JNcQUOI Asia’s “Express Lunch” returns with new flavors

17/11/2025The quick and sophisticated lunch menu has been revamped with proposals from chef Mário Esteves and the irreverent signature of JNcQUOI

JNcQUOI Asia, located on Avenida da Liberdade, surprises food lovers once again with the return of “Express Lunch,” a menu designed for those who want an excellent lunch experience. The menu returns with new flavor combinations and the creativity characteristic of the kitchen led by chef Mário Esteves.
Among the starters, the crispy shrimp roll with plum sauce and the fish sunomono stand out, joining classics such as miso soup with tofu and wakame, the dim sum selection, and the spinach and tofu salad with sesame sauce. Among the main courses, the menu features two new creations: Yakitori chicken donburi and teriyaki salmon with cucumber sunomono, which enrich a selection that includes Thai char siu noodles with shrimp wontons, a selection of sushi and sashimi, and sweet and sour tofu.
Available Monday through Friday, from noon to 4:00 p.m., the “Express Lunch” costs €37 per person and includes a cover charge, a choice of starter and main course, a drink (soft drink, beer, or a glass of wine selected by the sommelier), and coffee.J

NcQUOI Asia, renowned for its fusion of Asian cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere, is open Sunday through Wednesday from noon to midnight and Thursday through Saturday until 2:00 a.m. Reservations can be made by phone (+351 21 051 30 00) or email (book@jncquoiasia.com).
With executive chef António Bóia leading the JNcQUOI group and chef Mário Esteves at the helm of the JNcQUOI Asia kitchen, the restaurant reaffirms its position as one of Lisbon’s most cosmopolitan gastronomic venues, combining tradition, technique, and innovation in a concept that transforms lunch into a memorable experience.

Quinta Nova presents new autumn menus

12/11/2025Surrounded by a landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, one of the best wine tourism destinations in the Douro, launches its new autumn menus at the Terraçu's restaurant, with menus that pay homage to the flavours of the land and the childhood memories of chef André Carvalho.

A native of the region between the Douro and Dão, the chef imprints the identity of his origins on his new creations, reviving family recipes and seasonal products that mark the season. Among the personal references that run through the menu are his father António’s squid and his mother Otília’s veal, reinterpreted in a contemporary and elegant style.
The new offerings are available in two formats: the “Origins Tasting” menu, consisting of five courses, and the “Moments Tasting” menu, available at lunchtime, with shorter and more flexible options. The “Origins” experience explores flavours linked to the chef’s family tradition – from his grandmother Angelina’s garlic vineyard to the village’s caldo verde (kale soup), ending with his aunt Alda’s biscuit cake. Each dish is accompanied by a house wine, in an enogastronomic journey that includes Quinta Nova Rosé 2024, Taboadella Reserva Encruzado Branco 2024, Mirabilis Branco 2023, Taboadella Grande Villae Tinto 2020 and Quinta Nova Porto Vintage 2022.

The lunch and dinner menus also feature suggestions such as creamy white asparagus with parsley oil and crispy ham and olives, low-temperature egg with wild mushrooms and black garlic purée, Cuscos de Trás-os-Montes with truffle, and pan-fried pike with mushrooms and leek. Desserts include lime cheesecake with lemon verbena ice cream, coffee and caramel mille-feuille, and chocolate and strawberries in various textures.
Terraçu’s wine list includes all Quinta Nova wines, including reds, whites, rosés and Port wines, with a highlight being the fire-opened Vintage Port from 2000 and a Historic Wine Cellar with rare vintages, such as Mirabilis Grande Reserva Branco 2011 and Quinta Nova Grande Reserva Touriga Nacional 2007.
The only restaurant in the Douro region to join the Slow Food movement, Terraçu’s focuses on cuisine based on origin and time, which values local products and authentic flavours. The new menus reflect the restaurant’s philosophy: combining tradition with sophistication, with respect for nature and the stories that shape Portuguese cuisine.
The lunch and dinner menus also feature suggestions such as creamy white asparagus with parsley oil and crispy ham and olives, and low-temperature egg.

Matriarca inaugurates The Attic Bar and The Wine Academy and opens the entire building

11/11/2025The iconic Matriarca, home of the Symington family in Porto, celebrates the full opening of its space with the debut of The Attic Bar and The Wine Academy, offering wine, gastronomic and educational experiences to visitors.

After a partial opening in June, with The Wine Bar, The Dining Room and The Cellar Shop already in operation, Matriarca now enters a new phase with the inauguration of two new concepts: The Attic Bar, dedicated to signature cocktails with Port wine, and The Wine Academy, which offers courses, workshops and wine experiences for beginners and professionals. With three fully open floors, the building promises experiences that combine tradition, innovation and authenticity.
The Attic Bar, located on the third floor, offers cocktails inspired by the life and rituals of the family matriarch, Beatriz Leitão Carvalhosa Atkinson. The Signature Collection menu offers sensory creations divided into chapters, from the floral The Garden Retreat to the exotic Rebels of the Cellar. The Recrafted Collection section reinvents classic cocktails with Port wine, balancing tradition and modernity.

On the top floor, The Wine Academy invites visitors to deepen their knowledge of wine through courses, tastings and workshops. Among the offerings are an Introductory Wine Tasting Course, Port Wine Cocktail Workshops and exclusive experiences with rare wines. The academy also hosts corporate sessions and personalised experiences for small groups, reinforcing the connection between learning and wine enjoyment.
Vicky Symington, Wine Tourism Marketing Manager at Symington Family Estates, points out that ‘Matriarca was designed to be much more than a tasting venue – it is a meeting place for everyone who values wine, gastronomy and the know-how that spans generations.’ Teresa Symington Caxide, Head of Hospitality and F&B, adds that the full opening reinforces the culture, tradition and innovation that wine inspires in the city of Porto.
Designed by London-based studio Thurstan, Matriarca combines historical heritage with contemporary design, offering The Wine Bar and Cellar Shop on the ground floor and The Dining Room on the first floor, under the guidance of chef Pedro Lencastre Monteiro. Each space reflects five generations of the Symington family, with a focus on authenticity, quality and memorable experiences for visitors and wine lovers.
With extended opening hours and a diverse programme, Matriarca has established itself as an iconic destination in Porto, combining gastronomy, culture and wine tourism in one place.

Vesúvio & Bomfim Experience wins “Best Of Wine Tourism” award in the Innovative Experiences category

11/11/2025Symington Family Estates has once again been recognised internationally: the Vesúvio & Bomfim Experience won the Best Of Wine Tourism 2026 award in the Innovative Experiences category, consolidating the family's role as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in wine tourism in the Douro.

The Douro continues to assert itself as one of the most inspiring wine tourism destinations in the world, and Symington Family Estates is once again at the forefront of this distinction. The Vesúvio & Bomfim Experience was awarded in the Innovative Experiences category of the prestigious Best Of Wine Tourism 2026 awards, promoted by the international Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which every year recognises excellence and creativity in the wine tourism sector.

The winning proposal offers an immersive and exclusive journey that takes visitors to explore two of the Symington family’s most emblematic estates — Quinta do Vesúvio and Quinta do Bomfim — through a combination of tradition, landscape and wine culture. The highlight is the train journey along the Douro Line, accompanied by an expert guide who shares stories and curiosities about the region, making the journey a unique sensory and cultural experience.

At Quinta do Vesúvio, one of the most legendary and remote properties in the Douro, visitors learn about the terroir and history of the estate before enjoying lunch on the iconic balcony overlooking the valley. This is followed by a train journey to Pinhão, through stunning scenery, culminating at Quinta do Bomfim, where participants are welcomed for a premium wine tasting and a final dinner. Lasting approximately 10 hours, the experience takes place between 1 May and 31 October, at a cost of €800 per person.

‘This award recognises our commitment to providing experiences that go beyond wine tasting, involving our visitors in an authentic journey through the Douro,’ says Ana Rodrigues of Symington Family Estates. ‘The train journey is the distinguishing feature that allows us to connect the past and present of this region, making the experience truly unforgettable,’ she adds.

This distinction brings the total number of Best Of Wine Tourism awards given to Symington Family Estates to 14, adding to a remarkable portfolio of national and international recognitions. These include the title of Global Winner 2024 and the Best Architecture & Landscape 2024 awards for Quinta do Bomfim and Innovative Experiences 2023 for Quinta do Vesúvio.

With over 140 years of history, Symington Family Estates is one of the most respected families in the Portuguese wine industry, owning iconic brands such as Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s and Cockburn’s, and Douro wines such as Quinta do Vesúvio, Altano and Chryseia. The company, which manages 28 estates in the Douro with 1,076 hectares of vineyards, is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability — being the first wine company in Portugal to obtain B Corp certification.

The Vesúvio & Bomfim Experience thus reinforces Symington Family Estates’ role as a pioneer in innovative and responsible wine tourism, celebrating the unique identity of the Douro through a journey that combines history, nature and wine — the eternal pillars of this unique region.

Amphora Wine Day returns to Herdade do Rocim

10/11/2025Annual event brings together national and international producers to celebrate the ancient tradition of amphora wine with tastings, conferences, and music

Amphora Wine Day returns on November 15, 2025, to Herdade do Rocim, in Vidigueira, consolidating the Alentejo as a world reference in the production of Talha Wine, an ancestral technique with over two thousand years of history. Under the direction of winemakers Catarina Vieira and Pedro Ribeiro, the event welcomes producers, experts, and wine lovers to celebrate the tradition, culture, and innovation associated with winemaking in amphorae.
The event opens its doors at 11:00 a.m., with exclusive access to industry professionals and the press until 2:00 p.m. From then until 7:00 p.m., the general public will be able to freely taste all the wines on display, in an atmosphere that combines conferences, regional cuisine, and live music.
The 2025 edition will feature around 50 national and international producers from countries such as Portugal, Chile, Georgia, Spain, France, and Italy, who will come together to share experiences and reinforce the global projection of this ancient technique. Since its creation in 2018, Amphora Wine Day has become one of the most important events dedicated to Talha Wine, attracting wine lovers, journalists, and international experts.

For Pedro Ribeiro, administrator of Herdade do Rocim, “it was here, between Vidigueira and Cuba, that Alentejo was once again recognized as the great guardian of Talha Wine, putting Portugal on the map of wines made in amphorae. We can safely say that Rocim opened the world’s eyes to Alentejo amphora wine.“ Catarina Vieira adds that ”producers from all over the world travel to Alentejo to celebrate this ancient art and understand how clay, time, and earth come together to create unique wines.”
The event will take place at Herdade do Rocim, EN 387, 7940-909 Cuba, with tickets available in advance for €24.50 and on the day of the event for €29.50, through Ticketline and the usual points of sale. Amphora Wine Day thus reinforces the Alentejo’s position as the epicenter of Talha Wine and promotes international recognition of this unique winemaking practice.

 

Quinta do Quetzal wins European award for innovation in wine tourism

07/11/2025Alentejo producer honored at the Iter Vitis Awards 2025 for combining wine, art, and technology.

Quinta do Quetzal, located in Vidigueira, won first prize in the category “Most Innovative Wine Tourism Experience” at the 9th edition of the Iter Vitis Awards 2025, a European distinction that recognizes projects of excellence in cultural tourism linked to wine.
The ceremony took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, as part of the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards, bringing together producers, leaders, and experts from across Europe. The award was received by Reto Jörg, administrator of Quinta do Quetzal, who emphasized the team’s pride and ongoing commitment to innovation.
“This award is a tremendous honor that validates the ambitious vision of Quinta do Quetzal’s founders: to combine the production of excellent wines with a cutting-edge cultural and tourist offering. We feel deeply proud and greatly privileged to represent Portugal and Vidigueira on this prestigious European stage,” said Reto Jörg.
The award highlights Quinta do Quetzal’s unique concept, which combines the Alentejo’s wine-making tradition with contemporary art and technology, creating an immersive and sustainable experience for visitors.

The project includes an art museum, a modern winery, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the vineyards, positioning itself as a leading wine tourism destination.
Iter Vitis, a European network dedicated to promoting wine landscapes and heritage, promotes sustainable tourism and cooperation between regions. The Iter Vitis Awards annually recognize projects that contribute to the preservation of the cultural identity of wine and to the economic and tourist revitalization of local communities.
With this recognition, Quinta do Quetzal reinforces its role as an example of innovation and sustainability, raising the profile of Alentejo and Vidigueira in the European wine tourism scene.

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta recognised as Best Sustainable Wine Tourism Practice in the Douro

04/11/2025Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta was voted the wine tourism project with the best sustainable practices in the Douro region at the Best Of Wine Tourism 2026 regional awards. Part of the international Great Wine Capitals network, the competition annually recognises excellence, innovation and environmental commitment in global wine tourism.

Sustainability in Douro wine tourism now has a new benchmark. Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta was the big winner of the Best Of Wine Tourism 2026 regional awards in the Sustainable Practices in Wine Tourism category, standing out among 83 entries from the Porto, Douro and Vinhos Verdes regions. The distinction reinforces Ventozelo’s role as an example of balance between tradition, innovation and environmental responsibility in the wine sector.

Promoted by the international Great Wine Capitals network, this prestigious competition recognises wine tourism projects that stand out for their quality, originality and positive impact on the community. In the case of Ventozelo, the jury valued the estate’s integrated management model and its genuine commitment to preserving the Douro ecosystem.

“Talking about sustainability in the Port and Douro wine sector is almost redundant, given that this region has had a business that has sustained it for over 250 years. It is an intergenerational business, in which we use the legacy of our ancestors and our responsibility is to renew it and leave it to those who will succeed us,‘ says Jorge Dias, managing director of the Granvinhos group, owner of Quinta de Ventozelo. ’For us, sustainability is not a fad or a narrative to convince customers. It is our business essence and the guarantee that we can continue to use an ecosystem as fragile as the Douro, where it is crucial to manage the scarcity of water, soil and people,” he adds.

In the 24th edition of the awards, only seven regional winners were distinguished and nine honourable mentions were awarded, in a selection that favoured projects capable of combining authenticity, creativity and environmental commitment. The recognition of Ventozelo emerges as a symbol of this combination of respect for nature and the excellence of Douro hospitality.

‘We are honoured by this award because at Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta, in addition to institutional benchmarks, we have adopted a nature-based economic model, where we have integrated all the farm’s spaces and activities, a commitment to community development and, above all, the people to whom this award is due,’ concludes Jorge Dias.

‘A La Mesa’ celebrates five years with a special edition at Cockburn’s Cellars

03/11/2025The ‘A La Mesa’ gastronomic experience celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special edition at Cockburn’s Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on 7 and 9 November. The event brings together five chefs and five wines in two exclusive dinners that combine haute cuisine with the world of Port wines.

Under the motto ‘5 years, 5 chefs, 5 dishes, 5 wines’, the initiative aims to highlight the emerging talent of Portuguese cuisine and the versatility of the wines of Symington Family Estates, owner of Cockburn’s. The two sessions, with a limited capacity of 50 seats per night, will feature different menus prepared jointly by two chefs, with pairings that include wines from the Symington portfolio.
The event will be attended by Argentine chef Maurício Ghiglione, who returns to ‘A La Mesa’, and chefs Pedro Lencastre Monteiro (Matriarca, Porto), Camilo Jaña (Grupo Cafeína), Inês Pando (Mafalda’s do Mercado) and Tânia Durão (Barro Restaurante).
Each evening’s programme begins at 7.30 pm with a welcome aperitif, followed by a six-course dinner consisting of a couvert and five fish and meat dishes inspired by contemporary cuisine. The wines on offer include not only Cockburn’s references, but also other Symington family brands such as Graham’s, Dow’s and Warre’s.

According to Andrew May, Brand Manager at Cockburn’s, “the five years of ‘A La Mesa’ symbolise our commitment to creating unique experiences that combine tradition and innovation, through the talent of chefs and the authenticity of our wines. It is a moment that values sharing and the power of wine to bring people together.”
Tickets, priced at €75 per person, are available for booking at alamesa2025.eventbrite.pt. Cockburn’s Cellars, located at Rua de Serpa Pinto 346, in Vila Nova de Gaia, will once again host this landmark event on the national gastronomic scene. The entrance to the event is via Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas.
In recent years, ‘A La Mesa’ has established itself as one of the most distinguished gastronomic events in the country, promoting the connection between chefs, wine and the public in an intimate setting with high culinary standards.

Algarve Wine Session reinforces the region’s position as a wine destination of excellence

31/10/2025The second edition of the Algarve Wine Commission event brought together 25 producers and over a hundred visitors at the Hilton Vilamoura

The second edition of the Algarve Wine Session, held on October 17, 2025, at the Hilton Vilamoura, confirmed the success of the initiative and consolidated the Algarve as one of Portugal’s leading wine destinations. Organized by the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA), the event brought together 25 producers and 110 participants, including industry professionals, representatives from the hospitality sector, and the general public.
With an estimated production of 1.7 million liters of wine for the 2025/2026 harvest, the region continues to assert itself as a growing territory, distinguished by the quality of its wines and the appreciation of the Negra Mole grape variety, a symbol of Algarve identity. The commitment to sustainable practices and harmony with the territory has contributed to strengthening the reputation of Algarve wines on the national scene.
Among the highlights of the event were the masterclasses led by sommelier Miguel Martins and expert Gilmar Brito, which took participants on an authentic sensory journey through Algarve wines. The sessions, widely praised for their depth and rigor, explored the diversity of flavors and aromas of the region and their possibilities for pairing with local cuisine.
During the morning, producers also had the opportunity to attend a lecture on regenerative agriculture and sustainability, reflecting the sector’s growing commitment to responsible and innovative agricultural practices. The president of the Algarve Wine Commission, Sara Silva, highlighted the positive impact of the event. “The Algarve Wine Session is an initiative that reinforces the Algarve Wine Commission’s commitment to promoting the quality, authenticity, and sustainability of the region’s wines. We aim to bring the public closer to producers and promote wine tourism as an essential pillar of the region’s development.”
With the Algarve Wine Session, the CVA reinforces its mission to promote the region’s wine identity, stimulating wine tourism and creating new opportunities for producers. The event, which combines knowledge, tasting, and networking, contributes to establishing the Algarve as a wine region with a promising future and growing national and international recognition.

Hotel Torre de Palma celebrates São Martinho

30/10/2025Between 10 and 16 November, guests can enjoy magusto, traditional cuisine and relaxing experiences in Alentejo

The Torre de Palma Hotel in Alentejo presents a special programme to celebrate São Martinho from 10 to 16 November, combining the tradition of magusto with wine tourism, gastronomy and wellness experiences. The initiative invites guests to enjoy roasted chestnuts, new wine and moments around the bonfire, in complete harmony with the local landscape and culture.
The programme, designed for two people, includes a welcome drink in the tower with Torre de Palma wine at sunset, two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, magusto around the bonfire on 15 November at 4 pm, snacks and wines from the region, as well as a suggested visit to the Chestnut Fair in Marvão on 9 and 10 November. Participants also enjoy a dinner for two at the Palma restaurant, two foot reflexology massages with exfoliation, free access to the indoor pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath, as well as a bicycle service to explore the surroundings.

The package for two nights in a superior double room starts at €856.50, subject to variations depending on the type of room chosen. Reservations can be cancelled up to seven days before check-in at no additional cost and require prepayment. The programme cannot be combined with other promotions and is only valid for direct bookings with the hotel.
For more information and reservations, interested parties can contact Hotel Torre de Palma by email at reservas@torredepalma.com, by telephone on +351 245 038 890 or via WhatsApp on +351 936 004 264. The programme offers an opportunity to reconnect with tradition, enjoy Alentejo cuisine and experience moments of relaxation in the heart of nature.