Lavradores de Feitoria with harvest program
30/08/2023The most anticipated time of the year has opened: the harvest has already begun. In Douro, Lavradores de Feitoria kicked off, or rather, the entry of the grapes into its cellar, on the 17th of August. A start that ensured that everything was in place for the recreational-didactic aspect, with wine tourism promoting the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ programme, already in force.
Lavradores de Feitoria has several farms spread across the three sub-regions of the Douro, but the headquarters, winery and wine tourism are located in Quinta do Medronheiro, next to Estrada Nacional 323, in Sabrosa. Thus, this is once again the chosen place to carry out this wine tourism program. As this is a property of 6.5 hectares of vines in organic production, with only white varieties, the harvesting activity involves the cutting and picking of these grapes, which is rare, since they are usually made of cutting and treads and walks red grapes. That is why the holding of the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ has a duration limited to the next days of August and the 1st of September.
The charismatic Eduardo Ferreira, head of wine tourism at Lavradores de Feitoria, is the host of this and other programs, with the harvest program beginning with a welcome to the enchanted Douro valley and a brief explanation of the activity in question. To this is added the delivery of harvesting material – scissors and basket – and the offer of a straw hat and a t-shirt, so that they can go dressed to the nines to the vineyard, where they will cut and collect grapes. They then proceed for a guided tour of the cellar, bottling line, barrel and finished product rooms, where the wines rest for due aging, storage and history. In the cellar, after the grape reception area, a strategic stop to taste new musts and wines. After a lot of history and some stories, told by Eduardo Ferreira, an excellent spokesperson for the Douro Demarcated Region, the oldest in the world, it’s time to go up to floor 1, for an educational tasting of three wines – from the Terroir range – , accompanied by regional cheeses and sausages. In the end, it’s time to visit the store and choose, if you wish, to extend the Lavradores de Feitoria wine experience to other places, with the purchase of wines – and also some merchandising.
Carrying out the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ program involves the participation of a minimum number of four people, at a cost of €100.00 each, and by prior appointment. From the 21st of August to the 1st of September, it takes place from Monday to Friday, starting at 10:00 am and with an estimated duration of 3:00 am.
Anyone who wants to visit the Douro Wine Region, especially the Sabrosa area, can discover Quinta do Medronheiro, as well as the history and wines of Lavradores de Feitoria, through various wine tourism programs. There the offer consists of guided tours, solo or with wine tasting; commented evidence; or even a more immersive experience, where you can be ‘Winemaker for a day’. This is in addition to the harvest program, only in season, and tailor made programs, including meals. The Lavradores de Feitoria visitor center and wine store are open from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Regular visits take place from Monday to Friday, at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. In the case of the harvest program, private visits and the ‘Winemaker for a Day’ experience, there is flexible scheduling, always depending on availability. For all programs, advance booking is required, preferably 48 hours in advance. This must be done – and confirmed – via email: winetourism@lavradoresdefeitoria.pt or mobile phone number 968 667 660.
Whites from Quinta da Lagoalva shine with medals and distinctions
30/08/2023The Holstein Campilho family, owner of Quinta da Lagoalva, one of the largest and oldest properties in the Tagus region, has seen its whites distinguished in various competitions.
One of the best sellers, Lagoalva Reserva Arinto & Chardonnay 2022, was the most distinguished with a Gold Medal in the Wines of Portugal Contest; and Great Gold Medal and ‘Best White Harvest 2022’ in the Wines of the Tagus Contest. It was also the Choice of the Market Prize in the category of wines between €5 and €12 in the Whites of Portugal Contest; and Selo Commended at the International Wine Challenge.
Other recently released Lagoalva wines, both single varietals by Fernão Pires, are also under the spotlight as they are winners of the two prizes inaugurated in the 2023 Wines of the Tagus Competition. not only was he elected Best Fernão Pires, he also won a Gold Medal; and Campo do Tejo Fernão Pires white 2022 by Quinta da Lagoalva, which was Best in the grape variety category. This is a wine that results from Quinta da Lagoalva joining a global initiative in the region, encouraged and promoted by the Tejo Regional Wine Commission (CVR Tejo) and which will be officially launched on June 20, in the 1st edition of the Fernão Pires day.
Other wines stood out, such as the Dona Isabel Juliana Grande Reserva white 2019, the second top-of-the-range vintage from Quinta da Lagoalva, which received the Mercado Escolha Prize in the category of wines above €12.00 in the Whites of Portugal Contest. The Lagoalva white 2022 was awarded a Silver Medal in the Wines of Portugal Contest. Also from the 2022 harvest, Lagoalva Sauvignon Blanc won a Gold Medal and was ranked 2nd in the Best White Harvest 2022 category. Tejo. This in addition to the ‘Commended’ seal at the International Wine Challenge.
«The year 2023 was blessed with a rebranding of the brand and the wine labels, which will hit the market in a new guise by December. With the whites at the forefront, they ended up being the protagonists of the submission to the competition, and these results make us very proud. There were two exceptions: the Dona Isabel Juliana Grande Reserva white 2019, which was entered in the contest with the current image, because the new edition will only be launched at the end of the year – having been awarded; and the white Lagoalva Barrel Selection, reference not sent, because the 2021 harvest was about to run out and the new one, still aging in barrels – being therefore out of the count», explains Pedro Pinhão, administrator and director of oenology at Quinta da Lagoalva, house to which he has dedicated himself for two decades.
Launched Marquês de Borba White Vinhas Velhas 2022
29/08/2023More than an Alentejo classic, Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas 2022 is a wine that ennobles the best table. Made with the Arinto, Roupeiro, Antão Vaz and Alvarinho varieties, the grapes come from plots of old vines, over 25 years old – all of them at an altitude of 300 meters and harvested manually, early in the morning, in order to preserve the identity freshness of the wine.
This is the sixth edition of an emblematic brand that needs no introduction and whose name is born from a double and happy coincidence – if, on the one hand, both the vineyards and the winery of João Portugal Ramos have deep and fixed roots in the sub-region of Borba, on the other another, the noble title Marquês de Borba was awarded to an uncle of the family, in 1811, who was distinguished by his enormous culture and passion for the arts.
The quartet of grape varieties that give life to the new harvest results in a blend of exceptional quality, where the aromas of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and lemon, are evident, accompanied by a toast from the barrel that does not overpower the fruit. Evident is also the great freshness and minerality in the mouth, highlighting a slight fat from aging on the lees. The wine spent a total of eight months in French and Hungarian oak barrels.
The year 2022 will go down in history as an abnormally dry and hot year, very challenging for both winegrowers and winemakers, but it results in concentrated and voluminous wines that shine at the table. Living up to what is one of the most emblematic brands of João Portugal Ramos, launched for the first time in 1997, and which combines Alentejo tradition with enormous quality, the 2022 vintage of Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas perpetuates an unmistakable legacy.
Already available on the market, it is on sale in specialized wineries from the north to the south of the country, on the Horeca channel and in the wine tourism shop at the producer’s winery, in Estremoz.
Wine&Soul style wine tourism
28/08/2023As the harvest approaches, Wine&Soul invites all wine lovers to visit its Enotourism, in Vale do Pinhão, and to experience two very special programs – ‘Wine Blending’ and ‘Um dia na Vinha’. Both offers provide unique experiences, from the creation of personalized labels to vineyard tours with an exclusive lunch at the farm. These are unmissable suggestions for a getaway to the Douro, in the company of friends and family.
The ‘Wine Blending’ program invites all oenophiles to learn more about the art of oenology. The experience begins with a visit to the cellar, where you can learn more about the winemaking process. Afterwards, visitors are given the opportunity to put theory into practice and to be winemakers for a couple of hours to create their own blend. In the end, it is possible to customize the label and take the wine bottle home. The cherry on top of the cake? The experience can be accompanied by one of the project’s enologists. To participate, a group registration, between 8 to 12 people, and prior booking is required. The program costs €100 per person and lasts an average of 3 hours.
The ‘Um Dia na Vinha’ program starts with a visit to the cellar. Then, visitors take a jeep to Quinta de Manoella, where they have the opportunity to take a pedestrian trail. The walk, during which the origin of this historic property is explained, ends next to the house, under the ramada, where lunch is served accompanied by a wine tasting from the Manoella range. The experience can also be personalized, through the presence of one of the winemakers, subject to availability and appointment. The program costs €175 per person, requiring a minimum of 8 people. With a duration of about 5 hours.
Located on the left bank of the Pinhão River, Quinta da Manoella is one of the most historic and unique properties in the Douro. With about 60 hectares, it has been in the hands of the Borges family for 5 generations, having been acquired in 2009 by the couple Jorge Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, founders of Wine&Soul.
All programs are subject to prior appointment, and subject to availability, with a minimum of 48 hours in advance. For more information and reservations: enoturismo@wineandsoul.com | +351 910 433 683 | +351 254 738 486
Chocapalha: Visits and tastings in family
25/08/202310 years ago, a cellar with straight lines was built in the vineyard landscape of Alenquer, merging with nature. In 2013, Quinta de Chocapalha, in the wine region of Lisbon, debuted the design cellar, designed to go unnoticed, by the architect João Pedro Serôdio. Today, the project that was innovative back then continues to be the standard bearer of wine tourism on the family property.
Here, wine tourism programs are designed in detail, all of which have a strong family component: the matriarch of the family, Alice Tavares da Silva, is, as a rule, the service hostess. She is responsible for receiving the curious and presenting the property located 45 kilometers north of Lisbon.
In all, there are four wine tourism programmes, starting with ‘Discovering Chocapalha’, which includes a visit and tasting of three wines; in ‘Wine lover Chocapalha’, in addition to the commented tasting, which includes a top of the range house and pairing with local charcuterie, it is possible to visit the vineyards, the cellar and the barrel room in the company of a family member; the ‘Terroir of Chocapalha’ program is quite identical to the previous one, although the tasting takes into account four wines, including two top of the range instead of just one.
Thinking about the gastronomic wines that are produced here – with oenology being the responsibility of oenologist Sandra Tavares da Silva, one of the daughters of the founding couple of Quinta de Chocapalha -, it is also possible to taste the references from home to table, in the company of capable flavors. to raise the wines in tasting. The ‘Wine lunch at Quinta de Chocapalha’ experience is private and prepared in such a way as to satisfy all wine lovers, whether they are experts or beginners in this very particular universe. Lunch includes a starter, main course, dessert and coffee or tea, and is paired with a total of four wines (the menu is sent in advance and lunch is preceded by a guided tour of the farm).
Along with tastings and visits, getting to know the property is also discovering the story of the former commander of the navy who left the sea for land as soon as he found the current farm, where he would later produce the wines that have already become part of the history of the wines from the region.
Ravasqueira launches summer campaign
23/08/2023Ravasqueira launched a summer campaign: Anyone who orders a wine from the Heritage range has free shipping. For those who go on vacation and want to enjoy their favorite wines, just access the Ravasqueira online store – https://www.ravasqueira.com/loja – and, from anywhere in the country, order the wines with convenience and speed .
Whoever orders at least one bottle of Heritage (White, Rosé or Red), postage – to any destination in mainland Portugal – is on Ravasqueira’s account, regardless of the number of bottles and references purchased. The campaign is valid until September 15th. Enjoy!
Quinta da Lagoalva proposes harvest program in September
22/08/2023The harvest season at Quinta da Lagoalva, in Alpiarça, in the heart of the Tagus Wine region, has already begun. The second week of August was marked by the preparation of the cellar and the cutting of the first grapes. A time of hustle and bustle that will be even more lively with the arrival of tourists, and the wine tourism program dedicated to the harvest takes place during the month of September.
The ‘Harvest at Quinta da Lagoalva’ program includes a visit to the winery, accompanying the arrival of the grapes; vineyard tour and brunch. Lasting three hours, it runs between 07:30 and 10:30 and costs €45.00 per adult and €22.50 for children between 3 and 8 years old. It only takes place on days when harvesting activities are taking place and subject to availability, with mandatory bookings made through the contacts 912 021 033 or turismo@lagoalva.pt.
The day starts very early, with arrival at Quinta da Lagoalva scheduled for 7:30 am. Visitors are welcomed in the tasting room, with coffee and water. At 08:00 it’s time to head to the winery, watching the arrival of the grapes, picked at night or at dawn. This is followed by an immersion in the world of transforming grapes into must and must into wine, with a visit inside the cellar. At 9:00 am, in Jardim da Rota, there is a wine tasting, followed by brunch. Once outside, they head to the vineyards for a more direct contact with the vines and their fruits, this being a moment marked by lots of animation and photographs!
From the vine to the table, with the tasting of wines from the Lagoalva white, rosé and red trilogy. Opening the brunch hosts a Mimosa cocktail, made with Lagoalva sparkling wine and orange juice. As far as drinks are concerned, coffee, tea and juices are also included, accompanied by a variety of bread and croissants, with jam, jam and honey; yogurt with granola and fruit. In the snacks, a selection of cheeses, gazpacho and fried egg with chorizo. Those who wish can add other wines, purchased at the farm’s shop, or upgrade the tasting. To this program, which has a minimum number of 10 participants, there is the possibility for the wine tourist to add extra activities. This is the case of the standard visit, which lasts approximately one hour and consists of a tour of the property, entrance to the chapel, museum and stables. This activity costs €20.00 per adult, but there is no cost for children. You can also have lunch at Quinta da Lagoalva, with a cost range between €20.00 and €30.00 per person, depending on the chosen menu.
Adega José de Sousa presents a harvest program for the whole family
21/08/2023From the 4th of August to the 3rd of September, Adega José de Sousa, located in the heart of Reguengos de Monsaraz, invites all wine lovers to participate in a harvest in the heart of Alentejo. Through a special wine tourism program, which includes an experience that goes from the vine to the glass, Adega José de Sousa opens its doors to anyone who wants to participate in the harvest activities and learn more about this process, also offering the possibility to enjoy a lunch paired with José de Sousa wines. Unmissable to do in the company of friends and family, the offer will be available from August 4th to September 3rd.
The program can start in the vineyard, with the picking of the grapes, where visitors have the opportunity to participate in the cutting of the bunches or, if the harvest is already at a more advanced stage, in the cellar with the tasting of the must or with the foot treading . As far as the activities to be carried out are concerned, they depend on the date and stage of the harvest. Afterwards, a visit is made to the two wineries – Adega Nova and Adega dos Potes. After the hard work, the most pleasurable part of the program arrives: the wine tasting. And for those who want to end the day with a complete experience, there is still the option to enjoy an exclusive lunch.
The program is available subject to availability and prior booking. You can make your reservation in advance by email josedesousa@jmfonseca.pt or by calling 918 269 569.
Loaded with prestige and history, Adega José de Sousa, dating from 1878, is a unique winery that includes two wineries that work with very different styles. At Adega dos Potes, the ancestral and ancient fermentation method is present in wine production, while at Adega Moderna, the technology implemented in production is essential to achieve excellence, and this ambivalence is much appreciated.
PROGRAM:
Option without lunch:
11:00 am – Welcome drink
11:15 am – Guided visit to Adega Nova and Adega dos Potes, with participation in ongoing activities*
12:15 – Tasting of 3 wines and tasting of regional products (sausages, cheese, bread and olive oil)
13:00 – End of the program
Vintage t-shirt and hat offer
Program available from 2 to 16 people
Option with lunch
11:00 am – Welcome drink
11:15 am – Guided visit to Adega Nova and Adega dos Potes, with participation in ongoing activities*
12:15 – Lunch of regional snacks: gazpacho, chicken pies, meat puffs, cheeses, various sausages, olive oil, regional bread, olives, jam, traditional biscuits and seasonal fruit, accompanied by José de Sousa wines.
2:30 pm – end of program
Vintage t-shirt and hat offer
Program available from 2 to 16 people.
It’s harvest time at the Vila Santa winery
18/08/2023The harvest season has arrived and with it the bustle in the vineyard and in the cellar. In Estremoz, at Adega Vila Santa, João Portugal Ramos Vinhos has an exclusive program, NATURE’ing with WINE, which invites visitors to experience one of the most special times in the world of wine, especially for those looking to feel the atmosphere that surrounds lives in the Alentejo vineyards.
The day begins with a visit to the viewpoint from where you can see the extensive plain of vineyards, followed by a trip to the vineyard and grape picking. Returning to the cellar, the visitor is challenged to experience the traditional treading on marble presses, of rare beauty and which symbolize one of the emblematic materials of the region. The program continues with a visit to the winery and cellars and ends with a harvest lunch paired with some of the best wines from producer João Portugal Ramos, namely Marquês de Borba (White and Red), Vila Santa Reserva Red and Marquês de Borba Colheita Late.
In this harvest program, there are two menus available for lunch, and you can choose between:
Menu 1: Welcome aperitif, Tibornas drizzled with Oliveira Ramos Premium extra virgin olive oil and cheese from the region, Harvest salad (salad, grapes, dried tomato and cheese), Duck brown rice “Vila Santa” with courgette carpaccio and Dessert.
Menu 2: Welcome appetizer, Tibornas drizzled with extra virgin Oliveira Ramos Premium olive oil and cheese from the region, Cheese puff pastry (with red wine sauce), Cod ‘à Chef’ with broccoli migas and dessert.
Note: The program costs €80 per person, requiring a minimum of 4 people. With an average duration of 4h30, advance booking is advised through the official website: João Portugal Ramos (jportugalramos.com)
Schedule and program subject to availability.
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).