Herdade do Sobroso Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World

22/05/2026Alentejo wine tourism estate becomes part of one of the world’s most exclusive international networks of luxury boutique hotels.

Herdade do Sobroso Wine Luxury Hotel & Villas, located in Vidigueira, has joined the prestigious international collection Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), one of the most recognised global brands in the independent luxury hospitality segment.

This distinction places the Alentejo property within a select group of boutique hotels worldwide, recognised for their authenticity, distinctive character, and high standards of quality and service.

Set in the heart of the Alentejo, Herdade do Sobroso stands out as a benchmark project in Portuguese wine tourism, combining wine, nature and hospitality into a fully integrated experience. Located within a wine estate spanning approximately 1,600 hectares, the property features a boutique hotel and private villas, surrounded by vineyards, cork oak forest and the landscapes of the Alqueva Great Lake region.

This international recognition comes at a time of strong brand consolidation, as the estate continues to strengthen its position in the premium segment. The property was recently named “Producer of the Year” by Revista de Vinhos and is also included in Forbes’ list of the world’s 50 best wineries.

According to Sofia Ginestal Machado, CEO of Herdade do Sobroso, “joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a highly significant recognition for our project and for the Alentejo as a destination. We share with SLH a commitment to authenticity, local identity and truly memorable guest experiences.”

In recent years, Herdade do Sobroso has expanded its offering with new experiences centred on wine, traditional Alentejo gastronomy and nature, as well as increasing its accommodation capacity. Highlights include the Vineyard Villas with private pools and the Nature Retreat, projects designed by architect Maria Ginestal Machado, created to offer more exclusive and immersive stays within the landscape.

Joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World represents a strategic step in the brand’s internationalisation, further reinforcing Herdade do Sobroso’s positioning as a leading destination in luxury tourism and wine tourism.

This distinction also comes at a time when Baixo Alentejo is gaining increasing recognition within the European tourism and gastronomy landscape, enhancing the region’s appeal among both domestic and international visitors.

Quanta Terra Transforms Douro Winery into a Contemporary Art Gallery

22/05/2026“A Pele da Terra” exhibition brings together works by four artists in Favaios until the end of the year.

On 8 May, Quanta Terra inaugurated “A Pele da Terra” (“The Skin of the Earth”), a new contemporary art exhibition on display at Espaço Quanta Terra, in Favaios, reinforcing the connection between culture, territory and wine in the Douro. The initiative once again transforms the Douro winery into an immersive gallery, where contemporary art and wine heritage intersect across different spaces within the property.

Running until 31 December, the exhibition features works by artists Vanessa Teodoro, Ana + Betânia, Mário Ferreira and Pant., displayed throughout several areas of the winery, including barrel rooms, century-old vats and tasting rooms. The exhibition route was designed to offer an integrated sensory and artistic experience connected to the identity of the place, promoting a new interpretation of the wine space through contemporary art.

The opening event featured local ethnographic groups, wine tastings and gastronomic creations by chef Rui Paula, in a celebration of Douro culture and the meeting point between tradition and modernity.

This marks the fifth edition of the cultural initiative promoted by Quanta Terra and the second consecutive edition curated by Galeria Contagiarte. According to project leaders and co-founders, winemakers Celso Pereira and Jorge Alves, the aim is to continue democratising access to art and culture in inland Portugal, while simultaneously enhancing the territory and creating new wine tourism experiences.

The exhibition “A Pele da Terra” can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9:30am and 6:00pm, including a wine tasting experience.

José Maria da Fonseca Grows Wine Tourism Business by 40% and Reinforces Focus on Premium Experiences

21/05/2026International demand drives growth in wine tourism and events across Azeitão and Reguengos de Monsaraz.

José Maria da Fonseca has recorded growth of around 40% in revenue from its wine tourism and events division over the past five years, reflecting the increase in visitor numbers, the growing demand for premium experiences and higher average spending per visitor. The company aims to further strengthen this area in 2026, focusing on expanding its offering and developing new wine and lifestyle experiences.

International visitors currently represent around 80% of the company’s total visitors, with key markets including the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Germany. This growth mirrors the increasing appreciation of Portuguese wine tourism among foreign audiences, who are increasingly seeking authentic, distinctive and territory-driven experiences.

José Maria da Fonseca’s wine tourism operation is divided between the historic José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão and the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz. In Azeitão, the offering includes guided tours, tutored tastings, workshops, private experiences and the Wine Corner by José Maria da Fonseca restaurant. In the Alentejo, visitors have the opportunity to discover one of the country’s most emblematic clay pot wineries, where 114 traditional clay amphorae remain in use.

The events area has also become increasingly important within the company’s strategy. In 2025 alone, the House-Museum hosted more than 60 events involving over three thousand participants. Among the new developments planned for this year is the launch of the new “Winter Garden” space, designed to host weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.

In a statement, Sofia Soares Franco, Head of Institutional Communication, Wine Tourism and Events at the company, noted that this growth “reinforces the ambition to continue investing in a distinctive offering focused on quality and authenticity.”

With this development, José Maria da Fonseca further consolidates its position as a benchmark in Portuguese wine tourism, strengthening the connection between heritage, wine, gastronomy and premium experiences.

Global Wines Once Again Stands Out as the Most Awarded Producer at the Vinhos de Portugal Competition

20/05/2026Global Wines once again became the most awarded producer at the Vinhos de Portugal Competition, winning 23 distinctions in the 2026 edition, including the title of Best Single-Varietal White Wine of the Year for Encontro 1 Arinto 2017.

Global Wines has once again strengthened its position within the Portuguese wine industry by securing 23 distinctions at the 13th edition of the Vinhos de Portugal Competition, organised by ViniPortugal. Repeating last year’s achievement, the company became, for the second consecutive year, the most awarded producer in the competition.

Among the main highlights was Encontro 1 Arinto 2017, recognised as the Best Single-Varietal White Wine of the Year. The producer also received three Grand Gold medals, awarded to Paço dos Cunhas Vinha do Contador Tinto 2015, Casa de Santar Vinha dos Amores Encruzado 2021 and the already acclaimed Encontro 1 Arinto 2017.

The distinctions awarded by the competition recognised wines from the Dão, Bairrada and Alentejo regions, with brands such as Casa de Santar, Cabriz, Paço dos Cunhas, Encontro and Herdade Monte da Cal also securing nine Gold and nine Silver medals.

In a statement, Global Wines’ Managing Director, Nuno Medeiros, highlighted that these awards represent the “effort, dedication and passion” of the teams involved. Meanwhile, Paulo Prior, Director of Winemaking, emphasised the importance of the joint work between the winemaking, viticulture and commercial teams, underlining the company’s ongoing commitment to showcasing “the identity and terroir of each region”.

This year’s edition of the Vinhos de Portugal Competition brought together hundreds of Portuguese wines, evaluated by a panel of both national and international judges, consolidating its status as one of the most important wine competitions in Portugal.

Herdade do Rocim Launches Verdelho from Vidigueira

20/05/2026New white wine reinforces the Alentejo producer’s focus on showcasing grape varieties and terroirs from the Vidigueira sub-region.

Herdade do Rocim has just launched Verdelho 2025, a regional Alentejo white wine from the Vidigueira sub-region, now available on the market. This new release reinforces the producer’s strategy of highlighting grape varieties well adapted to the territory and exploring the identity of Alentejo’s diverse terroirs.

Produced exclusively from the Verdelho grape, this wine originates from a region characterised by a more moderate Mediterranean climate, which distinguishes Vidigueira within the Alentejo and creates ideal conditions for producing balanced, high-quality wines. The soils, of granitic and schist origin and naturally low in fertility, contribute to the concentration and aromatic expression of the wine.

The vineyard, trained in an upward single-plane system, benefits from an east-facing exposure and an east–west orientation, factors that favour balanced ripening and help preserve the grapes’ natural freshness.

Vinification involved manual harvesting in 12 kg crates, followed by a period of cold skin maceration. Fermentation took place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 14°C over 13 days, preserving the variety’s primary aromas. The wine was then bottle-aged for three months before being released.

In the glass, Herdade do Rocim Verdelho 2025 displays a greenish-yellow hue, with vibrant tropical notes on the nose. On the palate, it shows good volume and balanced acidity, resulting in a fresh and harmonious profile, suitable for a variety of drinking occasions.

With an alcohol content of 12.5%, this wine positions itself as a versatile addition to Rocim’s portfolio, further reinforcing the producer’s connection to the Vidigueira sub-region and its commitment to wines that express the character of the terroir.

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.