Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program distinguished in the Green Awards
26/06/2023The Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (PSVA) was recently distinguished at the Prêmio Verdes, an initiative by the magazine Visão, in partnership with the Águas de Portugal group, which aims to reward individuals, companies and organizations that stand out in Portugal in the area of the environment. This year, the award in the ‘Action’ category was awarded to the initiative in the area of sustainability of the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA).
The initiative is divided into 10 categories and, according to the organizers, aims to recognize, disseminate and reward good practices and examples of excellence that stand out for their contribution to the environment and sustainable development in the context of the current climate emergency. «It is with great pride that we receive this award, which places the wine sector and the Alentejo at the forefront with regard to the implementation of policies and measures that allow the Alentejo viticulture to be carried out in an environmentally conscious, socially responsible and economically viable way» , points out João Barroso, program coordinator, recalling that «the PSVA already has 638 associated members, representing more than 58% of the vineyard area of Alentejo.
The quality and originality of the project, the impact on society and the potential for replication were some of the evaluation criteria for the candidates and through which the jury’s decisions were unanimously taken.
It should be recalled that PSVA, for promoting more sustainable practices at an environmental, social and economic level in Alentejo vineyards and wineries, has already been distinguished with numerous international awards, from «The Drinks Business Green Awards»; the European Business Promotion Awards, an initiative of the European Commission and coordinated, in Portugal, by IAPMEI; the title of European Ambassador for Rural Innovation for the LIAISON project, a European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability, also launched by the European Commission; and also with the ‘Sustainability Initiative Award’ from the IRGAwards, an initiative of Deloitte.
Saint John returns to Cockburn’s
19/06/2023Barbecue, wine and quality cocktails, lively music and dancers, fireworks. It already smells like São João in Invicta, and Cockburn’s – one of the most renowned Port wine houses, owned by Symington Family Estates – joins the party. In partnership, as in the previous year, with the Belos Aires restaurant and the Altano wine brand, Cockburn’s will open its doors to host another edition of ‘São João at the Lodge’. On June 23, Saint John’s Eve, between 7 pm and 1 am, the contagious euphoria typical of Santos Populares will flood one of the main cellars in the historic center of Vila Nova de Gaia – and everyone is invited to participate.
The ticket costs 30 euros (plus the Eventbrite service fee) and includes three options from a selection of delicacies that combine tradition with modernity: sardines on a cornbread skewer with pepper chimichurri, Argentine choripan (a small baguette Tostada with chorizo and tomato and red onion vinaigrette), Argentinian steak (Argentinian breast, provolone and oregano) or an empanada from a range of available varieties. It should be noted that two of the empanadas available are vegetarian. Participants will also be entitled to three drinks, as part of the Cockburn’s Port Wine offer – traditional or in the form of a cocktail – and Douro DOC Altano Red, White or Rosé wine. In addition to the suggestions provided for in the menu, and included in the ticket price, it will be possible to purchase other dishes and drinks, for the price of seven and three euros, respectively.
In an event that appeals to the whole family, the little ones are not left out. The ticket – free for children under four years old and €10 for children between four and 12 years old – includes two of the previously listed options and unlimited lemonade. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available for purchase here and prices shown do not include the Eventbrite service fee. It should be noted that, upon arrival, participants should go to the front door of Cockburn’s premises – at Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas, 225, in Vila Nova de Gaia – and that it is possible to find free parking on the street and nearby .
Sauvignon Blanc da Bacalhôa launched
17/06/2023The Bacalhôa family of single varieties now has a new member, Bacalhôa Sauvignon Blanc, produced as the name implies with a French variety of great worldwide prominence, now also planted in the clay-limestone terroir of Quinta da Bacalhôa.
This monovarietal – Bacalhôa Sauvignon Blanc 2022, has a very present acidity, floral and fruity aromatic notes, with good concentration and freshness on the palate.
This wine is the ideal pairing for lovers of Portuguese cuisine, whether light fish dishes, such as salted sea bass or shellfish; or milder meat dishes such as chicken or turkey. Due to its notable aromatic complexity, it also stands out as an excellent choice for international dishes, more exotic and spicy, with dishes such as pad thai, sushi, Peruvian ceviche or a poke bowl. The average price is around €12.99. Also available at Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal wine tourism stores.
International Picnic Day at Quinta da Aveleda
17/06/2023Quinta da Aveleda celebrates the International Picnic Day – June 18th – suggesting a day full of family activities which, obviously, includes a tasty picnic well washed down with Aveleda wines.
The program begins at 12:30 pm, with a picnic. But the fun continues at 2:30 pm with traditional family games where everyone can participate. The activity ends at 4 pm, with a guided tour through the gardens of this emblematic farm located in Penafiel, in the Vinho Verde region. The experience costs €35 per adult and €17.5 per child (5-12 years old).
To book the activity, just get in touch with the Enotourism team. Bookings through the website www.aveleda.com/pt, email enoturismo@aveleda.pt or phone +351 255 718 200.
Quinta da Aveleda was founded in 1870 by Manoel Pedro Guedes. Today in the hands of the fifth generation, Aveleda S.A. is the largest producer and exporter of Vinho Verde in Portugal, being present in more than 70 countries with its extensive range of products. Producer of brands such as Casal Garcia, Aveleda, Adega Velha, Quinta Vale D. Maria, Quinta d’Aguieira, Villa Alvor and Mandriola de Lisboa. Aveleda S.A. celebrated in 2020, 150 years of a history of family and innovation.
Torre de Palma promotes the 5th edition of the Wine Market
15/06/2023It is already on the 17th of June that Monforte will host an exhibition of the best Alentejo wines, taking place at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel. This is the 5th edition of the Torre de Palma Wine Market, which reflects the best that Alentejo producers have to offer, on a day also marked by traditional flavors and sounds, such as the outdoor dinner with Porco no Espeto and the performance of the group “Wine & Voice”.
Throughout the event, visitors will be able to taste the latest harvests and innovations from local producers and interact with those responsible for each brand. This is an opportunity to get to know in more depth the excellence of the region’s wines, with the possibility of purchasing the various references, as well as some special editions.
The organization of the Wine Market is the responsibility of Torre de Palma, one of the main producers in the region. «This is an event that fills us with pride and that promotes the high quality of Alentejo wines. The 5th edition will, once again, bring together lovers of our Torre de Palma wine but also those looking to meet other producers, with access to special editions and on-site tastings», explains Luísa Rebelo, General Manager of Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
The doors of Wine Market’23 open at 4 pm and tickets cost 5 euros (entrance + glass*) and 35 euros (entrance + glass + dinner**), subject to pre-registration.
*The glass entitles you to the tastings established by the producers.
**Enrollment limit for program with outdoor dinner until June 10th.
*Producers who are present at the event: Torre de Palma; Rovisco Garcia; Terrenus/Rui Reguinga; Reynolds Wine Growers; Tiago Cabaço Winery; Lima Mayer; Herdade do Perdigão/Monte do Pintor; Reguengo do Souzao; Adega Mayor; Tapada dos Coelheiros; Rosa Santos Family wines; Manova; Mouchão; Dona Maria Vinhos – Júlio Bastos; Alter Lands; Howard’s Folly; Quinta do Paral; Herdade Papa Leite; Monte da Bonança; Mingorra – Henrique Uva.
Program:
16:00 – Doors open and wine tasting by producers
7:30 pm – Outdoor dinner with Pork on the Stick
21:00 – Performance “Vinho & Voz”
23:00 – Closing
Casa Relvas launches new Pé de Mãe harvest
13/06/2023Casa Relvas has launched a new vintage of one of the top-of-the-range references in its portfolio: Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020. This is a very special wine, which represents the noble grape varieties that the Alentejo producer has been promoting. «2020 was a difficult year in Alentejo. The winter was cold and rainy and the spring very rainy with a lot of mildew pressure. The summer was hot and dry, however with a large presence of water in the soil. During maturation, the cold and dry nights allowed preserving the acidity and achieving very balanced levels of phenolic maturation», explains Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas.
‘Pé de Mãe’ is the name given to the vines selected for vegetative reproduction, which are chosen for the quality of their fruit and also for their good adaptation to a given terroir and resistance to wood diseases. This wine is a tribute to the traditional Alentejo grape varieties, which have been losing some importance in the region and which are currently increasingly forgotten, but which Casa Relvas has also been highlighting with its range of red and white single varieties.
For the production of this wine, composed mainly of Trincadeira (90%), grapes were selected from the plants that presented the best vegetative expression and more homogeneous maturation. The grapes come from a vineyard planted in 2001, at Herdade de São Miguel, in Redondo, on shale soils, surrounded by a forest of cork oaks.
The Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020, with manual harvesting and selection on the plot, underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts (naturally present in the vine, in the grapes, in the soil and in the air), with controlled temperature, and fermentation in stainless steel with whole berry and 20% of stems. There was also a 30-day maceration, and the stage was made in a 5,000-liter French oak barrel, over 18 months. With an open ruby color and aroma of red fruits and orange blossoms, with balsamic notes, this wine has a good acidity on the palate, smooth tannins, and a fruity and persistent aftertaste.
Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020 is the ideal wine to accompany soft cheeses, stews, sausages and red meats. With a recommended RRP of 30 euros, the new vintage of this already iconic Casa Relvas wine is on sale in the main wineries and specialty stores across the country.
Summer Wine Party Casino Estoril celebrates the arrival of summer
09/06/2023The Summer Wine Party, the Urban Wine Tourism wine festival that opens the calendar of summer events and is now in its 10th edition, is the most anticipated event of the season. After nine editions in the garden of the Lisbon Marriott, the party now moves to Casino Estoril, the new host, and the date has already been set, take note: June 16th, Friday, from 6 pm to 11 pm. There is music, great Portuguese wines and sparkling wines, delicious cocktails, a selected atmosphere, lots of glamor and surprises that you will love. Organized by Paixão Pelo Vinho magazine.
The Salão Preto e Prata will receive wine producers from all regions to present their wines and sparkling wines. More than 200 references will be on display, from the north to the south of Portugal, of all types, colors and flavors. In addition to all these wines, it will also be possible to taste special editions, presented by the creators, in the VIP Wine Tasting space, which will have free access, but conditioned to 20 participants per tasting.
Facing the magnificent gardens of Casino Estoril and Tamariz Beach, the Panoramic Foyer will be the stage for the party, with lots of music, entertainment, surprises and irresistible snacks to pair with the wines being tasted.
Tickets are already on sale at the usual venues, such as Fnac, Worten, El Corte Inglés, CCB, Time Out Mercado da Ribeira, Cascais Visitor Center and online at ticketline.sapo.pt. In pre-sale there are special prices: single ticket for €18 and double ticket for only €30. Each ticket gives access to the party and offers a free tasting glass of all wines. On the day of the event, the ticket will cost €25 per person and can be purchased directly at the Summer ticket office.
Oporto’s music marks a trip inside Graham’s Caves
06/06/2023The historic building of Graham’s – owned by Symington Family Estates, which has a privileged location on the south bank of the Douro River – was recently the stage for a surprise concert by the Porto band ‘Homem ao Mar’. The premiere of Douro Unplugged, reserved for guests, was promoted within the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the reopening of Graham’s Cellars, after a period of renovation, and the opening of Vinum at Graham’s restaurant & wine bar.
After the musical moment, those present had the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail on the newly opened terrace of Vinum, the award-winning restaurant that results from a partnership between the Symington family and the Sagardi group. The recent expansion of the terrace – a process that took into account the history and design of the building – represents new options for visitors to the space, who will be able to taste, in the late afternoon, special gastronomic proposals, while enjoying, from a terrace open, with a unique view of the Douro and the D. Luís I bridge.
The possibility of having lunch and dinner on the terrace is also new, as is the signature cocktail menu with Porto Graham’s. Vinum at Graham’s restaurant & wine bar has been recognized for the homage paid to the cuisine of northern Portugal, through suggestions prepared with local products, and for the offer of gastronomic experiences that go beyond a simple meal.
Over the last decade, Graham’s Caves have also strengthened their position as a reference in the wine tourism sector in Portugal. The intimate Douro Unplugged concert will be another opportunity to get to know the space – which, after renovation, has already been visited by more than half a million people – and the wines produced by the Symington family.
The next editions of the event, whose periodicity should be annual, will now be open to the public, providing an exclusive experience that combines port wine, typical cuisine and the best music in the city. With the rafts and barrels where Graham’s wines rest as a backdrop, fans of wine, music and northern gastronomy will have the opportunity to hear, annually, some of the best musicians from Porto in an unrepeatable environment and full of history.
About Symington Family Estates
The Symingtons, of Scottish, English and Portuguese descent, have been Port wine producers in the north of Portugal since 1882. For five generations they have combined their passion for producing high quality wines, in particular Port wines, with their strong commitment to the region and its people. Today, ten members of the Symington family work in their four famous Port houses – Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s –, as well as in their Douro wine projects: Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano, Prats & Symington (Chryseia) and, his most recent, Quinta da Fonte Souto, in Alto Alentejo. Symington Family Estates is one of the main producers of premium Ports and the family is the main owner of vineyards in the Douro, with 26 farms totaling 2,420 hectares, of which 1,114 are vineyards. The vineyards are managed under principles of sustainability, with 130 hectares having organic certification – the largest area of organic vineyards in the Douro. The family has made significant investments in R&D in viticulture, to adapt to climate change, and promotes an ambitious sustainability plan called ‘Missão 2025’, which includes a set of goals. In 2019, the company achieved B Corporation certification, becoming the first wine company in Portugal to take this important step, joining a global business community audited according to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, with the commitment to use business as a force for good.
FIND OUT THE WINNERS OF THE PORTUGUESE WINTOURISM AWARDS POWERED BY APENO AND AGEAS SEGUROS
02/06/2023Herdade da Malhadinha Nova wins the Best National Winetourism Prize for the second time, and the Alentejo was the most distinguished region, in a transparent vote carried out on an online platform by more than 250 judges from the sector. In the remaining categories and diplomas of merit, companies and people from other national regions that stood out for their service excellence were also awarded. Portugal leading the way in Winetourism.
The second edition of the Portuguese Winetourism Awards, powered by APENO (Portuguese Winetourism Association) / Ageas Seguros took place on the 26th of May, at the Hotel Convento de São Paulo, in Redondo. An event that distinguished the best wine tourism companies, practices and projects in Portugal, with Ageas Seguros as main sponsor and the support of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity which, like last year, was the region that collected the most awards. The National Winetourism Award also included awards sponsored by the Amorim Group, institutional support from the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho, as well as other companies that participate in a wide variety of ways, such as Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Exame, Gracal, Biosphere, CVR Alentejo, Municipality of Redondo, Abreu Advogados, Yon Wine and the Official Ford Dealer | Multiribeiro 2.
Throughout the event, presented by Mónica Jardim, the big winners of the 14 categories were announced: Best Tasting Room (Niepoort); Best Touristic Company (WINEnROUTE); Best Inclusive Project (Adega Mayor); Best Sustainable Project (Azores Wine Company); Best Restaurant (Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos); Best Chef (Miguel Laffan); Best Sommelier (Gonçalo Mendes); Best Professional (Sofia Soares Franco); Best Stay (Torre de Palma Wine Hotel); Best Shop (Quinta da Taboadella); Best Art and Culture (WOW – World of Wine); Best Innovation and Technology (WOW – World of Wine); Best Hospitality (Herdade da Malhadinha); and Best Winetourism in Portugal (Herdade da Malhadinha).
This year, six Merit and Incentive diplomas were also awarded to people who in their companies stand out for the delivery and excellence of the service offered. Vanessa Ferreira (Quinta do Pôpa), David Borges (Adega da Vidigueira); Olena Cherkashyna (Enoport); Ana Reis (Quinta do Sanguinhal), Sónia Martins (Lusovini) and Jorge Afonso (Casa do Jôa).
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (President of the Portuguese Republic), who was unable to be present at the event due to commitments previously made, made a point of leaving a video where he greeted the audience, immediately highlighting Portuguese tourism and wine, recognized as “one of the best in the world”. He also praised our cuisine, landscape, natural and built heritage, mild climate, warm welcome and our history. And he left a special message for the winners: «I want to congratulate everyone, but especially the winners who were most distinguished and differentiated, who serve as an example and motivation for more projects of excellence. May they be replicated in our country », he said. «Finally, I would like to wish that APENO has the greatest successes, continuing to be a dynamic, creative, innovative, entrepreneurial center of development and social justice for your sector, that is, for Portugal», concluded the President of the Portuguese Republic .
The event, which is already a national reference, was attended by various official entities, including the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Gonçalo Rodrigues; the President of the Wine and Vine Institute, Bernardo Gouvêa; the President of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity, Vítor Silva; the Presidents and/or representatives of the National CVRs and Regional Tourism Entities; and José António Vidal, President of the Global Wine Tourism Organization, the organization that represents Wine Tourism worldwide: «It was a pleasure to come to Portugal to attend the National Wine Tourism Prize. The GWTO has followed the work that APENO has developed in Portugal, it is very interesting, and in many aspects pioneering. And I believe it is already bearing fruit. Congratulations to all the winners!”.
The judging panel of more than 250 judges included renowned wine and tourism journalists, official wine and tourism entities, chefs and sommeliers, and even APENO associates (official bodies voted in different regions of their and professionals from the sector and associates in people and outside projects): «APENO is growing every day and making an important path in the organization of the sector. Bringing together the world of wine and tourism at this special festival that rewards the best in wine tourism makes us very happy. The event was different, creative, full of glamour, surprises and details. As far as it depends on us, it will always be like this!”, assured Maria João de Almeida.
BSE – Special Dry White 2022: a fresh and dry wine for all occasions
30/05/2023BSE – Special Dry White, produced by José Maria da Fonseca, is a fresh and dry wine suitable for all occasions. The 2022 harvest of this regional wine from the Setúbal Peninsula is already available on the market, being ideal for lighter meals, fish dishes, salads, seafood or as an aperitif.
Produced since 1947, BSE – Branco Seco Especial combines two Portuguese grape varieties – Antão Vaz and Arinto. While the first variety gives this wine an aromatic exuberance, with exotic notes of pineapple and green apple, the second variety gives it a lively and refreshing acidity. With fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 16ºC, this wine has a citrus yellow color. It should be served at a temperature of 8ºC and be enjoyed while young.
About José Maria da Fonseca:
Founded over 185 years ago, José Maria da Fonseca is one of the leaders in the areas of production and marketing of table and fortified wines in Portugal, with its brands present in over 70 countries. Over the years demonstrating a growing concern regarding environmental factors, José Maria da Fonseca is proud to use the best practices in the treatment of the vineyard, in the management of natural resources, in their preservation and conservation, having been the first producer of wines certified in this area, even before the emergence of ISO environmental standards. At the end of 2021, José Maria da Fonseca invested in the installation of a photovoltaic solar system for self-consumption and successfully completed its sustainability certification, according to the FAIR’N GREEN benchmark, being the first Portuguese wine producer to obtain this sustainability certification, after detailed and demanding analysis and consultation.
José Maria da Fonseca’s portfolio includes more than forty high-quality brands, representing the main national wine regions. Many of them are today cases of popularity at national and international level and authentic emblems of our country. This success stems from the enormous human and material investment and a constant capacity for renewal on the part of José Maria da Fonseca which, throughout its history, and currently in its seventh generation, has been able to preserve a precious heritage without neglecting modernization, corresponding to the demanding standards of consumers.