Quinta da Alorna Presents Christmas Offers

Quinta da Alorna, which recently celebrated its 300th anniversary, invites wine lovers to toast to Christmas with proposals that combine tradition and sophistication, reflecting the best of the Tejo region. The suggestions for this festive season include wines and products that promise to surprise friends and family.

Among the highlights is the Abafado 5 Years, a fortified wine produced exclusively from the Fernão Pires grape variety. With an intense aroma of honey and dried fruits, this wine was recently awarded a Gold Medal at the 2024 Selections Mondiales des Vins competition in Canada, and is included in the competition’s TOP50. Its unique fermentation process, where it is ‘smothered’ with wine spirit, and its five-year aging in oak barrels give it a smooth texture, ideal for accompanying traditional Christmas desserts.

Quinta da Alorna also proposes the Reserva Touriga Nacional & Cabernet Sauvignon, with an intense aroma and perfect for harmonizing with the traditional Christmas turkey, and Reserva Arinto & Chardonnay, an elegant choice to accompany codfish on Christmas Eve.

For those seeking a different gift, the Alorna Chocolate Box combines chocolate bonbons filled with two of the house’s most emblematic wines: the Reserva Touriga Nacional & Cabernet Sauvignon and the Abafado 5 Years Fernão Pires. This is a gift that promises to conquer both chocolate and wine lovers, uniting intense and sophisticated flavors.

Quinta da Alorna’s wines and products can be purchased at the estate’s physical store in Almeirim, in the online store, and in major retail stores.

Casa Relvas and Xutos & Pontapés celebrate album 88 with special edition

1st National Castelão Competition: Adega Palmela wins ‘Best Castelão Wine’ medal

The Vale de Touros Vinhas Velhas Reserva – DO Palmela Red 2019 wine from Adega Cooperativa de Palmela was awarded the ‘Best Castelão Wine’ medal at the 1st National Castelão Competition. The competition took place in Palmela and the awards ceremony was held at the Rota dos Vinhos Mother House. On that occasion, nine wines were honoured with the Gold Medal and 22 wines with the Silver Medal.

Luís Miguel Calha, Councillor for Tourism at the Municipality of Palmela, said that ‘the competition fulfilled its aim of increasing the value of our Castelão grape variety and reaffirmed Palmela as the Motherland of Wines, with our producers showing the country the excellence of their knowledge and their ability to produce wines of immense quality’. Unique in nature, the competition was aimed at wine producers from all over the country with 100% Castelão grapes. The judging panel tested 31 samples, representing the wine regions of the Setúbal Peninsula, Alentejo, Tejo and Lisbon.

As part of the Awards Ceremony, there was a public presentation of the Wine List Preparation Manual, as part of the co-operation project led by the Setúbal Peninsula Regional Development Association ‘Wine Tourism: A Mosaic of Experiences’. At the same time, a Masterclass on the Castelão grape variety was held at the Palmela Municipal Library, which was well attended by the public. The initiative, which was free to attend, covered the promotion of the Castelão grape variety, the identification of its various profiles and the Castelão grape variety in the Setúbal Peninsula wine region and in Portugal, ending with tastings of Castelão wines.

This event took place at the same time as the 19th National Sommelier Competition, a prestigious initiative aimed at honouring Portugal’s Best Sommelier, challenging participants to demonstrate their knowledge of wines, drinks and service. It brought together highly qualified professionals who work in wine service in restaurants, hotels and specialised establishments.

The programme included the Fernando Ferramentas National Competition. The contestants (who work in restaurants, hotels, wine cellars and wine tourism centres), who came from the north to the south of Portugal and, this year for the first time, from the Azores, were selected after completing the course of the same name in the cities where it was held. In the end, gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the professionals who stood out the most in the different categories. These initiatives were promoted by the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal and the Municipality of Palmela, with the support of the Associação da Rota de Vinhos da Península de Setúbal, the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional da Península de Setúbal and the ‘Mecenas de Palmela’ Programme. The Regional Tourism Authority of the Lisbon Region and the Hotel and Tourism School of Setúbal were partner organisations.

A rare white Port to enjoy at Christmas

Quinta D. Maria, in the Douro, suggests Vale D. Maria Old White Porto Colheita 1940 for this Christmas, a rare aged White Port that has been kept in oak barrels since 1940, a process that has given it complexity and enormous elegance. With an intense amber color and golden reflections, it has enveloping citrus aromas and nuances of honey and caramelized dried fruit. On the palate, it reveals remarkable balance, freshness and harmony, culminating in a long, striking finish.

Aged for over 80 years, this wine carries the heritage of several generations, resulting in an experience that combines tradition and sophistication. This is an exclusive edition, limited to just 300 bottles, all numbered and produced with artisanal care that is reflected in every detail, from the bottling and labeling to the premium packaging, made from pau-santo wood and covered with velvety fabric.

Wonderland Lisboa gets a special touch with the presence of Bacalhôa

Christmas is approaching and, among the most eagerly awaited festivities, Wonderland Lisboa is once again lighting up Parque Eduardo VII, in the heart of the city, with its usual dose of magic, fun and unforgettable moments. The Ferris wheel, the ecological ice rink and the majestic Christmas Tree continue to be the main attractions, but this year there’s something new that promises to surprise visitors even more: the presence of Bacalhôa.

From 1 December to 5 January, Wonderland Lisboa will have a Bacalhôa Pop-Up Store next to the iconic Christmas Tree. In this exclusive space, visitors will be able to explore a selection of wines from Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, visit a mini-bottle shop and, as a highlight, enjoy a rooftop that offers a privileged view over the event and the city. The combination of good wine and Portuguese snacks will be the perfect setting to celebrate the Christmas season.

Bacalhôa’s presence at Wonderland Lisboa reinforces the fusion between Portuguese traditions and innovative experiences, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas while enjoying moments of conviviality and good food.

Entry to Wonderland Lisboa is free, making it a must-see destination for all ages. This year, the Christmas spirit takes on even more flavour, offering Lisbon a unique experience that combines fun, charm and the best of the wine world.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Christmas Wine Tourism at Adega da Vidigueira

Adega Vidigueira, Cuba e Alvito presents a variety of wine tourism vouchers and experiences that invite you to discover the rich wine culture of the Alentejo. With options ranging from €10 to €80, the offers include guided tours, wine tastings, and themed programs, providing unforgettable moments for wine lovers and those interested in Alentejo traditions.

Among the suggestions, the Experience Voucher – Harvest Program stands out at €75, allowing participants to take part in the grape harvest and experience the ancestral practices of the harvest. Another option is the Experience Voucher – Visit to Centenary Vineyards and Wine Tasting, available for €17.50, which offers a walk through historic vineyards followed by a tasting of selected wines. For lovers of the region’s emblematic grape variety, the Experience Voucher – Visit and Tasting of Antão Vaz Wines offers, for €12.50, an immersion in the flavors of this Alentejo grape. Those seeking a more sophisticated experience can opt for the Experience Voucher – Visit and Tasting of Premium Wines, ideal for those who wish to explore the winery’s excellent labels.

In addition to vouchers, Adega Vidigueira offers a wide range of wines and products, including red, white, rosé, sparkling wines, brandies, and wines aged in clay amphorae. With affordable prices, options such as Vidigueira Antão Vaz DOC for €4.49 or Vidigueira Alicante Bouschet DOC for €7.49 are just some of the proposals for those who wish to take a piece of the Alentejo home.

The vouchers are an excellent suggestion for gifts, especially during the Christmas season, providing authentic and personalized experiences to explore the world of wine and the region’s heritage.

Wine Tourism Programs at Adega da Vidigueira

On December 7th and 8th, the 26th edition of Vitifrades will take place, an annual celebration honoring Talha Wine. During these days, the Taberna dos Arcos in Vila de Frades will have extended hours, from 11 AM to 12 AM, offering a menu of traditional dishes and snacks.

Throughout the month, the Winery will also offer a Talha Opening Program for groups of up to 100 people. This program can be complemented by a performance from the Winery’s Choral Group, making the experience even more unforgettable!

For more information, reservations, or clarifications, please visit the Winery’s website: https://adegavidigueira.pt/casa-das-talhas/eventos/mes-vinho/, call: 933 000 737/284 437 240 or send an email: casadastalhas@adegavidigueira.pt

New Dishes Arrive at JNcQUOI Avenida

JNcQUOI Avenida is reinforcing its gastronomic excellence with the addition of Chef Filipe Carvalho to the team led by Chef António Bóia. Together, the two chefs present a new menu that combines iconic classics with bold creations, further elevating the experience offered by this emblematic space in Lisbon.

Among the novelties are surprising starters like Pecado, which combines caviar, salmon, and eels (80€), and main courses that pay homage to the Portuguese coast, such as Seabass with eels and clams in green sauce (77€). The Deli Bar, on the lower floor, also stands out with new options such as Russian salad with belly pork and fresh tuna (25€) and Bitoque with foie gras and potato chips (37€).

For Filipe Carvalho, who joined JNcQUOI in 2023 after a stint at the Michelin-starred Fifty Seconds, the challenge is to modernize the offer while maintaining the identity that makes the restaurant an icon. Opened in 2017, JNcQUOI Avenida combines gastronomy, fashion, and lifestyle in a unique concept, with spaces spread across Lisbon and Comporta, and is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and from Thursday to Saturday until 2:00 am.

In addition to being a renowned restaurant, JNcQUOI Avenida also stands out as a meeting point for urban wine tourism, offering a complete experience that harmonizes haute cuisine and a carefully curated selection of wines in an exclusive setting.

Paço de Teixeiró Launches New Top-of-the-Range Wine

Only 3,333 bottles of the new Vinha de Souzais have been produced, a wine from the Baião sub-region that, according to the Wine Stone group, the brand’s owner, is a testament to the dedication and meticulous winemaking process that characterizes Paço de Teixeiro. “This top-of-the-range wine is an important step for Paço de Teixeiro. With a keen eye on preserving the region’s winemaking traditions and a commitment to innovation, WineStone has developed a portfolio that reflects the uniqueness of the Baião terroir, while reinforcing Paço de Teixeiro’s identity as a producer of excellent wines,” declared David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker of WineStone, further emphasizing: “This portfolio expansion reflects our mission to offer a rich and varied experience, respecting the tradition and quality that characterize the Vinho Verde region, and also to recognize the entire history of the brand.”

The origin of this wine goes back to a truly special plot. Located at an altitude of 430 meters, the vineyard was planted approximately 45 years ago, in schistous soils that give the wine a distinctive personality. The soils, shaped by the rugged geography of the Baião region, are the true responsible for the characteristics of this wine, mineral, deep, with character. The composition of the wine results from a careful selection of three emblematic grape varieties of the region: Avesso, Loureiro, and Trajadura. Each of the grape varieties brings with it a history, a tradition, an ancestral memory of the Minho vineyards.

The production process reveals the same dedication present in the choice of grapes. The initial fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, ensuring the preservation of primary aromas. A portion of 40% of the wine completes its fermentation in new French oak barrels, adding complexity and sophistication. The five-month aging process, which includes the technique of batonnage – a traditional method of stirring the fine lees – helps to enrich the texture and broaden the aromatic horizons of the wine. On the nose, it is mineral, citrusy, and with notes of white fruit. On the palate, it has genuine fruit, complemented by a touch of wood and spice.

Vintner’s Table: Christmas Edition at Quinta do Bomfim’s Wine Tourism

On November 27th at 12:30 PM, the Bomfim 1896 restaurant with Pedro Lemos, located at Quinta do Bomfim, will host a special Christmas edition of the Vintner’s Table event. Exclusive to 10 people, the lunch will be entirely paired with Dow’s Port wines, showcasing both classic and new releases from their portfolio.

Following a reception with Porto Tónico, the menu kicks off with mushrooms, roots, and cistus, accompanied by Dow’s LBV 2018, recently ranked in Wine Spectator’s Top 100. Among the main courses, highlights include lobster rice paired with Dow’s Colheita 2007 and wood-fired roast suckling kid, harmonized with Dow’s Vintage 2003. Dessert will be a pear, walnut, and cheese tart, paired with Dow’s 30 Year Old Tawny Port.

Victoria Symington, from the fifth generation of the Symington family, will be present at the event and emphasizes: “Port wine is essential for Christmas celebrations, and with this edition, we want to showcase its versatility as a complement to diverse flavors.”

The event costs €90 per person and requires advance booking through the website www.bomfim1896.pt or by contacting info@bomfim1896.com and (+351) 254 730 360.