Symington Wines are official partners of the Lisbon Living Room Sessions

30/03/2026The Altano, Graham’s and Quinta da Fonte Souto brands are partnering with the Lisbon Living Room Sessions series of intimate concerts, reinforcing Symington Family Estates’ connection to culture and authentic urban wine tourism experiences.

Symington Family Estates has become the official wine partner of the Lisbon Living Room Sessions, a series of intimate concerts held on the last Sunday of every month at different private homes in central Lisbon. The initiative combines music, intimacy and surprise, with the location of each session revealed just days before the concert, creating a unique experience for the audience.

As part of this partnership, Altano Douro White and Altano Rosé wines, Quinta da Fonte Souto Red and Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé, as well as Graham’s Blend No. 5 Tonic Port, will accompany each session, blending naturally into an atmosphere that celebrates sharing, authenticity and the coming together of different cultural expressions.

For Rita Veiga Bulhosa, Events & Activations Manager at Symington Family Estates, the association with the initiative comes about organically: “We believe that events linked to art and culture are of the utmost importance to us, as an integral part of our legacy. Supporting initiatives such as the Lisbon Living Room Sessions is a natural way to reinforce our commitment to creativity, authenticity and the sharing of meaningful experiences.”

Ricardo José Lopes, founder of the project, emphasises that this partnership marks a new chapter in the Lisbon Living Room Sessions, which are celebrating their eleventh anniversary. “This partnership stems from a natural affinity: two entities that believe in time, care, closeness and the patient building of something that endures, grounded in origin and authenticity. Together, we celebrate the meeting of wine and music in the creation of memorable experiences.”

The Lisbon Living Room Sessions thus establish themselves as a meeting point for music, wine and community, promoting artistic talent in an atmosphere of discovery and intimacy, whilst Symington reinforces its positioning as a brand linked to culture and the appreciation of distinctive experiences.

Soalheiro Launches New Sustainable Vintage

29/03/2026Producer unveils the new Clássico Alvarinho 2025 and highlights a sustainable, precision-driven approach to viticulture.

Soalheiro, a leading producer in Monção and Melgaço, continues to affirm its vision of balance between tradition and innovation, presenting a new selection of wines that includes Clássico Alvarinho 2025 alongside different interpretations of the Alvarinho grape.

Under the motto “From the Classic comes innovation, and through innovation the Classic is renewed”, the project, founded in 1982, reflects an approach rooted in precision family viticulture, where each vineyard parcel contributes its own identity and every decision in the winery is guided by rigour, clarity and fidelity to the terroir.

Originating from the Monção and Melgaço sub-region — widely regarded as the finest area for the Alvarinho grape — Soalheiro wines stand out for their freshness, aromatic intensity and ageing potential, characteristics that result from continuous work in enhancing the value of the terroir.

In addition to the release of Clássico Alvarinho 2025, the producer is also presenting more innovative expressions that explore different facets of the grape variety, while maintaining a consistent connection to the region’s roots and identity.

Sustainability plays a central role in Soalheiro’s strategy, with the project certified under the National Sustainability Benchmark, which guides the entire production process, from vineyard to bottle. This commitment ensures that innovation is developed responsibly, respecting the continuity of the territory and family tradition.

Over more than four decades, Soalheiro has established itself as one of the most relevant names in the Vinho Verde region, embracing a contemporary approach that values the past, present and future of viticulture in Monção and Melgaço.

The brand also maintains a strong connection to wine tourism, inviting visitors to discover its history, wines and the territory from which they originate, in an open invitation to explore and share throughout the year.

Quinta da Alorna launches an exclusive wine

27/03/2026Quinta da Alorna presents SOLERA, a limited edition from the Quinta da Alorna Creations range that celebrates the Fernão Pires grape variety through an approach inspired by the solera technique.

Quinta da Alorna recently unveiled SOLERA, an exclusive wine forming part of the Quinta da Alorna Creations range, which showcases the potential of the Fernão Pires grape variety, one of the most iconic in the Tejo region. This occasion, which celebrates wine globally as an expression of tradition, identity and craftsmanship, provides the perfect setting to highlight a project that blends time, technique and innovation.

With a bright golden-yellow colour, SOLERA combines the richness of the mature, oxidative aromas of the original wine with the freshness and liveliness of younger wines. The ageing process is inspired by the solera technique – a traditional ageing system involving the fractional blending of wines from different vintages – lending the blend depth and elegance.

The result of a careful selection of Fernão Pires grapes and ageing in French oak barrels, the wine displays striking oxidative notes and a solid structure on the palate. The finish is long and persistent, underpinned by precise acidity that ensures freshness and ageing potential.
With this release, Quinta da Alorna reinforces its commitment to promoting the traditional grape varieties of the Tejo region, reinterpreted with creativity and technical rigour, consolidating the brand’s position in the segment of signature wines and special editions.

Torre de Palma to Host Food Love Fest

26/03/2026Event takes place on 28 March and brings together eight guest chefs for a special menu paired with Torre de Palma wines.

Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, in Monforte, will host another edition of the Food Love Fest on 28 March — a gastronomic event set to celebrate the very best of the Alentejo at the table through an exclusive wine lunch, with limited seating available.

Running from 11:30am to 5:30pm, the event invites guests to enjoy an experience where gastronomy, wine and conviviality take centre stage. The concept revolves around a special lunch led by eight guest chefs, who will pair up to create a four-course menu — from soup to dessert — carefully matched with Torre de Palma wines.

Confirmed names include Eduardo Grilo and Márcia Dias (Torre de Palma), Joaquim Saragga Leal (Os Papagaios), Vítor Adão (Plano), Duarte Baptista (Convento do Espinheiro), Celestino Grave (Savoy Palace), Gonçalo Queiroz (Origens), César Couto (São Lourenço do Barrocal) and José Gala (Quinta do Paral). This line-up brings together different approaches and backgrounds from contemporary Portuguese cuisine, united by a shared focus on product and terroir.

The event positions the Alentejo as a gastronomic and wine destination, where tradition and creativity meet in an immersive experience. It also reinforces Torre de Palma’s standing as a leading destination in Portuguese wine tourism, where wine and gastronomy go hand in hand.

With limited availability, Food Love Fest focuses on exclusivity and close interaction between chefs and guests, fostering a relaxed and convivial atmosphere at the table.

Sagardi Porto launches a series of wine-tasting dinners

25/03/2026The first dinner of the year takes place on 26 March and celebrates the wines of Prats & Symington paired with the Basque cuisine of Sagardi.

Sagardi Porto, a restaurant specialising in traditional Basque cuisine located in the city’s historic centre, kicks off the 2026 ‘À Mesa com’ wine-pairing dinner series with a special evening dedicated to Prats & Symington, the winery behind one of the great icons of the contemporary Douro: Chryseia. The event will take place on 26 March, bringing together renowned wines and some of the restaurant’s most iconic dishes.

The initiative aims to bring together two gastronomic cultures deeply rooted in their respective regions and a respect for the produce: Euskadi, in the Basque Country, and the Douro, in Portugal. Both share an approach characterised by authenticity, a focus on quality ingredients, and the importance of time in building quality.

For this special evening, Sagardi Porto has prepared a menu featuring some of the restaurant’s most iconic dishes, arranged to complement the wines from Prats & Symington. The experience begins with a Port and tonic and the classic Gilda, considered the first Basque pintxo, followed by anchovy toast and bonito belly, where the flavours of the sea take centre stage.

Among the subsequent highlights is the aged beef tartare with Azores tuna heart, one of Sagardi’s most memorable starters, before a dish arrives at the table that brings together the traditions of Portugal and the Basque Country: chickpeas with cod tripe and grilled Basque black pudding.

The highlight of the meal will be the Premium Txuleton of mature beef, cooked on a traditional Basque grill and served with a lettuce and pepper salad. This dish embodies the essence of Sagardi cuisine, based on simplicity, the quality of the ingredients and mastery of the grill. The experience concludes with the classic Basque Cheese Tart, one of San Sebastián’s most iconic desserts.

Throughout the meal, a selection of wines from Prats & Symington will be served, offering a journey through the house’s different styles. The selection includes Cockburn’s White Heights, Zapiain Cider, Prazo de Roriz 2022, Chryseia Post Scriptum 2023, Chryseia 2023 and Quinta de Roriz Vintage Port 2000, in a tasting that explores various expressions of the Douro and culminates in one of its most iconic wines.

This wine-themed dinner promises to offer a unique experience for food and wine lovers, reinforcing Sagardi Porto’s role in promoting Basque cuisine in Portugal and in building bridges between the major wine regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Lisbon Region Tourism Board at Rock in Rio

23/03/2026The partnership announced at BTL 2026 aims to promote the Lisbon region’s tourism potential through the festival’s international reach, establishing the city as a leading destination for cultural tourism and major events.

Rock in Rio Lisbon and the Lisbon Region Tourism Board (ERT-RL) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at promoting the region’s tourism potential and enhancing the festival experience by showcasing the city’s cultural, heritage and gastronomic offerings.

The collaboration aims to consolidate Lisbon as a leading international tourist destination and a prime venue for major global events, reinforcing the economic and promotional impact of Rock in Rio in the region.

Currently, around 60% of the Rock in Rio Lisbon audience comes from outside the region, highlighting the festival’s ability to attract visitors and generate significant tourist flows. For Roberta Medina, Executive Vice-President of Rock in Rio, this partnership allows this trip to be transformed into a broader experience: “Rock in Rio Lisbon is now a starting point for festival-goers to extend their stay and discover the best that the Lisbon region has to offer, from culture to gastronomy, from nature to heritage.”

The joint promotion plan involves using the ERT-RL’s official channels to promote the region’s various attractions, integrating the organisation’s expertise into the festival’s hospitality strategy. The aim is to encourage visitors to explore the city and its surroundings, generating benefits that extend beyond the days of the event.

Carla Salsinha, President of the Lisbon Region Tourism Board, emphasises that “Rock in Rio acts as a global showcase, demonstrating that Lisbon is a complete destination where world-class entertainment coexists with a unique range of hotels, culture and gastronomy”. According to her, “this joint effort will transform the festival’s impact into direct benefits for the entire regional tourism ecosystem”.

The partnership also includes collaboration with travel agencies, tour operators, accommodation providers and cultural and institutional bodies, promoting the creation of integrated tourism packages that highlight the region’s attractions. There are also plans to integrate Rock in Rio Lisbon into tourism promotion strategies within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, reinforcing the capital’s position as a leading destination for business tourism and major events.

As part of this collaboration, ERT-RL will be present at Cidade do Rock on 20, 21, 27 and 28 June, with a dedicated space promoting the region, bringing to life the project developed in partnership with the festival.

With this initiative, Rock in Rio Lisboa and ERT-RL are reinforcing their joint commitment to establishing Lisbon as a global destination where culture, entertainment and tourism go hand in hand.

Dad is the guest of honour at Bomfim 1896, with a special menu and 20-year-old Dow’s Port

20/03/2026From 19 to 21 March, the Bomfim 1896 restaurant at Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhão is celebrating Father’s Day with a special offer: a 20% discount on the Menu 1896 for fathers and a glass of Dow’s 20 Year Old to toast the occasion.

Set against the unique backdrop of the Douro and its vineyards, Symington Family Estates’ Bomfim 1896 restaurant has put together a special offer to celebrate Father’s Day. Between 19 and 21 March, fathers are the guests of honour and will receive a 20% discount on the 1896 Menu, as well as a glass of Dow’s 20-Year-Old Port to toast the occasion.

Usually priced at €75, the 1896 Menu – comprising a starter, main course and dessert – will be available at a special price of €60 for fathers during these three days, making the experience even more appealing for a family celebration.

The occasion also coincides with the chance to discover the restaurant’s new menu, which pays homage to the classic flavours of the Douro, reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility. The culinary offering focuses on the essentials: the fire, regional ingredients and authentic cuisine that celebrates the local area. Among the suggestions are dishes such as stuffed corn cobs with Minho eel, grilled octopus with lentils and chorizo, or roast kid with oven-baked rice, as well as other options available on the à la carte menu.

Located at the historic Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhão, Bomfim 1896 combines the traditions of the Douro region with a contemporary approach, where respect for the ingredients and the seasons guides every dish. Reopened at the end of 2025, the restaurant is now entering a new phase under the leadership of chef Pedro Lencastre Monteiro, who has brought a renewed energy to the glass-fronted dining room with its stunning views over the River Douro and the estate’s century-old vineyards.

Loures will host the National Wine Tourism Awards gala on 29 May

18/03/2026Quinta Condes de Valadares will host the gala ceremony honouring the best wine tourism projects and professionals in Portugal. The event will bring together business leaders, institutional bodies and industry experts for an evening dedicated to recognising the work and quality of the initiatives that have helped to establish Portuguese wine tourism on the national and international stage.

On 29 May, from 6 pm, Quinta Condes de Valadares in Loures will host the 2026 National Wine Tourism Awards Gala. Organised by APENO – the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, with the support of Turismo de Lisboa and Loures Municipal Council, the initiative annually recognises the best projects, companies and professionals who excel in the wine tourism sector in Portugal. The event also has the support of Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, Amorim, Grupo Stosberg (Alug’Aqui and Schott Zwiesel), Abreu Advogados, Biosphere and Viagens Abreu, with the SAPO portal and WineTourismTV as media partners.

Following several editions held in different regions of the country, the National Wine Tourism Award now comes to the municipality of Loures, reinforcing APENO’s mission to promote and raise the profile of the various regions with potential for wine tourism. The ceremony will take place at Quinta Condes de Valadares, a historic venue that is establishing itself as a new setting for the sector’s flagship event.

According to Maria João de Almeida, president of APENO, ‘Wine tourism now plays a central role in promoting regions, boosting local economies and creating experiences that link wine to culture, gastronomy and people. It is therefore with great pleasure that we are holding this edition of the National Wine Tourism Awards in Loures, Lisbon, a region that already produces high-quality wines and still has enormous potential to develop its wine tourism sector.” She adds that “this gala is the time of year when we showcase the talent, value and dedication of all the professionals who contribute daily to ensuring that Portugal is increasingly recognised as a destination of excellence in wine tourism”.

Carla Salsinha, President of the Lisbon Region Tourism Board, also highlights the importance of initiatives of this nature for promoting the region: “Initiatives such as the 2026 National Wine Tourism Awards Gala are fundamental to showcasing the full potential of the Lisbon Region, both in rural and urban wine tourism, enabling us to highlight the wines, culture and unique experiences the region has to offer.” She also emphasises that “wine tourism is now a strategic segment for national and regional tourism, and Lisbon is increasingly keen to surprise those who visit us”.

Known for its strong historical ties to agriculture and wine production, “the municipality of Loures aims to establish itself as a destination of growing importance within the Lisbon region’s wine tourism landscape. Its proximity to the capital, combined with rural landscapes, historical heritage and a cuisine with a strong identity, makes it a destination with enormous potential for experiences linked to wine and the local area”, “Loures Municipal Council is proud to be a partner of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association’s gala, hosting this landmark event in a region where the authenticity of wine tourism is revealed, with particular emphasis on Bucelas, a wine-growing gem just a few minutes from Lisbon, the birthplace of excellent Arinto wines, which establish Loures as a distinctive and exciting destination,” adds Ricardo Leão, Mayor of Loures.

It is against this backdrop that Quinta Condes de Valadares will host the National Wine Tourism Awards gala. The event will begin with a welcome drink featuring producers from Loures, who will showcase the region’s wines and other products, offering guests an initial taste of the area’s wine and culinary heritage.

The 2026 edition of the National Wine Tourism Awards recognises projects and professionals across 16 categories, including a new award dedicated to promoting family-run businesses in the sector. The categories in the competition are: Best Wine Tourism in Portugal, Best Urban Wine Tourism, Best Family Project, Best Professional, Best Accommodation, Best Restaurant, Best Head Chef, Best Sommelier, Best Tasting Room, Best Tourism Company, Best Inclusive Project, Best Sustainable Project, Best Shop, Best Art and Culture, Best Innovation and Technology, and Best Hospitality.

Voting is carried out by a panel of judges comprising specialist journalists, representatives from wine and tourism institutions, chefs, sommeliers and APENO members, ensuring diversity, independence and rigour in the evaluation process.

Founded in 2021, APENO is the only association in the country dedicated exclusively to wine tourism. Its mission is to organise, promote and develop the wine tourism sector in Portugal, contributing to its economic, tourist and cultural development. It currently brings together producers, tour operators, wine tourism establishments, wine restaurants and other organisations linked to the sector.

José Maria da Fonseca celebrates Father’s Day at its wine tourism venues

18/03/2026On this special day, José Maria da Fonseca is hosting a special wine tourism experience, which includes a guided tour, wine tasting and activities for children, with a particular focus on personalised label design.

The well-known wine company has put together a special programme to celebrate Father’s Day, inviting fathers and children to enjoy an experience designed for the whole family at its two wine tourism venues: the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão and the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz.

The José Maria da Fonseca initiative combines moments of wine discovery with activities for the younger ones, promoting intergenerational bonding in a relaxed atmosphere. The programme includes a guided tour, a tasting of four premium wines for adults and a tasting of two fruit juices for children, ensuring that everyone takes part in the experience. The visit is also accompanied by a platter of regional specialities.

At the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão, the tour begins at the old house linked to the company’s origins, a 19th-century building restored in 1923 by the architect Ernesto Korrodi, and includes a visit to the garden and various key moments in the brand’s history, such as the Torna-Viagem and the medal won at the 1855 Paris World’s Fair. The tour also takes in the historic cellars, notably the Adega da Mata, the Adega dos Teares Novos (where the Periquita wine is aged) and the Adega dos Teares Velhos, where Setúbal Muscat wines over a century old are stored.

At the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz, the tour focuses on the tradition of fermentation in clay jars, a practice of Roman origin that lives on through 114 jars still in use. The tour includes the traditional cellar, situated below ground level, with wine presses, and the modern cellar, equipped with contemporary winemaking technology, allowing visitors to see how ancestral methods coexist with modern processes.

Designed especially for families, the programme also includes fun activities for children, such as games, drawing and a free box of crayons. Each child will also have the opportunity to personalise a label, creating a unique keepsake to give to their parent and making the experience memorable.
With this initiative, José Maria da Fonseca reinforces its commitment to inclusive wine tourism experiences that celebrate tradition, wine and quality family time, fostering moments that extend beyond the festive season.

Quinta de Chocapalha celebrates Father’s Day with a special wine

16/03/2026The 2017 Guarita da Chocapalha, a limited-edition single-varietal Alicante Bouschet, returns to the market as a tribute to the estate’s founder and a symbol of the family values that define Quinta de Chocapalha’s wine-making project.

Quinta de Chocapalha marks Father’s Day, celebrated on 19 March, with the return of one of its most iconic wines: the Guarita da Chocapalha 2017. More than just a wine, it is a tribute to Paulo Tavares da Silva, a Navy officer and patriarch of the family, who laid the foundations for the estate’s wine-making project in the late 1980s.

Since the first vintage, in 2015, this single-varietal Alicante Bouschet has stood as a symbol of the Tavares da Silva family’s reverence for the father of Sofia, Andrea and Sandra Tavares da Silva (the latter being the winemaker at Quinta de Chocapalha, alongside Miguel Cavaco). The name ‘Guarita’ evokes vigilance, protection and care, in a direct analogy to the family values that underpin the project.

Produced in the Lisbon region, the 2017 Guarita is made from old vines of almost 35 years’ age, drawing on the depth and complexity afforded by the maturity of the vines. A very limited edition, only 2,100 750 ml bottles were produced.

The grapes were destemmed beforehand and fermentation took place in temperature-controlled vats with gentle pressing over seven days. This was followed by malolactic fermentation and a 24-month ageing period in French oak barrels, after which the wine was bottled.

In the glass, it displays an opaque, intense colour, with aromas dominated by ripe black and red fruits, accompanied by hints of chocolate. On the palate, it reveals body, a silky texture and high-quality tannins, culminating in a long, lingering finish. Its structure and balance give it excellent ageing potential, reinforcing the special character of a wine conceived as a tribute and a memorial.