Tag Archive for: Portuguese Food

Wine Regions of Portugal – Alentejo

The  Portuguese wine region of Alentejo is a vast, sun-drenched area in the south, covering around a third of Portugal. Actually, only five per cent of the land is planted with vines and between towns, you can drive for miles passing cork and olive groves, vines, crops and grazing livestock.

Portugal is divided into 14 Regional Wine areas : Vinho Verde, Trás-os-Montes, Porto and Douro, Távora-Varosa, Bairrada, Dão, Beira Interior, Lisboa, Tejo, Península de Setúbal, Alentejo, Algarve, Açores and Madeira.

Portuguese wine is then categorized using the ‘DOC’ (Denominação de Origem Controlada) system meaning Controlled Denomination of Origin. Portugal has 31 DOCs/DOPs. At the moment, both the traditional DOC and the new pan-European DOP are used. ‘DOP’ (Denominação de Origem Protegida) means Protected Denomination of Origin. The “DOC/DOP” system is similar to the Denominación de Origen “DO” system of Spain, the Appellation d’origine contrôlée “AOC” system of France and the Denominazione di origine controllata “DOC” of Italy.

Alentejo

DOC Alentejo wines can be made only in certain small enclaves within the greater Vinho Regional Alentejo region. For the purpose of regulating grape-growing and wine-making in the varying microclimates and terrains, DOC Alentejo is divided into eight different sub-regions: Portalegre, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Reguengos, Moura, Évora and Granja/Amareleja. All DOC wines are labelled DOC Alentejo, and sometimes qualified by the name of the sub-region as well.

One of the most exciting areas is right up in the north-east corner, around the city of Portalegre and over towards the Spanish border. This high mountain country has a much cooler climate than the rest of the Alentejo, and the potential to make more elegant wines.

The central Alentejo, wide, rolling country around the towns of Évora, Borba, Reguengos and Estremoz, is hotter, and makes wines with a good balance of acidity. Even further south, in the bakingly-hot country around Beja, winemakers are producing some excellent wines. Soils vary hugely, from granite and schist to chalk.

A long list of grapes is permitted for Vinho Regional Alentejo, including many foreign varieties, such as Syrah, which is seriously gaining in importance.

Main red grapes (variable according to sub-region):

  • Aragonez, Trincadeira, Castelão, Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet

Main white grapes (variable according to sub-region):

  • Arinto, Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Fernão Pires, Perrum

 

 

Just some of the World class Portuguese wineries  that you could be visiting in the Alentejo Wine Region of Portugal:

Herdade dos Coelheiros,  Igrejinha – a wine estate  run by the effervescent Teresa Leal. This estate not only produces wines, but also walnuts and cork trees.   The area is known for the world renowned typical Portuguese craft – the most beautiful carpets of Arraiolos, nearby, that throughout the years won a status of national symbol, and now they bring their image, tradition and identity to the labels of this fine winery.

Herdade dos Coelheiros estate in Alentejo is a family business founded in 1981, which over the years has won recognition for producing wines of unquestionable quality, both nationally and internationally. It launched its first wine, labelled Tapada dos Coelheiros in 1991.  Since then, their portfolio of wines and other products has gradually grown.   A visit to this fascinating Portuguese wine estate will surely end with a tasting of their best wines including their superb barrel fermented white and the powerful Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto.

 

Herdade do Esporão,  Reguengos de Monsaraz – a very progressive family business which won the hotly contested “Sustainability of the Year” Award in the Drinks Business Green Awards 2013.  The Drinks Business, British magazine and one of the publications most read in Europe, praised Esporão for its holistic approach in adopting a wide range of innovative sustainable practices.

Since it was founded in 1267, the boundaries of Herdade do Esporão have remained virtually unchanged, despite being the stage of bloody battles and heroic deeds over almost nine centuries.

A visit to this impressive Alentejo winery not only includes a tour of the vineyards, wineries and wine cellars, there is also a great opportunity to visit and get to know the historical and cultural heritage of Herdade do Esporão, which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the historic and monumental centre of Herdade do Esporão you can visit the Esporão Tower, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel (both of which have been classified as Public Interest Properties), and the Esporão Arch.  The chapel, an example of religious medieval architecture, was recently restored, thus making it possible for visitors to see the magnificent frescoes in its chancel.  There is also a Museum in the Esporão Tower where you can admire artefacts from the excavations at the Perdigões Archaeological Complex.

 

Adega da Cartuxa, Evora – This winery belongs to a foundation and wines are no longer produced here, but the place is referent for the area and definitely worth a pop in. The guided visits are not very good though, mainly 2 videos, but worth going to the shop and to taste/buy their range of wines, from modest to the region’s most expensive wine, the legendary Pêra-Manca, of which you are allowed to buy only one bottle.

 

Join us on a Private Tour of Portugal (or a combined tour with Spain) like our  Luxury Tour of Portugal – Wine and Culture  to experience the beautiful Wine Regions of Portugal in Alentejo and the Douro Valley, among others, to enjoy winery visits and tastings as well as a relaxing picnic in a vineyard and a cruise along the Douro River.

Lisbon – See The Sights and Excite your Taste-Buds

Are you passing through Lisbon on your Portuguese Vacation?  Do you have free time to explore on shore while your Cruise is docked for the day?  If so, we would be delighted to welcome you on a Private Gourmet and Historical Tour of the city with our Officially Licensed Guide.

Here’s what can you expect on a Gourmand Breaks Day Tour in Lisbon:

Your experienced, Officially Licensed guide, will be waiting at your hotel, or will meet you from your cruise ship, to take you on a Private Gourmet and Historical Tour of the city.  You will be introduced to the Portuguese culture, cuisine and its incredible mix of Mediterranean tradition and exotic influences from all corners of the World.  Get ready to see the sights and excite your taste-buds!

You will start with Lisbon’s great Cafés and Portugal’s strong café-culture. You will have the chance to take a look at delicious and exotic products, from dried, salted Bacalhau to sausages, hams and cheeses. Learn the history of Portugal’s famous fortified wine, Port, and then try some with the delicious Azeitao cheese.  Discover the local sweets and pastries and sample the famous custard tart, Pastéis de Belém.  Hear about the only tea produced in Europe that is grown in the Atlantic Island of Sao Miguel, in the Azores.  

Try some Portuguese Beer in the beautiful Rossio Central Station and finally make a visit to the Moorish St George’s Castle, renamed after the Moors were conquered in the late 14th century.

After taking in the impressive views over the sea, you will venture on down from the castle to the river, crossing the Alfama, Lisbon’s salty sailors’ quarter.   Its tangled street plan is one of the few aspects of Lisbon to survive the big quake, making the Alfama a cobbled playground of Old World color.  Urban-jungle roads are squeezed into a maze of confusing alleys, designed to frustrate invaders on their quest to get to the castle.  What was defensive then is atmospheric now.  Gnarled houses snuggle together in their romantic shabbiness; the air drips with laundry and the smell of clams and raw fish fill the air.You will pass by some interesting wine shops on your journey where arrangements have been made for you to taste not only the very special famous ports from Douro, but also Portuguese wines, such as Vinho Verde de Minho (the famous green wine of Minho).

Port Wine, Portugal

 

Our Gourmet and Historic Tour of Lisbon features in many of our Portuguese tours.  Join us in Lisbon as part of your Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour of Portugal, as a combination with Spain or as a Luxury Shore Excursion. 

 

You may also like to read  “If Lisbon had a Sister ……”

Michelin Star Restaurants in Portugal 2014


Spain and Portugal are different countries, have different languages and although neighbors on the Iberian Peninsula are on different time zones. But, it is not only this that differs between the two countries. Food and wine is taken very seriously in both Spain and Portugal, yet Michelin stars, while abundant in Spain, are scattered far-and-wide in Portugal, from Porto to the Algarve, and from Madeira to Alentejo.

The 2014 Michelin Guide to Spain & Portugal was presented last November and with few surprises for Spain’s neighbor.  Portugal received just 2 NEW Michelin stars for 2 NEW Michelin 1 star restaurants, bringing the grand total to 14 Michelin Stars throughout the whole country.

For 2014, the two restaurants in the Algarve – Ocean and Vila Joya, retain their 2 Michelin Star Restaurant status and 8 Michelin 1 star restaurants retain their one star status.

New to the list for 2014 is Chef Miguel Laffan, who receives 1 Michelin star at L’And Vineyards in Alentejo.  And, after an absence of 3 years, Joachim Koerper regains 1 Michelin star, at Eleven in Lisbon.  (Full list of Portuguese Michelin Star Restaurants below)

In comparison, Spain receives 23 NEW Michelin Stars for 2014 including 1 NEW Michelin 3 star and 2 NEW Michelin 2 star restaurants.

All Portuguese Michelin Star Restaurants:

Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal, 2014:

Albufeira / Praia da Galé Faro Vila Joya – Dieter Koschina
Armação de Pêra Faro Ocean – Hans Neuner

Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal, 2014:

Almancil / Vale Formoso Faro Henrique Leis – Henrique Leis
Amarante Porto Largo do Paço – Vitor Matos
Cascais / Praia do Guincho Lisboa Fortaleza do Guincho – Antoine Westermann
Funchal Madeira Il Gallo d’Oro –Benoît Sinthon
Lisboa Lisboa Belcanto – Jose Avillez
Lisboa Lisboa Eleven  – Joachim Koerper
Lisboa Lisboa Feitoria – José Cordeiro
Montemor-o-Novo Évora L’And Vineyards  Miguel Laffan
Quarteira / Vilamoura Faro Willie’s – Willie Werger
Vila Nova de Gaia Porto The Yeatman – Ricardo Costa

 

Delve into the history, wineries and typical foods of Portugal on our Luxury Tour of Portugal Wine and Culture  to experience Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Marvao and the Alentejo region.

Or, why not combine Spain and Portugal to fully explore the Iberian Peninsula on a  Spain and Portugal Customized Private Tour.

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Lisbon, Portugal – If San Francisco had a sister ……

If San Francisco had a sister, it would be Lisbon. Both cities have twin bridges and famously foggy weather. Both are situated on the best natural harbors on the west coast of their respective continents. Both have trolleys rattling up and down their steep hills past characteristic buildings. And both have survived horrific earthquakes. In 1755, an estimated 9.0 earthquake leveled two-thirds of Lisbon. Within a month, a new city was designed, and downtown Lisbon was rebuilt on a progressive grid plan, with broad boulevards, including the cosmopolitan Avenida da Liberdade, and square squares.

Today, Lisbon is a charming mix of old and new. Bird-stained statues mark grand plazas, taxis screech around cobbled corners and the hip and trendy hang out in Art Nouveau cafes. Just like it did during the days of Magellan and Vasco da Gama, the city continues to welcome ships into its large port. Even today, Lisbon still feels like Europe’s gateway to the world.

Get ready to excite your taste buds in Lisbon with Mediterranean tradition and exotic influences from all over the World. Enjoy Lisbon’s great Cafés and experience delicious and exotic products, from dried, salted Bacalhau to sausages, hams and cheeses. Learn the history of Portugal’s famous fortified wine, Port, and then try some with delicious Azeitao cheese. Taste the very special famous ports from the Douro valley and Portuguese wines, such as Vinho Verde de Minho (the famous green wine of Minho).

Visit the Moorish St George’s Castle and take in the impressive views over the sea. Venture on down from the castle to the river, crossing the Alfama, Lisbon’s salty sailors’ quarter. Its tangled street plan is one of the few aspects of Lisbon to survive the big quake, making the Alfama a cobbled playground of Old World color. Urban-jungle roads are squeezed into a maze of confusing alleys, designed to frustrate invaders on their quest to get to the castle. What was defensive then, is atmospheric now. Gnarled houses snuggle together in their romantic shabbiness; the air drips with laundry and the smell of clams and raw fish.

Take the chance to listen to some Fado, Portugal’s national music. In the picturesque Bairro Alto you will be able to dine at an authentic Portuguese Fado restaurant.

More about Portuguese Food 

Discover some of our customized food and wine tours to the most beautiful regions of Spain, Portugal and S.W France

Food, Wine & Cultural Tours of Spain, Portugal & S.W France

Our travel agency creates private and high-end wine, culinary and cultural tours in Europe. We understand that everyone’s idea of the perfect package is unique which is why we work with you to customize your unforgettable experience – with an emphasis on a personal touch.
Contact us to receive a quote for your private customized food and wine tour

Portugal – Perfect Place for a Gourmet Escape with an Olde World Touch

 

Obidos Castle Portugal

Portugal – proud and pretty – an amazing country with fabulous Ports, delicious local foods and cheeses and nowadays, good red and white wines too is a perfect place for a romantic gourmet tour, with a touch of olde world charm.

Not far from Lisbon – about an hour away – is the picturesque town of Obidos – which has changed little over the centuries.  This old medieval town is surrounded by the castle wall, in length just about one mile!   The little village of Obidos was given as a gift by the King to the Queen in the 13th century as a wedding present and is a veritable treasure chest of churches and palaces.  Many consider Obidos to be one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal and walking around the narrow streets you will perhaps agree too!  In the town square there is the church of Santa Maria, impressive and with an admirable collection of glazed tiles and paintings.  Obidos is also famous for Ginjinha – a cherry liquor that you will taste from a little chocolate cup – it is delicious, but beware, it is dangerously strong!

A short way from Obidos is the Alcobaça Monastery or the Monastery of Santa Maria of Alcobaça, a medieval Monastery which was one of the first Gothic buildings in Portugal and contains also the monuments in memory of King D. Pedro I and D. Inês de Castro (characters of a true romantic Portuguese story from the 14th century, very similar to “Romeo and Juliet”). Just north of Alcobaça, is the Monastery of Batalha, the largest example in Portugal of the late Gothic Portuguese style which also contains Manuelino Art.

See these wonderful medieval treasures and taste port, wine, local foods and much, much more on a Gourmand Breaks Luxury Tour of Portugal.

Origins of Portuguese Food


Back in the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator requested his explorers to bring back to Portugal any exotic fruits, nuts, and plants from new lands which they encountered. As a result, much of Portuguese was cooking affected by the findings of these very explorers.

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