Lithuanian Bartender Wins Graham’s Global Cocktail Competition Final in Porto

19/05/2026Greta Skamaročiūtė won over the judges with her cocktail 'Not a Sisyphus Hill', taking home two thousand euros and an international guest shift

The fifth edition of the Blend Series Cocktail Competition, hosted by Graham’s, concluded with a winner who surprised many but convinced everyone: Lithuanian bartender Greta Skamaročiūtė. The global final took place at the Matriarca venue in Porto, bringing together the finest mixologists from several countries in a creative challenge centred on Graham’s Blend Nº5 White and Blend Nº12 Ruby Port wines.

Skamaročiūtė took first place with her cocktail ‘Not a Sisyphus Hill’, receiving a prize of two thousand euros, stock of both brand blends, and an invitation to represent Graham’s at an international guest shift. Second place went to Lithuanian Laurynas Lazdauskas, representing the Netherlands, and third to Briton Damian Murgatroyd of the United Kingdom.

Charlotte Symington, marketing director of Graham’s and a fifth-generation member of the Symington family — the brand’s owners — praised the standard of the competition, highlighting the way in which participants had succeeded in reinterpreting Port wine through a contemporary lens without losing its identity. The judging panel also included Gary George Sharpen, editor of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine, journalist Richard Godwin, and Paulo Gomes, founder of Red Frog Bar in Porto.

The Blend Series annually challenges international bartenders and mixologists to create original cocktails using Graham’s Blend Nº5 and Blend Nº12, positioning Port wine as a benchmark ingredient in contemporary mixology.

Gospel Choir to Perform at the National Wine Tourism Awards Gala

19/05/2026APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism has announced the performance of the Saint Dominic’s Gospel Choir at the National Wine Tourism Awards Gala 2026, which will take place on 29 May at Quinta Conde de Valadares, in Loures.

The group’s performance — a nationally and internationally recognised gospel reference — forms part of the artistic programme of the gala and is also intended to acknowledge the growing importance of the North American market for tourism and wine tourism in Portugal.

“The North American market has been one of the fastest-growing in Portuguese tourism in recent years, and has today established itself as one of the most strategic markets for Portugal. We therefore felt it was fitting to pay tribute through a musical moment rooted in American culture, one that typically creates a strong connection with audiences. It is going to be a very lively evening,” said Maria João de Almeida, president of APENO.

According to data from TravelBI, the United States recorded approximately 2.37 million guests, 5.46 million overnight stays, and over 3.1 billion euros in tourism revenue in 2025, consolidating its position as one of Portugal’s leading source markets. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, the North American market has shown one of the most significant rates of growth in Portuguese tourism, with guest numbers running around 90 per cent above 2019 levels.

Founded on 7 October 2002, the Saint Dominic’s Gospel Choir quickly established itself within the Portuguese music scene and is now one of the most recognised gospel projects in the country. Over the course of its career, the group has garnered national and international acclaim, receiving praise from gospel luminaries including the Reverend Milton Biggham, Ricky Dillard, and Kirk Franklin.

The choir’s connection to the international gospel world was further cemented through its participation in the GMWA — Gospel Music Workshop of America — considered one of the most significant international gatherings in the gospel industry. During the pandemic, the group contributed to the track “The Best Day”, recorded remotely with several international artists, among them American singer Shantell Hankerson.

Led by João Castro, the Saint Dominic’s Gospel Choir surpassed the milestone of 1,400 concerts in 2025. With regular appearances at concert venues, institutional and corporate events, the group also maintains a frequent presence on Portuguese television and has collaborated with a number of national artists.

The performance is part of the programme of the 2026 National Wine Tourism Award Gala, an annual initiative that brings together professionals, producers, municipalities, regional tourism bodies, and companies connected to the wine, tourism and hospitality sectors.

The event recognises projects and initiatives that contribute to the promotion of national wine tourism, the territory, and Portuguese wine culture, drawing representatives from several regions of the country.

The 2026 edition takes place at Quinta Conde de Valadares in Loures and is held under the High Patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic.

Quinta do Crasto Unveils New Single-Varietal Wines

18/05/2026Three grape varieties give rise to three wines that reveal different expressions of the Douro terroir.

Quinta do Crasto, one of the most emblematic estates in the Douro Demarcated Region, has unveiled the new vintages of its single-varietal wines — Touriga Nacional 2021, Touriga Franca 2021 and Tinta Roriz 2019 — in a proposal that places each grape variety at the centre of the experience, exploring its individual character and expressive potential within the Douro terroir.

With this release, the producer challenges the region’s traditional blending approach by separating the grape varieties that typically compose these wines, allowing for a more in-depth reading of each variety’s identity. The result is a trio of distinct wines that together form a portrait of the Douro, analysed variety by variety.

Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2021 stands out as the most elegant and expressive of the range. With notes of red fruit and floral nuances, it is distinguished by its freshness and fluidity, revealing a versatile and balanced profile, suited to more relaxed moments of sharing while retaining a sense of sophistication.

Quinta do Crasto Touriga Franca 2021, by contrast, presents a more structured and intense profile. With greater density and aromatic depth, marked by ripe fruit, it is a wine that evolves over time, supported by firm tannins and a long finish, making it ideal for more complex dishes and occasions that invite a more attentive tasting.

Meanwhile, Quinta do Crasto Tinta Roriz 2019 reveals character and determination from the outset. With fruit notes complemented by spices, it shows a more direct and consistent profile, positioning itself as a gastronomic wine, designed to be discovered at the table.

The production of these single-varietal wines results from rigorous vineyard monitoring of vines around 40 years old, where careful parcel selection and continuous oenological assessment ensure balance and ageing potential in each wine.

With this approach, Quinta do Crasto reinforces its strategy of valuing the Douro’s key grape varieties, contributing to a more detailed and contemporary interpretation of the region.

All three wines are now available on the domestic market, distributed by Heritage Wines, with a recommended retail price of €65 per reference.

With a history dating back to 1615, Quinta do Crasto is today a benchmark producer in the Douro, recognised for the quality of its DOC wines and Port wines, as well as its ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability and wine tourism.

JNcQUOI Asia Hosts ‘Holi Festival’ in Lisbon

15/05/2026Lisbon restaurant welcomes chef Justin Paul, from Just India, for a gastronomic experience celebrating the flavours and traditions of India.

JNcQUOI Asia, in Lisbon, is once again marking the Holi Festival — one of India’s most emblematic celebrations — with a special edition, bringing an immersive experience to Avenida da Liberdade that combines gastronomy, culture and creativity.

This year’s celebration features a takeover by Just India, the Macau-based restaurant led by chef Justin Paul, an internationally recognised name known for his work in MICHELIN Guide-listed establishments. With just 20 seats, Just India stands out for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending tradition with contemporary influences.

Over the course of four days, JNcQUOI Asia will present an exclusive menu inspired by contemporary Indian gastronomy, specially created by chef Justin Paul. Originally from Kerala and with over two decades of experience in leading hotels and restaurants across Asia, the chef is known for his interpretation of India’s culinary heritage, exploring new techniques, textures and flavour combinations.

Highlights from the menu include dishes such as Tandoori Kasundi Lamb Rack, Tamatari Jhinga (tiger prawns with dehydrated tomato and spices) and Kandari Murgh Tikka among the starters. Main courses feature options such as Beef Kattappana, Safed Maas (lamb rack with delicate spices), Mango Fish Curry and Goan Prawn Curry, offering a journey through the rich and aromatic flavours of India.

The gastronomic experience concludes with desserts that reinterpret Indian classics, such as Lychee and Rose Kulfi and Elaneee Payasam, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation.

Complementing the menu, the event also features an exclusive cocktail list created by guest mixologist Joseph, showcasing drinks inspired by spices, fruits and ingredients typical of the Indian subcontinent, further enhancing the sensory experience.

The Holi Festival, known as the festival of colours, symbolises the arrival of spring and celebrates life, renewal and the triumph of good over evil. At JNcQUOI Asia, this tradition comes to life through a distinctive gastronomic offering, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Indian culture through the senses.

João Portugal Ramos Launches Special Wine Tourism Programme

15/05/2026Vila Santa winery in Estremoz presents a cycle of experiences combining wine, gastronomy, music and the arts, headlined by the Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out on 16 May

João Portugal Ramos’s winery in Estremoz is opening a new wine tourism season with a varied programme running from 16 May to 20 June. The calendar includes a live music festival, a sushi pairing dinner, and two workshops focused on Alentejo gastronomy and the visual arts, affirming Adega Vila Santa as a multifaceted destination in the heart of the Alentejo.

The centrepiece of the programme is the Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out on 16 May, dedicated to one of the house’s most iconic wines. The event brings together wine tastings, gastronomy and live music, with performances by Afonso Dubraz, Tiago Bettencourt and the band HMB.

On 28 May, the winery hosts a pairing dinner in partnership with chef Guilherme of SushiArt restaurant, featuring a sushi menu matched with a selection of the estate’s wines. June turns to tradition and creativity: on the 13th, an Alentejo bread workshop led by Mário Valente of Pelourinho Bistro; and on the 20th, a papier-mâché workshop run by Rita Teixeira of the Tento na Tinta studio, combining artistic expression with wine and small plates.

The dinner and workshops have limited places and require prior booking. The João Portugal Ramos Vinhos Group, with a presence across the Alentejo, Douro, Beiras and Vinho Verde regions, exports around 60 per cent of its production to international markets.

Dalva reinforces the Metamorfose DOC Douro range

13/05/2026Five years after the launch of Metamorfose Branco, the brand presents two new premium references in limited editions.

Dalva, a historic Portuguese wine house specializing in Douro and Port wines, has just reinforced its Metamorfose DOC Douro line with the launch of two new references: the Dalva Metamorfose Rosé 2021 and the Dalva Metamorfose Tinto 2017. These new additions join the already acclaimed Dalva Metamorfose Branco 2019, launched five years ago, consolidating a premium collection composed of three limited-edition wines.

Each reference in the Metamorfose range features numbered bottles, with sophisticated profiles designed to surprise Douro wine lovers. The concept of the collection is inspired by the very idea of ​​metamorphosis, understood as transformation and evolution over time, a process that requires patience and maturation. It was with this concept that, in 2014, the Dalva Metamorfose DOC Douro line was born, celebrating the development of wine and how time influences its expression.

The Dalva Metamorfose Rosé 2021, produced exclusively from the Tinta Roriz variety, has an elegant profile with a creamy texture and precise acidity, the result of prolonged aging in barrels. The Dalva Metamorfose Tinto 2017, from an old vineyard located on the banks of the Pinhão River, stands out for its aromatic depth, with notes of fine spices, freshness and firm tannins, benefiting from long aging in the bottle.

In terms of food pairing, the rosé is ideal to accompany grilled fish, white meats and medium-intensity cheeses, while the red wine adapts particularly well to roasted meats, stews, game dishes and cured cheeses.

The winemaking continues to be overseen by José Manuel Sousa Soares, responsible for these new creations that are arriving on the market in anticipation of spring. The three references in the Metamorfose DOC Douro line have a recommended retail price of 35 euros and are available in the country’s main wine cellars, restaurants and the online store.

Mesa de Lemos Awarded Sustainable Sun by the Repsol Guide

12/05/2026Diogo Rocha's restaurant strengthens its fine dining standing with a focus on sustainability

Mesa de Lemos, led by chef Diogo Rocha, has been awarded a Sustainable Sun at the Repsol Guide Portugal 2026 Gala, further recognition of the restaurant’s commitment to responsible environmental practices.

The distinction was announced at the ceremony held on 13 April in Évora, and adds to the two Repsol Suns awarded in 2025, consolidating the restaurant’s reputation as a benchmark of Portuguese fine dining.

Located in Passos de Silgueiros, Viseu, and set within Quinta de Lemos, the restaurant has built a gastronomic identity rooted in sustainability, the championing of local producers, and respect for seasonality. The award highlights the consistency with which the project has adopted responsible practices across its entire operation, from ingredient sourcing to resource management.

“It is an immense honour to be distinguished with the Sustainable Sun at such a special gala for Portuguese gastronomy. This recognition, adding to the two Suns awarded last year, reflects the daily commitment of the whole team, our connection to the land, to Portuguese produce, and to a deep respect for tradition,” said chef Diogo Rocha.

The Repsol Guide, one of the leading international references in restaurant evaluation, annually distinguishes the finest restaurants on the basis of an overall assessment of the dining experience, weighing criteria including innovation, quality of service, authenticity and sustainability. In its first Portuguese edition, the guide highlighted 194 restaurants, awarding Suns to 70 establishments, of which only 17 received two Suns.

The Sustainable Sun awarded to Mesa de Lemos reinforces not only its identity as a fine dining restaurant, but also its commitment to a more considered, balanced and terroir-driven gastronomy.

The holder of both a MICHELIN Star and a Green Star, the restaurant continues to affirm itself as a space where tradition and innovation meet, in a proposition that champions Portuguese produce and its deep connection to the land.

QM Patriam 2nd Edition among the top 30 in Grandes Escolhas Magazine

11/05/2026Alvarinho wine from Quintas de Melgaço is part of the Top 30 of Grandes Escolhas magazine, a distinction announced at a ceremony held in Estoril.

The QM Patriam Alvarinho 2nd Edition, produced by Quintas de Melgaço, was distinguished by Grandes Escolhas magazine as one of the best wines of 2025, joining the publication’s prestigious Top 30. The distinction was announced on March 6th, during the ceremony held at the Estoril Congress Center.

The recognition highlights the positioning of this wine as one of the most ambitious expressions of the Alvarinho grape variety in the Monção and Melgaço sub-region, standing out among thousands of wines tasted over the past year by the magazine’s panel of experts.

The QM Patriam 2nd Edition is the result of a blend that combines four different vintages – 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. This single-varietal wine seeks to honor the rural and wine-growing heritage that defines the region’s identity, reflecting the connection between traditional practices and a contemporary winemaking approach.

In the glass, it presents an intense citrine color and a clear appearance, revealing vibrant freshness. On the nose, fresh floral notes stand out, accompanied by a subtle touch of dried fruit, which adds complexity to the whole. On the palate, the wine is smooth, voluminous and consistent, with an elegant acidity that prolongs the finish and reinforces its gastronomic identity.

Signed by winemaker Jorge Sousa Pinto, the QM Patriam Alvarinho 2nd Edition reveals great versatility at the table, harmonizing well with cod dishes, fish, white or red meats. The ideal serving temperature is between 10ºC and 12ºC, in order to highlight the freshness and elegance of the wine.

This distinction from Grandes Escolhas magazine, one of the leading publications in the wine sector in Portugal, also represents recognition of the work developed in valuing the Alvarinho grape variety and the Monção and Melgaço sub-region, where more than 500 winegrowers contribute daily to affirming the quality and identity of Vinho Verde wines. The QM Patriam Alvarinho 2nd Edition thus establishes itself as a symbol of this collective ambition: a wine that seeks to honor the past, interpret the present, and project the future of Alvarinho.

JNcQUOI Fish debuts in the Michelin Guide Portugal 2026

08/05/2026Restaurant led by chef Filipe Carvalho enters the selection of the prestigious guide just a few months after its opening in Lisbon.

JNcQUOI Fish, a restaurant within the JNcQUOI universe located on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon, has just been included in the MICHELIN Guide Portugal 2026 selection, after receiving a recommendation during the gala held in Funchal. The distinction comes just a few months after the opening of the space and recognizes the quality, creativity and consistency of the cuisine led by chef Filipe Carvalho.

Opened in October 2025, JNcQUOI Fish presents itself as a tribute to Portugal’s historical connection to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a gastronomic proposal centered on fish and seafood cuisine, reinterpreted with a contemporary and original approach.

Between dishes that revisit classics of Portuguese maritime gastronomy and more innovative creations, the restaurant seeks to combine technical rigor, product quality and elegant service, creating a gastronomic experience marked by sophistication and the appreciation of Portuguese culinary tradition.
The entry into the Michelin Guide represents recognition of the work developed by the team since the opening of the space and consolidates JNcQUOI Fish as one of the most relevant new restaurants in Lisbon.

“This is undoubtedly a very happy moment for the entire team and one that will last in our memory. Seeing our work recognized with this recommendation in the MICHELIN Guide, in so few months, is a huge joy and an incentive to continue surprising our customers every day,” says chef Filipe Carvalho.

The restaurant also features a visual and architectural concept that reinforces the connection with the sea. The interior design, by architect Vincent Van Duysen, combines contemporary elements with references to the Atlantic, creating an elegant and immersive environment. The dining room, with a capacity for 80 people, integrates an open kitchen that brings customers closer to the team’s creative process.

The project is part of the JNcQUOI universe, a Portuguese brand dedicated to premium restaurants, lifestyle, and gastronomic experiences, and features the culinary leadership of executive chef António Bóia, who has been with the group since its creation in 2016.
With this distinction, JNcQUOI Fish reinforces its position in the national gastronomic scene, establishing itself as a space where maritime tradition, contemporary technique, and sensory experience meet at the table.

“Cadavre Exquis” Arrives at MUDE with APENO’s Support, Strengthening the Link Between Culture and Urban Wine Tourism

07/05/2026Lisbon is set to host, on 9 May, the launch of “Cadavre Exquis – Fotografar em Continuidade”, a collective work bringing together 78 authors from different creative fields, in a project that crosses photography, design, journalism, writing and music.

The presentation will take place at the MUDE – Museum of Design auditorium at 3:00pm and will feature Rui Vieira Nery, in a session that promises to stand out as a meeting point for diverse artistic and creative expressions.

Coordinated by Jorge Barbosa and published by By the Book, the book draws inspiration from the surrealist concept of “cadavre exquis”, proposing a chain-based creation in which each author contributes to a continuous visual narrative. The result is a work that challenges the limits of individual authorship and highlights collaboration as a driver of artistic innovation.

The event is supported by APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism, reinforcing the growing connection between culture, territory and wine experiences in an urban context. This involvement aligns with a broader strategy to promote urban wine tourism, fostering initiatives that bring together wine, art and creativity in cities such as Lisbon.

In addition to APENO, the launch is also supported by entities such as Casa Ermelinda Freitas, João Portugal Ramos Vinhos and Quinta da Lagoalva, highlighting the role of the wine sector in supporting contemporary culture.

More than a book launch, “Cadavre Exquis – Fotografar em Continuidade” positions itself as a cultural experience that brings together diverse audiences and strengthens the dialogue between art, wine and national identity.