows exceptional ageing potential.
With these three new vintages, Wine&Soul reiterates its commitment to excellence, authenticity and the expression of the Douro, offering wines that reflect the richness of the region’s old vines and indigenous grape varieties.