Quinta do Crasto launches new edition of the iconic Vinha da Ponte 2019

Quinta do Crasto, one of the references in the Douro, announces the latest edition of its prestigious Vinha da Ponte 2019 wine, the twelfth production of this exceptional single-vineyard, which remains a symbol of quality, patience and consistency.

Vinha da Ponte, with just 1.96 hectares, stands out for its century-old, vigorous and resilient character, located in an area inspired by a historic Roman bridge that crosses the property. Producing this icon wine is an exercise in precision, selecting only the years of excellence that really do justice to its terroir. Since the first edition in 1998, only 11 vintages have followed, making Vinha da Ponte 2019 even more exclusive.

The year 2019 brought climatic challenges, such as prolonged periods of drought, requiring meticulous work on the part of the viticulture and oenology team. However, Vinha da Ponte surprised us by offering high quality grapes and higher production than in previous years.

This unique wine aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels, with the final blend resulting from the rigorous selection of the best barrels. It is opaque, with vibrant violet tones, revealing a complex and elegant profile. In the mouth, it stands out for its volume, solid tannins and long finish, reflecting all the authenticity of its terroir.

Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte 2019 is now available in selected wine shops in Portugal, with a recommended retail price of €255, and is distributed by Heritage Wines. For more information, please visit the official websites: www.quintadocrasto.pt / www.heritagewines.pt

Quinta de Pancas relaunches the classic Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon with a new vintage

Quinta de Pancas, located between the Serra de Montejunto and the Tagus marshes, has announced the long-awaited return of Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon with the new 2021 vintage. This relaunch represents the revitalisation of a historic reference among Lisbon wines, with WineStone now taking over the management of the estate and investing in the recovery of its portfolio, guaranteeing quality and consistency.

Produced exclusively from the Quinta de Pancas vineyards, located in valleys and hills protected by the Atlantic influence and the Serra de Montejunto, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 stands out as a ripe and elegant single varietal. It has a deep red colour and complex aromas, with vegetal notes of green pepper and nuances of smoke, characteristics that underline the distinctive profile of this grape variety.

For David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker at WineStone, this relaunch reflects a commitment to balancing tradition and innovation. ‘The return of Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon reflects our commitment to preserving and enhancing the wine heritage of the Lisbon region. This new vintage reinforces WineStone’s commitment to combining tradition and innovation to deliver unique and unforgettable wines, celebrating Quinta de Pancas’ legacy in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and its pioneering role in introducing French grape varieties to Portugal.’

Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, with a recommended price of €35 per bottle (75 cl), marks the return of a true classic and promises to win over connoisseurs of sophisticated wines with a unique character.

Entries open for the 4th edition of the Graham’s Blend Series Competition

Graham’s Port, the historic Port wine brand dating back over 200 years and owned by Symington Family Estates, has announced the launch of the 4th edition of the Blend Series Cocktail Competition. This competition challenges bartenders and mixologists from all over the world to explore new ways of consuming Port wine, promoting creativity in making innovative cocktails with Blend Nº5 White and Blend Nº12 Ruby Port wines.

The registration phase is already underway and those interested can submit their application until 28 February on the brand’s official website. In Portugal, the national round will take place on 18 March in Lisbon, at the prestigious ‘Red Frog’ bar, which is on ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’ list. The event will be attended by Paulo Gomes, co-owner of the venue, who will be part of the judging panel for both the national and global finals.

The international grand final will take place in Porto between 25 and 27 May, bringing together the winners from ten countries to present their creations to a panel of expert judges. In addition to Portugal, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are represented.

The winner of the competition will receive a prize of €2,000, stock of Graham’s Blend Nº5 and Blend Nº12 wines and the opportunity to represent the brand at a special event. Charlotte Symington, 5th generation member of the family and Marketing Director, emphasises the importance of this initiative in bringing the brand closer to a new generation of consumers, stimulating innovation and experimentation in the world of Port wine.

More information about the competition and registration is available on the official Graham’s Blend Series website.

Rocim launches Valentine’s Day voucher

To celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique and memorable way, Herdade do Rocim is launching a special voucher that promises a sensory journey through the world of wine.
The offer includes a guided tour of the Herdade do Rocim winery, followed by participation in the “Vidigueira Wine Blender” experience, where participants will have the opportunity to create their own blend of Vidigueira wines, under the guidance of the Herdade team. Finally, couples can enjoy a wine lunch in the elegant winebar at Herdade do Rocim.
The voucher is valid for two people and is available in Portuguese and English. All tastings and experiences are subject to confirmation of availability by Herdade do Rocim. Once the order has been finalised, the wine tourism team will contact you to coordinate all the details. For more information, please contact: enoturismo@herdadedorocim.com.

Miguel Leal and ML-Private Tours wine experiences nominated for Wine Travel Awards 2024/2025

Miguel Leal, founder and CEO of ML-Private Tours, has been nominated for two prestigious categories in the Wine Travel Awards (WTA) 2024/2025: Wine Guide and Travel Operator of the Year. This double nomination emphasises the company’s contribution to wine tourism in Portugal. This is not Miguel Leal’s first recognition at the Wine Travel Awards. He was previously named Wine Guide of the Year 2023/2024 and is currently a WTA Portugal Ambassador. The nominations for 2024/2025 in the Wine Guide and Travel Operator of the Year categories highlight his continued excellence in wine tourism.

ML-Private Tours’ work has been fundamental in promoting Portuguese wines, particularly in northern regions such as Porto, the Douro and Vinho Verde. The company focuses on providing personalised, high-quality experiences that connect wine enthusiasts with Portugal’s rich wine heritage. The Wine Travel Awards are a recognised digital platform that annually celebrates excellence in wine tourism. The 2024/2025 edition features six distinct categories, honouring innovative professionals and companies in the wine tourism industry.

On Valentine’s Day, instead of roses, offer Vinha da Rosa

On Valentine’s Day, there is an elegant and sophisticated alternative to the classic bouquet of roses: Vinha da Rosa, a rosé wine produced by João Portugal Ramos, designed to make the date even more special.
With a pale pink colour and a fine, delicate aroma, this wine is a tribute to the organic vineyards of Estremoz, where the rose bushes that flank the plots are not only an ornament, but also a natural method of protecting the vines. The result is a fresh and balanced wine, with notes of raspberry and tropical fruit, good acidity and a long finish – perfect for toasting as a couple.
Available in specialised wine shops and on the Horeca channel, Vinha da Rosa arrives on the market with a recommended price of €15.90, positioning itself as an exquisite choice for celebrating love.
João Portugal Ramos, one of the country’s most renowned winemakers, founded the group that bears his name more than three decades ago and has been one of the central figures in the modernisation and recognition of Portuguese wines. With a presence in various wine-growing regions, such as the Alentejo, Douro, Beiras and Vinhos Verdes, the group’s wines are exported to markets such as the USA, Brazil, Canada and Sweden, contributing to the sector’s growing reputation across borders.
For couples who appreciate fine wines, Vinha da Rosa promises to be the ideal choice to turn a simple toast into a memorable celebration.

Greenvolt and Symington create Energy Community in Vila Nova de Gaia

Greenvolt Communities, a leader in collective self-consumption solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Symington Family Estates, one of the most prestigious Port wine producers, to create an Energy Community in Vila Nova de Gaia. This project, which combines innovation and sustainability, reinforces both companies’ commitment to energy transition and environmental preservation.

The initiative uses the energy generated in two Self-Consumption Production Units (UPAC), located in Quinta do Marco and Quinta de Santo António, in Vila Nova de Gaia. With a combined output of 377.8 kWh, these facilities produce 440 MWh of energy per year, of which 122 MWh will be shared with three other Symington locations in the Historic Centre of Gaia.

The partnership between Greenvolt and Symington makes it possible to optimise the use of the energy already generated, without the need for new infrastructure or additional impact on sensitive heritage areas. The project reflects a sustainable and efficient approach, guaranteeing environmental benefits and reducing energy costs. According to Rupert Symington, CEO of Symington Family Estates, ‘the energy transition is essential to our mission. This agreement allows us to optimise the installed capacity and use it in other locations of the group, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.’

João Manso Neto, CEO of the Greenvolt Group, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this: ‘Renewable energies, implemented with rigour, allow companies to optimise existing infrastructures and generate significant benefits for the environment and business.’

Greenvolt Communities, in operation since April 2022, already leads the Energy Communities segment in Portugal, with more than 60 MWp installed and 160 projects completed. This new agreement with Symington Family Estates demonstrates how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, creating a positive impact on both the wine sector and environmental sustainability.

This is another step in Symington’s mission to integrate innovative and sustainable practices into its operations, guaranteeing a solid legacy for future generations and reinforcing Portugal’s position as a reference in renewable energies.

Manzwine Launches Creative Competition to Celebrate Jagoz Wine and the Essence of Ericeira

Manzwine, the renowned wine producer with roots in the Mafra region, has launched a label competition for its latest project, Jagoz Wine. This wine was conceived as a tribute to the history, culture and essence of the town of Ericeira, reflecting the unique spirit of the ‘people of the sea’ that defines this community.
The competition, which runs until 28 February 2025, is exclusively for artists born or resident in Ericeira. Each participant can submit up to two label proposals that capture the deep connection between the town, the sea and the local identity. The initiative aims to involve the artistic community and value the creative talent that is part of Ericeira’s soul.
Proposals must be submitted via a dedicated page on the Manzwine website (www.manzwine.com/jagoz), and participants must prove their connection to the town by means of an identification document or proof of residence.
A jury made up of representatives from the Ericeira Parish Council, Mafra Town Hall and Manzwine will be responsible for assessing the submissions. The 10 best labels will be displayed in Rua Dr Eduardo Burnay, in the heart of the town, during the month of March 2025, as well as on Manzwine’s online platform.

Popular voting will play an important role in this process, allowing residents and visitors to choose their favourite proposals via a QR code system. The weight of the popular vote will be 20 per cent in the final decision, which will culminate in the announcement of the winner in May 2025, during a special event open to the community.
Jagoz Wine will be made exclusively from indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, in close collaboration with local catering professionals. This project not only celebrates the traditions of the town of Ericeira, but also reflects Manzwine’s commitment to boosting the regional economy, highlighting local economic agents and the cultural value of the region.
The competition will be widely publicised, covering social networks, newsletters, billboards and institutional partnerships with Mafra Town Hall and Ericeira Parish Council. Posters and other communication materials will be used to ensure maximum community participation.
Manzwine invites all local artists to take part in this initiative that combines wine, art and cultural identity. More details and regulations are available at www.manzwine.com/jagoz.

Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon: the return of a Lisbon classic

Quinta de Pancas, located between the Serra de Montejunto and the Tagus marshes, has just announced the relaunch of the classic Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon with a new vintage. This is the return of a historic reference in the Lisbon wine scene, with WineStone now taking over the management of Quinta de Pancas, revitalising the portfolio and guaranteeing a consistent offer of quality wines that reflect the brand’s history.

Originating from exclusive grapes from the Quinta de Pancas vineyards, in a sequence of hills and valleys protected by the Serra de Montejunto and with an Atlantic influence, Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a single varietal with an elegant and mature profile. Deep red in colour and clear in appearance, it has a complex vegetal aroma with green pepper and nuances of smoky notes. ‘The return of Quinta de Pancas Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon reflects our commitment to preserving and enhancing the wine heritage of the Lisbon region. This new vintage reinforces WineStone’s commitment to combining tradition and innovation to deliver unique and unforgettable wines, celebrating Quinta de Pancas‘ legacy in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and its pioneering role in introducing French grape varieties to Portugal,’ says David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker at WineStone.

New vintage of Marquês de Borba launched

Marquês de Borba Colheita 2023 has reaffirmed itself as a classic from the Alentejo, produced by renowned winemaker João Portugal Ramos. This red, a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot and Merlot, was aged for six months in French and American oak after fermentation in marble lagares and stainless steel vats. With sustainable practices in cultivation and production, the wine reflects the respect for nature adopted by the group, including the reuse of by-products, the use of solar panels and strict water management. Aromatic and balanced, with notes of blackberries and cassis, it is ideal for celebrating the end of summer or the arrival of fall. Available for €7.49 in wine shops, supermarkets and the producer’s wine tourism.