Alentejo wine tourism in the spotlight at the MICHELIN Awards 2025

The Alentejo once again stands out on the national scene, this time in the hotel industry. The first edition of the Michelin Keys in Portugal, a new category in the world’s most prestigious guide, honoured four wine tourism projects in the Alentejo wine region: Quinta do Paral (Vidigueira), Torre de Palma Wine Hotel (Monforte), Herdade da Malhadinha Nova (Albernoa) and São Lourenço do Barrocal (Monsaraz).
For the Alentejo Regional Wine Commission (CVRA), this distinction is “a clear recognition of the quality and sophistication of the Alentejo’s wine tourism offer. Seeing four of the region’s wine-producing units among the best hotels in the country reinforces our position as a destination of excellence, where wine and hospitality go hand in hand,” says the President, Luís Sequeira. Among the award winners, Quinta do Paral and Torre de Palma Wine Hotel received two Michelin Keys, standing out for their combination of exemplary service, careful design and an immersive and unforgettable wine experience.

Wine tourism in the Alentejo is experiencing a unique moment. Growing for the third year running, the region recorded its best year ever in 2024, with 195,000 visitors, an increase of 21.6% compared to 2023. The national market, Brazil and the United States top the list of nationalities that most seek out this region for wine and cultural experiences.
Of the four award-winning properties, only one – São Lourenço do Barrocal – is not an APENO member. The others are part of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, which, together with the CVRA, celebrates this achievement as ‘a source of collective pride and a clear sign that Portuguese wine tourism is at the highest international level’.
The MICHELIN Keys assess criteria such as the quality of the welcome, the uniqueness of the experience and the authenticity of the location, and are now a new seal of excellence in the area of accommodation as well.