Symington Declares 2024 Vintage Port After Seven Years

03/06/2026New harvest marks a return to a classic Douro profile defined by elegance and precision

Symington Family Estates has announced the declaration of a 2024 Vintage Port — a landmark moment that marks the return to a classic Douro harvest after a seven-year interval since the last declaration in 2017.

Produced only in years of exceptional quality, Vintage Port is one of the most exclusive categories in the world of Port wine, and this new declaration only deepens that rarity. The lengthy gap between declarations reflects the exacting standards of the Symington family, who chose to wait for the ideal conditions before producing wines worthy of their benchmark.

Between 2018 and 2023, the Douro region faced a succession of challenging years, characterised by climatic instability and elevated temperatures. Despite the quality of certain harvests, the conditions necessary for a classic Vintage did not consistently come together.

It was in 2024 that the desired balance was finally achieved, with even ripening and stable climatic conditions, yielding wines that express what the family describes as the “classic harmony of the Douro.” The Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca varieties — fundamental in defining a Vintage year — reached levels of excellence, producing wines that are elegant, structured, and built for the long term.

“A seven-year hiatus between declarations places this Vintage in the territory of historical rarity. But more than that, it is a statement of principle: in a world of urgency, we believe in the value of waiting — because the greatest Vintage Ports only happen when nature dictates the right moment,” said Charles Symington, head winemaker and production director.

The declaration spans all of the group’s principal houses — Dow’s, Graham’s, Warre’s, Cockburn’s, and Quinta do Vesúvio — joined by limited productions including Graham’s The Stone Terraces, Capela da Quinta do Vesúvio, and a restricted selection from Quinta de Roriz, in partnership with the Prats family.

In total, eight distinct expressions of a single exceptional year have been released, each reflecting the individual identity of its house and the unique character of its terroir. With this release, Symington reaffirms its position as one of the foremost references in Port wine, underscoring the importance of time, nature and precision in the creation of great wines.

Global Wine Tourism Conference Highlights APENO’s Role in the Wine Tourism Sector

02/06/2026The Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism, the growth of wine tourism in Portugal, the sector’s future challenges and the role of organisations in its professionalisation were among the key topics discussed at the Global Wine Tourism Conference, held in the Alentejo region and attended by experts, academics, business leaders and institutional representatives linked to tourism and wine.

Maria João de Almeida, President of APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism (pictured with her team), took part in two conference panels, stating that Portuguese wine tourism is currently experiencing “one of the most dynamic periods in its history”, driven by the increasing professionalisation of the sector and the growing appreciation of wine-producing regions.

In the first panel, dedicated to the present and future of the sector, Maria João de Almeida shared the stage with Jaime Serra, Professor at the University of Évora and one of Portugal’s leading academic experts in tourism, and Nuno Madeira, Product Manager at Turismo de Portugal, responsible for the development and promotion of strategic tourism products at a national level. The discussion was moderated by Carlos Fontão de Carvalho, President of the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy.

Topics addressed during the session included the professionalisation of the sector, the need to strengthen training for industry professionals, destination sustainability, innovation in tourism experiences and the growing economic impact of wine tourism.

“What we are seeing in Portugal today is a sector that is increasingly structured, professional and aware of its importance to local communities and regions. Wine tourism has evolved from being a complement to wine production into a genuine business area capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and attracting visitors throughout the year. Naturally, there are challenges facing the sector, but we must continue to work with resilience to overcome them,” said Maria João de Almeida.

She also highlighted the work carried out by APENO since its foundation, emphasising that the association has sought to organise, professionalise and represent a sector that continues to grow despite lacking its own dedicated regulatory framework.

“It has been a demanding but highly rewarding journey. Today, we see APENO being recognised by various national and international organisations as an example of sector organisation and development, something that naturally makes us very proud,” she added.

In a second conference session, Maria João de Almeida moderated a panel dedicated to some of the most significant wine tourism projects in the Baixo Alentejo region.

The discussion featured Pedro Ribeiro, General Manager of Herdade do Rocim, a project that has become one of Portugal’s leading references in the promotion of traditional talha wines and organiser of the internationally recognised Amphora Wine Day festival; Rita Soares, General Manager of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a benchmark for luxury tourism in Portugal and internationally recognised for the quality of its integrated offering; Sofia Machado, representing Herdade do Sobroso, a family-owned estate combining wine production, accommodation and close contact with nature in one of the region’s largest private reserves; and Helena Manuel from Herdade dos Lagos, a project located in Mértola focused on organic farming and the sustainable development of the territory.

The debate provided insight into different business models and tourism development strategies, highlighting the diversity of the Alentejo’s wine tourism offer and the region’s increasing ability to attract both domestic and international visitors. Maria João de Almeida noted that the variety of approaches presented by the different projects demonstrated the maturity achieved by the sector.

“There is no single formula for success. What exists are authentic projects that remain true to the territory in which they are located and are capable of creating memorable experiences for visitors. That is precisely what this panel demonstrated,” she stated.

The President of APENO also highlighted the work carried out by the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board in promoting the destination.

The opening session was attended by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, whose presence was considered by the organisers as a sign of the growing importance of wine tourism within the country’s tourism strategy.

Maria João de Almeida also thanked José Santos, President of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board, for the invitation, highlighting the organisation’s role in supporting and promoting the sector.

“Collaboration between institutions, businesses and public entities has been fundamental to the growth of Portuguese wine tourism. Today, the Alentejo is a clear example of how joint efforts can transform a territory into an international benchmark,” she concluded.

The Global Wine Tourism Conference took place as part of the initiatives associated with the designation of Baixo Alentejo as the European City of Wine 2026, bringing together national and international experts to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities for the future development of the sector.

Herdade do Rocim Launches 2025 Alicante Bouschet from Vidigueira

01/06/2026New vintage reinforces the variety's identity in the Alentejo and is now available

Herdade do Rocim has announced the release of the Alicante Bouschet 2025 — Vidigueira DOC Alentejo, a new vintage that reaffirms the producer’s commitment to championing the region’s most emblematic grape varieties. The wine is now available to purchase.

Produced in the Vidigueira sub-region, recognised for its exceptional conditions for viticulture, this Alicante Bouschet expresses the distinctive character of the Alentejo terroir, combining structure, intensity and ageing potential. The choice of this variety, so deeply rooted in the Alentejo, reflects the identity of Herdade do Rocim and its commitment to wines of provenance and authenticity.

With a profile that favours concentration and elegance, the Herdade do Rocim Alicante Bouschet 2025 is conceived both for immediate drinking and for development in bottle, pairing well with richer, more robust dishes and more demanding gastronomic occasions.

This release forms part of Rocim’s broader strategy of producing wines that faithfully express the territory from which they come, maintaining a focus on quality, consistency and the celebration of Portugal’s winemaking heritage.

NATIONAL WINE TOURISM AWARDS ONCE AGAIN RECOGNISE THE BEST IN THE SECTOR

30/05/2026Bigger, more representative and more established than ever. This was the atmosphere surrounding another edition of the National Wine Tourism Awards, organised by APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism, which once again brought together the leading figures of the sector in a ceremony marked by recognition and the celebration of Portuguese wine tourism.

The APENO gala, supported by the Lisbon Tourism Board and Loures City Council, and held under the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic, took place at Quinta Condes de Valadares, in Loures — a historic venue that provided the ideal setting for an elegant yet relaxed evening. The event also reinforced the positioning of the municipality and the Lisbon region as increasingly relevant destinations for Portuguese wine tourism.

Hosted by Rodrigo Gomes from RFM, the event once again brought together producers, professionals, institutions, brands and partners in an atmosphere of strong collaboration and shared purpose, highlighting the growing importance of wine tourism in promoting territories, culture, gastronomy and Portuguese wine.

This year’s edition recognised projects and professionals across 16 categories, reflecting the diversity, innovation and quality that currently define the sector in Portugal. Among the winners were projects from different regions of the country, demonstrating the ability of Portuguese wine tourism to deliver unique and distinctive experiences.

List of Winners:
Best Wine Tourism Destination in Portugal: Azores Wine Company;
Best Urban Wine Tourism Project: Madeira Wine Company;
Best Family Project: Quinta do Pôpa;
Best Professional: Vera Magalhães – João Portugal Ramos;
Best Accommodation: Herdade do Sobroso;
Best Restaurant: JNcQUOI;
Best Chef: Cintia Koerper and Joachim Koerper – Herdade da Malhadinha Nova;
Best Sommelier: Sandra Reis – Sala de Prova;
Best Tasting Room: Symington – Graham’s Vintage Room;
Best Tourism Company: Vila Galé;
Best Inclusive Project: AdegaMãe;
Best Sustainable Project: Casa do JOA;
Best Wine Shop: Casa Ermelinda Freitas;
Best Art and Culture Project: Bacalhôa – Aliança Underground Museum;
Best Innovation and Technology Project: Casa Museu Interativa de Borba;
Best Hospitality: Torre de Palma.

In addition to these distinctions, APENO once again presented the Merit and Incentive Awards, recognising personalities and projects that have made significant contributions to the development of Portuguese wine tourism. The Merit and Incentive – Individual Award was presented to Helena Dimas, from ODE Winery, while the Merit and Incentive – Project Award recognised Honrado Vineyards.

The judging panel included journalists specialising in wine, gastronomy and tourism, chefs, sommeliers, industry professionals, official entities and APENO members, in a process that once again reflected the diversity and representativeness of the sector.

“The National Wine Tourism Awards have become a moment of connection between professionals, projects and regions. APENO is proud to organise this benchmark event, which recognises the work of a sector that is strategic both for regional development and for promoting Portugal internationally,” says Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism (APENO).

She further highlights that “the growing quality of the candidate projects and the increasing involvement of the sector demonstrate the maturity and innovative capacity of Portuguese wine tourism. It is extremely rewarding to see different regions represented and to witness the sector continuing to evolve consistently.”

The gala was also supported by several entities linked to the wine, tourism and hospitality sectors, including Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, Amorim, Grupo Stosberg, Abreu Advogados, Biosphere and Viagens Abreu, with media partners WineTourismTV and SAPO Portal.

Altano and Cockburn’s Bring the Douro to Primavera Sound Porto 2026

27/05/2026Symington wines return to the festival with wine bars and immersive experiences.

From the Douro to the heart of Porto, Altano and Cockburn’s wines, from Symington Family Estates, are once again present at Primavera Sound Porto 2026 as official partners, reinforcing the connection between wine, music and contemporary experiences.

The festival, held at Parque da Cidade, welcomes these two brands for the second consecutive year, promising to enhance the audience experience through a presence spread across the entire venue.

Throughout the event, visitors will find Altano and Cockburn’s wine bars in various areas, including public spaces, the VIP zone and the official restaurant. The offering features a broad selection of wines from Symington Family Estates, ranging from whites, reds and rosés to sparkling wines and Port wines, all designed to complement the festival atmosphere.

More than a brand presence, this participation translates into an immersive experience, with activations designed to bring audiences closer to the world of wine in an informal and contemporary setting.

Altano, associated with a younger, fresher expression of the Douro, and Cockburn’s, one of the historic Port wine houses, represent two complementary worlds that come together in this urban and cultural context.

“We are delighted to once again partner with Primavera Sound Porto as official partners. We believe in the connection between wine, culture and authentic experiences. Returning with Altano and Cockburn’s reinforces our commitment to creating relevant and memorable activations for the public,” says Rita Veiga Bulhosa.

Primavera Sound Porto, now in its 13th edition, stands as one of Europe’s leading festivals, marking the start of the summer season in the city. The line-up includes names such as Gorillaz, Massive Attack, The xx, Peggy Gou and Big Thief, attracting thousands of national and international visitors.

With this partnership, Symington further strengthens its strategy of engaging new audiences, bringing Douro wines into urban and cultural settings where tradition and modernity meet.

Torre de Palma Restaurant Unveils New Gastronomic Concept

25/05/2026New positioning focuses on Alentejo authenticity, local produce and a more complete wine tourism experience.

Torre de Palma Restaurant, part of Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Vaiamonte (Monforte), is introducing a new gastronomic concept in 2026, now led by chef Eduardo Grilo, in an approach that strengthens its connection to the territory and the roots of Alentejo cuisine.

Originally from Arronches, Eduardo Grilo brings to the restaurant a vision deeply rooted in his personal background and the traditions of the region, presenting a concept centred on proximity-based cuisine, family heritage and the promotion of local producers. The aim is to transform each meal into a true sensory journey through Alto Alentejo, where product and memory take centre stage.

The restaurant’s new identity prioritises ingredients sourced from the estate’s vegetable garden and orchard, as well as from regional producers, in an approach that combines seasonality, sustainability and authenticity. The menu reflects this philosophy, reviving traditional recipes and reinterpreting them with contemporary sensitivity.

Highlighted dishes include “Beef tongue with cauliflower migas”, a dish strongly connected to Alentejo tradition and rarely found in contemporary dining, prepared through slow cooking to ensure texture and depth of flavour. The “Alentejo tomato soup”, made from homemade preserves, evokes traditional preservation methods and the everyday life of local families. Meanwhile, the “Hare rice”, inspired by a family recipe of the chef, stands as a tribute to heritage cuisine, with an intense aromatic profile faithful to tradition.

Among the main courses, the “Carn’Alentejana pork chop with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables” further reinforces the connection to regional produce and the identity of Alentejo cuisine. The pastry offering is led by chef Márcia Dias, who presents desserts such as “Sericaia with Elvas plum ice cream”, bringing the experience to a close with a dessert deeply rooted in the region.

The restaurant’s renewal also extends to service, with Alexandre Santos joining as head waiter and Emanuel Granadeiro as sommelier, both with solid experience in the fine dining segment, contributing to elevating the overall quality and sophistication of the experience.

In addition to the new menu, Torre de Palma is preparing a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the experiential dimension of the project, including private cooking classes, exclusive meals in the estate’s centuries-old oven house, and pop-up events with guest chefs and local producers. Among the highlights is the Food Love Fest, scheduled for 28 March, celebrating Alentejo gastronomy.

This new positioning consolidates Torre de Palma’s vision as a leading wine tourism destination, where wine, heritage and gastronomy stand as complementary pillars of the experience. Set within an estate dating back to the 14th century, the hotel combines history, contemporary architecture, its own wine production and a strong connection to equestrian culture, now further reinforcing gastronomy as a central element of its offering.

The restaurant is open daily, from 12:30pm to 3:00pm for lunch and from 7:30pm to 10:00pm for dinner. Reservations can be made via The Fork or through the hotel’s usual contact channels.

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.