‘A La Mesa’ celebrates five years with a special edition at Cockburn’s Cellars

03/11/2025The ‘A La Mesa’ gastronomic experience celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special edition at Cockburn’s Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on 7 and 9 November. The event brings together five chefs and five wines in two exclusive dinners that combine haute cuisine with the world of Port wines.

Under the motto ‘5 years, 5 chefs, 5 dishes, 5 wines’, the initiative aims to highlight the emerging talent of Portuguese cuisine and the versatility of the wines of Symington Family Estates, owner of Cockburn’s. The two sessions, with a limited capacity of 50 seats per night, will feature different menus prepared jointly by two chefs, with pairings that include wines from the Symington portfolio.
The event will be attended by Argentine chef Maurício Ghiglione, who returns to ‘A La Mesa’, and chefs Pedro Lencastre Monteiro (Matriarca, Porto), Camilo Jaña (Grupo Cafeína), Inês Pando (Mafalda’s do Mercado) and Tânia Durão (Barro Restaurante).
Each evening’s programme begins at 7.30 pm with a welcome aperitif, followed by a six-course dinner consisting of a couvert and five fish and meat dishes inspired by contemporary cuisine. The wines on offer include not only Cockburn’s references, but also other Symington family brands such as Graham’s, Dow’s and Warre’s.

According to Andrew May, Brand Manager at Cockburn’s, “the five years of ‘A La Mesa’ symbolise our commitment to creating unique experiences that combine tradition and innovation, through the talent of chefs and the authenticity of our wines. It is a moment that values sharing and the power of wine to bring people together.”
Tickets, priced at €75 per person, are available for booking at alamesa2025.eventbrite.pt. Cockburn’s Cellars, located at Rua de Serpa Pinto 346, in Vila Nova de Gaia, will once again host this landmark event on the national gastronomic scene. The entrance to the event is via Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas.
In recent years, ‘A La Mesa’ has established itself as one of the most distinguished gastronomic events in the country, promoting the connection between chefs, wine and the public in an intimate setting with high culinary standards.