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.

Marquês de Borba Fest Returns to Estremoz for Its Second Edition

06/05/2026Wine festival returns to Adega Vila Santa in May, bringing wine, gastronomy and music to Estremoz for a full day dedicated to the Alentejo.

The Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out returns to Estremoz on 16 May 2026 for its second edition, once again transforming Adega Vila Santa, part of the João Portugal Ramos group, into a meeting point for wine, gastronomy and music. Running from 4:00pm to midnight, the event promises a full day celebrating the spirit of the Alentejo.

Following the success of its first edition, which helped place the Alentejo on the map of wine festivals, the partnership between Time Out and the João Portugal Ramos group is renewed, maintaining a formula that combines wine experiences, gastronomic offerings and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to taste a range of wines from the host winery, from lighter, fresher styles to premium labels. The “Colheita” ticket, priced at €25, includes access to the event and three glasses of wine, allowing guests to explore the diversity of the portfolio.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, the festival includes guided tastings at two time slots (4:30pm and 5:30pm), with three distinct themes: “Fresh Alentejo” (€10), focusing on whites, rosés and sparkling wines; “Portugal in Four Acts” (€15), a journey through different Portuguese wine regions; and “João Portugal Ramos Signature Wines” (€25), dedicated to the producer’s premium range.

The gastronomic component will be led by guest chefs, who will prepare dishes specially designed to pair with the featured wines, reinforcing the connection between product, terroir and culinary creativity.

On the music front, the line-up includes well-known names from the national scene, with Tiago Bettencourt taking the stage at 7:30pm and HMB performing between 9:00pm and 10:15pm. The evening continues with a DJ set, accompanying the celebrations until the end of the event.

The festival has also been designed with families in mind, featuring a dedicated area for younger visitors. The Kids ticket, for children and teenagers aged 3 to 17, is priced at €12.50 and includes two vouchers for non-alcoholic drinks.

With limited capacity, tickets are already available online via MEO Blueticket, FNAC, Worten, Wook and MEO stores, with the option to add wine tastings at the time of purchase.

Following a successful debut, Marquês de Borba Fest by Time Out returns with renewed ambition, establishing itself as an event that celebrates the very best of the Alentejo, where wine, culture and sharing come together in a unique atmosphere.

Quanta Terra Inaugurates New Contemporary Art Exhibition in the Douro

04/05/2026'A Pele da Terra' deepens the connection between art, territory and community in Favaios

Quanta Terra will inaugurate the contemporary art exhibition A Pele da Terra on 8 May in Favaios (Alijó), as part of the cultural programme the estate has been developing across the Douro region. The initiative reinforces its commitment to championing the territory, bringing together contemporary culture, heritage and community.

In this fifth edition — and the second curated by Contagiarte — the exhibition brings together works by Vanessa Teodoro, Ana + Betânia, Mário Ferreira, and Pant. for the first time, distributed across the different spaces of the winery. The exhibition route proposes an immersive experience in which art, wine and landscape converge, inviting visitors into a sensory reading of the Douro territory.

More than an art show, A Pele da Terra positions itself as an initiative that contributes to the cultural vitality of inland Portugal, establishing it as a space for contemporary creation, reflection and appreciation.

The opening moment, scheduled for 15:00, will be accompanied by a complementary cultural programme including the participation of folk groups and other celebratory moments rooted in the identity and traditions of the region, reinforcing the connection between past and present.

With this initiative, Quanta Terra continues to champion the integration of culture into the world of wine, consolidating the Douro as a destination where contemporary art finds new forms of expression.

‘Dão às 5’ Invites the Public to Discover the Region Through Wine Tourism

01/05/2026Initiative brings together Dão and Lafões producers every Saturday to open their doors to visitors

The ‘Dão às 5’ initiative launched on 18 April — a collective movement bringing together wine tourism projects with the aim of promoting the territory through regular, accessible and authentic experiences. The programme invites the public to discover the Dão region — and associated areas such as Lafões — through free guided visits held every Saturday at 17:00, running through to October.

Driven by Taboadella, the initiative positions itself as an open platform for producers and wine tourism projects, fostering direct contact between visitors and the people who make the wine, and offering a behind-the-scenes look at participating estates. With visits lasting an average of 30 to 45 minutes, the experience is immersive, weaving together wine, history, culture and landscape.

Among the participants, Quinta do Gato stands out for bringing the distinct identity of Lafões to the initiative, underscoring the diversity of the broader territory. Situated in a region with its own particular natural character, the estate contributes to a richer and more representative picture of the winemaking world associated with the Dão.

Beyond a series of visits, ‘Dão às 5’ aspires to establish itself as a genuine weekly ritual of discovery, reinforcing the territory’s standing as a leading wine tourism destination. It also encourages the appreciation of local experiences and cultivates a closer relationship between producers and visitors.

“We believe that initiatives such as ‘Dão às 5’ represent the consolidation of the work that has been developing in wine tourism in Lafões, where projects like Quinta do Gato have helped to assert the territory with identity and consistency,” said Paulo Páscoa, speaking on behalf of Quinta do Gato.

In this early phase, the project brings together several estates and has secured the involvement of institutional bodies, with the aim of building a joint strategy for promoting the territory. The ambition is to welcome new participants over the coming months, strengthening the collective dimension of the initiative.

Although free of charge, visits require prior registration with the participating estates in order to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. Through this initiative, the Dão affirms itself as a dynamic and open territory, where wine intersects with the authenticity of its people, its stories and its landscape.