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.

Cockburn’s marks Halloween with a night-time tour and wine tasting

30/10/2025Cockburn's will open the doors of its historic cellars at night for an immersive experience on Halloween. On 31 October, the Port Wine brand is offering a guided night tour under the motto “Hallowine”, inviting participants to discover the secrets and mysteries hidden among the barrels where more than nine million litres of wine are aged.

The tours take place at 9 p.m. (in English) and 9.30 p.m. (in Portuguese), leading visitors through the largest Port wine ageing warehouse in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia. By the light of lanterns or mobile phones, the experience promises an immersive and mysterious atmosphere, where the silence and shadows of the cellars set the tone for an extraordinary evening.

The tour ends with a guided tasting of two iconic Cockburn’s wines – Quinta dos Canais Vintage and Special Reserve – in a moment of sharing and discovery that puts Port wine in the spotlight.

The activity costs €20 per person and requires a mandatory reservation 48 hours in advance. Participants must bring a torch or mobile phone to light the way. Reservations can be made by email at cockburnslodge@cockburns.com or by telephone on 913 007 950.Part of Symington Family Estates, Cockburn’s is one of the historic Port Wine brands, with over a century of tradition.

The Symington family, wine producers in northern Portugal since 1882, are responsible for some of the leading houses in the sector, including Graham’s, Dow’s and Warre’s, as well as projects in the Douro and Alentejo regions.

Quanta Terra auctions unique bottle by Vhils in aid of Favaios Fire Brigade

29/10/2025Artwork and Douro wine come together in a charity initiative with an online auction

Quanta Terra presents a unique creation that combines art, wine, and solidarity: a 5-liter bottle of Quanta Terra ÍRIS 2019, handcrafted by artist Alexandre Farto, known as Vhils, was auctioned with all proceeds going to the Favaios Volunteer Fire Department, in tribute to the courage of those who protect the Douro and its vineyards. The bottle, unique in the world, represents the culmination of the limited edition of 250 5-liter bottles created in collaboration with Vhils, engraved and signed by the artist.
The auction took place online between October 16 and 21, through the Palácio do Correio Velho auction house website. Quanta Terra ÍRIS 2019, a red wine with a deep and complex personality, is the result of a collaboration between winemakers Celso Pereira and Jorge Alves, translating the strength and identity of the Douro into each layer of black fruit, spices, and minerality.
According to Celso Pereira, “making wine is an act of creation, but also of listening: listening to the land, the vineyard, the weather. ÍRIS is the pure expression of the Douro, but also an invitation to contemplation.” For Vhils, “working with glass is a process of revelation—of the visible and the invisible. The result is born from the encounter between two forms of expression—art and wine—and invites us to look at the world more closely.”

The unique bottle will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and symbolizes the fusion between contemporary art and winemaking, becoming a collectible piece that, in addition to its artistic value, has a charitable purpose. All proceeds from the auction, 2.400€, went to the Favaios Volunteer Fire Department, a historic entity in the protection of the community and the region’s wine heritage.
The Quanta Terra ÍRIS edition celebrates the brand’s 25th anniversary, with 250 5-liter bottles featuring direct artistic intervention on the glass and Vhils’ signature, reflecting the identity and history of the Douro. More than just a wine, it is a work of art with a purpose, combining creation, tradition, and solidarity around a greater cause.

Wine Month returns with a celebration of Talha Wine in Vidigueira

28/10/2025During November, Vidigueira hosts the traditional Wine Month, with three events dedicated to Talha Wine: the opening of the historic Talha 1656, a free Open Day and the São Martinho festival with magusto, wine tastings and cultural entertainment.

Wine Month is back in Vidigueira with a special programme dedicated to Talha Wine, a centuries-old tradition in the region. The event runs throughout November, bringing together events that combine wine tasting, gastronomy and traditional music.
The opening of the Talhas will take place on 8 November, with the highlight being Talha 1656 at Taberna dos Arcos, where Vinho Vila de Frades 1656 is produced. The initiative includes talha wine tasting accompanied by dried fruits and roasted chestnuts, with entertainment by the Sons do Cante choir. The event starts at 5 pm and the participation fee is €10, including unlimited wine and à la carte snacks.
On 11 November, during Open Day, all visits and Talha wine tastings will be free of charge, marking World Wine Tourism Day and São Martinho. Activities will take place between 10 am and 5 pm, with a maximum capacity of 100 people and an approximate duration of one hour per visit.

The São Martinho festival, on 15 November, invites visitors to open the wine barrels, taste roasted chestnuts, regional snacks and wine from the barrel at will, accompanied by Alentejo singing groups. The event, with capacity for 150 people, will have an à la carte menu with caldo verde (kale soup), roasted sausage, local cheeses and paios (bread rolls), chickpea stew and rice pudding. Admission costs €10, including VAT, and the festival lasts for six hours.
These three events celebrate the essence of Vidigueira, the tradition of Talha wine and the local culture, offering visitors unique wine tourism and gastronomic experiences.

Quinta da Aveleda launches guided bicycle tour to discover the history of Casal Garcia

21/10/2025Quinta da Aveleda has launched a new tourist experience that combines a guided tour, wine tasting and bicycle ride, allowing participants to discover the centuries-old history of Casal Garcia and explore the estate's vineyards and gardens.

The world-renowned Vinho Verde brand Casal Garcia now offers a unique experience to visitors to Quinta da Aveleda. The initiative, called “Casal Garcia Experience”, offers a guided bike tour of the estate’s gardens and vineyards, lasting approximately one hour.
During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the brand’s history, which spans more than 80 years, understand the wine production process and explore the connection between the vineyards and production. The programme also includes tastings of some of the brand’s most iconic drinks.
The experience is designed for groups of at least four people and is suitable for the whole family. Priced at €25 per person, it combines outdoor leisure with knowledge about the production and history of Casal Garcia.
Reservations can be made by calling +351 255 718 200. According to the organisation, the initiative aims to convey the ‘joy that drives the production of Casal Garcia wines, from their origins to worldwide recognition’.