Quinta de Lemos celebrates 20 years with an Open Day featuring guided tours and free tastings

21/11/2025The leading producer in the Dão region is celebrating two decades of excellence with an Open Day on 22 November, offering tours of the winery, free wine tastings and Christmas-themed experiences.

Quinta de Lemos, renowned for producing elegant wines of great character in the heart of the Dão region, is opening the doors of its winery for a special Open Day on 22 November, as part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of its first harvest. The event, which is free to attend, invites wine lovers and visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the estate, with guided tours and free tastings, sharing the history, values and passion that define this wine project in Viseu.

Visits to the winery, accompanied by the technical team, will take place in two sessions — 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. — upon prior registration. In addition to discovering the behind-the-scenes of production, the Open Day will bring the Christmas spirit forward with typical seasonal flavours, as well as special discounts on Christmas Packs and Dona Georgina wines, one of the estate’s most emblematic references.

Located in Silgueiros, Quinta de Lemos stands out for its commitment to the native grape varieties of the Dão region — Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro — grown in a terroir characterised by granite soils and high altitude. Only about 30% of the grapes are selected in each harvest, ensuring high-quality wines that express the essence of the region and their great ageing potential.

The Open Day is also an opportunity to visit the Mesa de Lemos restaurant, part of the estate and awarded 1 MICHELIN Star, a Green Star and 2 Repsol Suns. Led by chef Diogo Rocha, the restaurant celebrates Portuguese cuisine through contemporary interpretations that showcase national products, paired with Quinta de Lemos wines and olive oil.

More than just a visit, the event offers an immersion in the authenticity of the Dão region, among vineyards, aromas and conversations, celebrating two decades of dedication to the land, gastronomy and the art of producing wines of excellence.

Three APENO members among Forbes’ 50 Best Wineries in the World

21/11/2025Torre de Palma, Aveleda and Herdade do Sobroso, members of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO), were recognised by Forbes as three of the World’s 50 Best Wineries 2025, reinforcing the international prestige of the Portuguese wine sector and its leadership in sustainability, authenticity and wine tourism excellence.

Portugal is once again in the spotlight on the international wine and wine tourism scene with the inclusion of Torre de Palma, Aveleda and Herdade do Sobroso in the prestigious list of the “World’s 50 Best Wineries 2025”, published by Forbes. The selection, conducted by experts from Virgin Wines, evaluated producers from around the world according to rigorous criteria such as heritage and longevity, innovation in viticulture, sustainability certifications, social responsibility, mentoring of new winemakers and transparency.
Torre de Palma, in the Alto Alentejo, celebrates its recognition as one of the 50 best wineries in the world, reinforcing its legacy of authenticity, quality and deep connection to the territory. Combining history, Alentejo tradition, unique architecture and wines that reflect the identity of the terroir, Torre de Palma affirms that this distinction ‘reinforces its passion for wine and the Alentejo’, inviting visitors to rediscover the magic of the now internationally renowned project.

Portugal is once again in the spotlight on the international wine and wine tourism scene with the inclusion of Torre de Palma, Aveleda and Herdade do Sobroso in the prestigious list of the “World’s 50 Best Wineries 2025”, published by Forbes. The selection, conducted by Aveleda, in turn, achieved a remarkable 6th place worldwide, standing out as one of the global benchmarks in sustainable production and wine tourism experiences. The ranking highlights Aveleda’s exemplary track record, which in 2024 obtained B-Corp certification and the National Reference for Sustainability Certification in the Wine Sector. Forbes also highlights the natural heritage of Quinta da Aveleda, with eight hectares of private gardens, 317 species of flora and fauna and a 300-year-old eucalyptus tree, in addition to wine tourism experiences in the Douro and Algarve. ‘Being Aveleda is being part of a family, a history and a dream,’ says Martim Guedes, Co-CEO.
Also distinguished among the best in the world, Herdade do Sobroso, in the Vidigueira DOC, has reinforced its position as a benchmark for authenticity and sustainability in the Alentejo. Founded in 2000 by architect António Ginestal Machado, Herdade do Sobroso has combined tradition, innovation and environmental preservation. Forbes recognises the success of this philosophy, which is geared towards the genuine expression of the territory. ‘It is a distinction that fills us with pride and values the work carried out in sustainability, biodiversity and authenticity in the Alentejo,’ highlight Sofia Ginestal Machado, CEO, and Filipe Teixeira Pinto, winemaker.

The simultaneous presence of three Portuguese wineries on the World’s 50 Best Wineries 2025 list highlights the vitality, commitment to excellence and growing global recognition of Portuguese wine. An achievement that honours the past, celebrates the present and projects the future of the national wine sector.

Lisbon Urban Wine Tourism

20/11/2025Lisbon hosts the first major festival dedicated to Urban Wine Tourism 13 December | Beato Innovation District – Fábrica do Pão | 5pm–midnight

On 13 December, the Lisbon Regional Tourism Authority (ERT-Lisboa) will organise and host the first major festival dedicated to urban wine tourism, an unprecedented event in the capital that aims to highlight the growing importance of wine and wine tourism in the city. The initiative is conceived and produced by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO), with the support of Lisbon City Council and the Wine Commissions of Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula, with Paixão pelo Vinho magazine as its media partner. Tickets are now on sale at https://ticketline.sapo.pt/en/evento/lisbon-urban-wine-tourism-enoturismo-urbano-99338

The event will take place at the former Fábrica do Pão, in the Beato Innovation District, between 5 pm and midnight, and will feature wine tastings and wine tourism promotion, interactive experiences, games and competitions that will allow wine tourists to win gifts and various prizes related to the sector. The party will also feature a special musical moment: radio presenter and show promoter Fernando Alvim will be the guest DJ, entertaining guests between 9 pm and midnight.

In addition to the main festival, several parallel activities are also planned, including an Open Day at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), which will open its doors to the public for visits to its historic vineyards, located almost in the heart of Lisbon, allowing participants to discover a unique agricultural heritage in the European urban context. The scheduled times for these visits are from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., at a cost of €30 per person. To participate in this activity, prior registration is required through the APENO website (limited registration, subject to confirmation).

Between 6pm and 9pm, the Beato Innovation District, at the same venue as the event, will host Wine Tourism and Wine Talks, with renowned journalists interviewing leading figures from the sector (to be announced shortly). Current topics will be discussed, such as the growth of the concept of urban wine tourism, which is increasingly valued today as an innovative way of bringing wine closer to cities and their visitors.

In this context, the president of ERT-Lisboa, Carla Salsinha, highlights the strategic importance of this event for the region: “Lisbon is now an international benchmark and urban wine tourism represents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the city, its visitors and our wine regions. This event reinforces this connection, showing that Lisbon has unique conditions to offer high-quality wine experiences in an urban, but also rural, context.”

The president of APENO – Portuguese Wine Tourism Association, Maria João de Almeida, reinforces the growing role of this trend on the national scene: “Urban Wine Tourism is booming and Lisbon is at the forefront. This first major festival demonstrates the vitality of the sector and its ability to create original, engaging experiences that are accessible to new audiences. It is an important milestone for the Lisbon Regional Authority, but also for APENO and all the partners involved.”

Tickets for Lisbon Urban Wine Tourism are on sale at Ticketline, in all Fnac and Worten stores, as well as at other usual points of sale nationwide. Advance purchase offers special conditions: €12 (single ticket) and €20 (double ticket). On the day of the event, tickets will cost €20 per person. Each ticket also includes an official glass for use in wine tastings throughout the event.

The event is open to the public, inviting Lisbon residents, visitors and industry professionals to celebrate wine and discover new ways to experience it in the city.

Quintas de Melgaço wins double gold at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2025

20/11/2025Produtora dos Vinhos Verdes arrecada duas medalhas de ouro e uma de prata na prestigiada competição londrina, reafirmando a excelência dos seus espumantes de Alvarinho.

Quintas de Melgaço, a benchmark in the Vinho Verde region, has just won double gold at the international Glass of Bubbly Awards 2025 competition held in London. Among hundreds of sparkling wines from around the world, two of the company’s wines stood out for their exceptional quality: QM Velha Reserva 2020 – Gold Medal in the Gastronomic category and QM Espumante Super Reserva 2022 – Gold Medal in the Summer Days category. Added to this achievement is the silver medal awarded to QM Espumante Super Reserva Rosé 2022, distinguished in the Winter Warmer class, reinforcing the consistency and versatility of the Minho producer’s portfolio.
The tasting took place over two days and was a blind tasting, bringing together a diverse panel of industry professionals, sommeliers, sparkling wine experts and champagne connoisseurs, who evaluated hundreds of international references.

The award-winning wines from Quintas de Melgaço are based on the Alvarinho grape variety and are produced using the Classic Method. QM Velha Reserva 2020 aged for at least 36 months in the bottle, while QM Super Reserva 2022 aged for 24 months, ensuring complexity, creaminess and finesse.

On tasting, QM Velha Reserva is clear, with a yellowish colour and fine, persistent bubbles, revealing elegant nuances of dried fruit on the nose. QM Super Reserva combines a slightly floral aroma with notes of dried fruit, also marked by very delicate bubbles. Both stand out for their gastronomic versatility and can be served as an aperitif or accompanied by seafood, fish, poultry, goat, suckling pig and even fine pastries.
With this set of distinctions, Quintas de Melgaço reinforces its status as one of the great producers of Portuguese sparkling wines, demonstrating the Alvarinho grape variety’s ability to create elegant, complex and world-class sparkling wines.

 

Vidigueira hosts the 27th edition of Vitifrades with a celebration of Talha Wine

20/11/2025The 27th edition of Vitifrades will take place on 6 and 7 December in Vila de Frades, at Taberna dos Arcos, promoting Talha Wine and the region's traditional cuisine.

The parish of Vila de Frades, in the municipality of Vidigueira, will once again celebrate Talha Wine with the 27th edition of Vitifrades, on 6 and 7 December. The event aims to promote, dignify and enhance this product, which has been deeply rooted in local culture since 1998.
Taberna dos Arcos will be open as a restaurant from 11 a.m. to midnight, offering visitors a variety of traditional dishes and snacks à la carte. Participants will be able to sample the regional cuisine while discovering the richness and tradition of Talha wine, a symbol of Vidigueira’s wine identity.
Taberna dos Arcos is located at Rua Mestre Conceição Silva, 7960-456, Vila de Frades, and promises to be the meeting point for wine and local culture lovers, combining authentic flavours with a unique wine tourism experience.

APENO opens its first branch in Alentejo, in Évora

19/11/2025The Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) inaugurated its first regional office outside Lisbon this week in Évora, located in the Alentejo Regional Tourism Authority building. This new step marks the beginning of a national expansion that plans to open several branches across the country, strengthening the association's presence in the main wine-producing regions and consolidating its commitment to the development of Portuguese wine tourism.

The Alentejo Regional Delegation will be headed by Miguel de Mello Breyner, a leading professional in the Portuguese hotel industry. With a degree in Hotel Management and Techniques from the Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism, Mello Breyner was Regional Director of Pousadas do Sul, headed the Hotel da Cartuxa and was General Manager of the Évora Hotel for around 17 years, playing a decisive role in the region’s tourism development.

The inauguration of the new branch was attended by the president of ERT Alentejo, José Santos, the president of APENO, Maria João de Almeida, the vice-president, Luís Souto, and Ana Gaspar, the association’s events coordinator. In the institutional speech, the importance of bringing APENO closer to regional agents was highlighted, promoting more effective, collaborative action in line with the needs of the territory.

‘It is an honour to lead this first regional delegation of APENO. The Alentejo has extraordinary wine tourism potential and I want to contribute to the continued growth of this sector, with professionalism and strategic vision,’ said Miguel de Mello Breyner. Maria João de Almeida, President of APENO, highlighted that the opening of this delegation represents a natural step in the evolution of APENO. ‘We want to be closer to the regions and work side by side with those who make wine tourism happen every day.’

In turn, the president of ERT Alentejo, José Santos, emphasised: ‘The presence of APENO in Évora reinforces the role of Alentejo on the national wine tourism map. It is a clear sign of confidence in the work that has been developed in the region.’

With this opening, APENO intends to further boost wine tourism in the Alentejo, foster partnerships, support local projects and contribute to establishing the Alentejo as a destination of excellence. The association is now preparing to set up new branches in other regions of the country, continuing its strategy of national presence that aims to consolidate Portugal as an international benchmark in the wine tourism sector.

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.