Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker «We began today with Met Curator Dita Amory's lecture on azulejos, Portuguese ceramic tiles. The word "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "zellige," or "polished stone." Throughout Spain and Portugal, you can't help but marvel at these incredible decorative motifs, which were originally introduced by the Moors.» Starting in the sixteenth century, Portugal began producing its own decorative tiles, which were not only beautiful but also helped with insulation. During the seventeenth century, churches began using them to depict religious scenes. Large azulejo panels were also featured in the homes of wealthy families, displaying hunting scenes, battles, or fantastic images of Portuguese explorers. Blue-and-white tiles, influenced by the Dutch, also became popular, and by the eighteenth century, Portugal was the world's largest producer of decorative tiles. A blue-and-white azulejo seen in Porto, Portugal Following lunch on the ship, our trip continued in Penafiel, home of Quinta da Aveleda, where the local vinho verde (wine) is made. Lecturer Paddy Bowe led us on a tour of the enchanting gardens. After a walk through the estate's brandy cellars, the group enjoyed a delicious wine tasting paired with various fruit, cheeses, and chocolates. Later that evening, we dined over candlelight at the Alpendurada Monastery, where a Benedictine Order of monks resided until 1834. A recent business deal in Portugal is a blend of wine and family and a sign of the growing success of Douro wines. Vintner Cristiano van Zeller and his wife and children, owners of the Quinta Vale D. Maria winery in the Douro Valley, signed a deal earlier this month to sell the company to Aveleda, a leading Vinho Verde producer owned by their cousins Martim and António Guedes. The deal includes the winery and 111 acres of vineyards; the sale price was not disclosed. As part of the sale to Aveleda, van Zeller, his wife, Joana Lemos, and their three children have become minority shareholders in Aveleda, and Cristiano remains executive director of Quinta Vale D. Maria. He’s also the head of Aveleda’s new fine wine division. His daughter Francisca stays as brand manager, while Joana Pinhão remains the chief winemaker. Cristiano told Wine Spectator that this is a new life, one that they “are very happy and very enthusiastic to embrace.” Founded in 1870, Aveleda is the largest exporter of Vinho Verde, and owns Casal Garcia, Follies, Charamba and the Adega Velha brandy. Casal Garcia is a popular brand in Portugal and the top-selling Portuguese wine in the U.S. The success of Aveleda has allowed it to build an increasingly higher-end portfolio. The white wines have been significantly improved by investments in viticulture and winemaking, with the help of consultants Valérie Lavigne and the late Denis Dubourdieu. In early 2016, Aveleda purchased the Seis Quintas estate, acquiring 125 acres of vineyards in Douro Superior. Buying Quinta Vale D. Maria gives them prime vineyards facing Rio Torto, close to Pinhão, as well as one of the most prestigious brands in modern Portuguese wines. Quinta Vale D. Maria was created by van Zeller and Lemos from land purchased from Lemos’ relatives in 1996, following van Zeller’s sale of Quinta do Noval, a pioneering Douro Valley estate. Van Zeller grew Quinta Vale D. Maria into another top Douro brand, for both Vintage Port and table wines. The particular character of the Rio Torto terroir yields a special finesse and elegance to the quinta’s dry reds and Ports. Van Zeller later released a top-end red called CV, and recently the quinta started to issue bottlings from the most emblematic blocks of its old vineyards. The brand also now includes white wines from purchased grapes, and entry-level reds from vineyards in Douro’s north bank, just past Pinhão. Van Zeller says that he and Francisca can now concentrate all their efforts “on creating business and brand awareness for Quinta Vale D. Maria and, of course, for the Douro region and its wines and Ports.” He added that these efforts will now be supported by “one of the most efficient and professional wine company teams in Portugal.” He will continue to personally co-own the Douro Boys brand. His partners collectively agreed to keep Quinta Vale D. Maria in the group. Consumers got the chance to taste dozens of outstanding wines in Chicago, with upcoming … The owner of Stoller and Chehalem wineries was devoted to the future of Willamette Valley … Inside the first U.S. location of the French luxury retailer, guests can enjoy fine wine at … Phase one of the Viticulture and Winery Technology program’s new home, funded by a $10 … The Tuscan wine company has purchased a minority stake in Tenute delle Terre Nere; De … While the White House has paused tariffs on foreign wines at 10 percent for now, the trade … If you're looking for a fantastic place near Porto then here's a tip for a stroll: Quinta da Aveleda Located less than an hour from the city of Porto, Quinta da Aveleda is a fantastic place right in the heart of the Vinho Verde region This is also one of several reasons to visit the municipality of Penafiel Quinta da Aveleda is closely linked to the production of wines some of which are awarded and recognized internationally But its points of interest are not limited to the wine connection The beauty of its landscape invites you to visit at a slow pace Before we mention the experiences you can find here it is said that this place has existed since the 19th century when it was an estate made up of several farms belonging to different owners Quinta da Aveleda passed into the hands of Manuel Pedro Guedes de Silva da Fonseca who created the company that is still owned by the Guedes family today the menu includes well-known labels such as Aveleda Loureiro-Alvarinho and Casal Garcia the Guedes family has been able to adapt to the times expanding the brand to other products such as cheeses and jams the estate has opened its doors to wine tourism allowing visits to its stunning gardens (and not only) The Quinta offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Porto the botanical garden is a real delight for those who appreciate the nature In this landscape worthy of a movie from “The Hobbit” saga it’s easy to forget the pace of time The gardens at Quinta da Aveleda are undoubtedly one of the main drawcards as they offer different styles and atmospheres there are other spots that deserve (and should) be highlighted on the threshing floor you’ll find one of the largest and oldest granaries in Portugal don’t forget to stop by the Manor House you should know that it is not possible to enter this magnificent building it’s worth admiring and taking lots of photos So you know it’s open to wine tourism Prices vary depending on what you’re looking for However, there are other experiences such as: Quinta da Aveleda is, therefore, a destination to be considered for a romantic date or a family outing 👉More information: aveleda’s website The very first Vinho Verde with a sweet twist 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Portuguese winery Aveleda S.A. the leading supplier of Vinho Verde wine in the USA is proud to announce the official launch of Casal Garcia Sweet on the American market flavorful and great-value Vinho Verde is guaranteed to shake up summer habits Take a close look at this vibrant turquoise label: you'll be seeing it everywhere as of mid-July SWEET & FRESH – Casal Garcia Sweet will delight consumers of light and fresh Vinho Verdes who also enjoy the generosity of fruity wines Balancing perfectly both candied and citrusy aromas this Vinho Verde with a twist is set to overshadow other sweet whites and will greatly appeal to younger consumers during the summer season LOW-ALC & HIGH-FUN – Casal Garcia Sweet is the perfect match for all consumers it can be sipped all day long without fears of headiness cool down but sip up with Casal Garcia Sweet wines FOODIE PERFECT MATCH – Choose Casal Garcia Sweet as your go-to wine to pair with summer foods such as grilled fish fresh seafood or Mediterranean quinoa salads count on this sweet Vinho Verde to energize any dessert is a family-owned winery with more than 140 years of winemaking tradition Casal Garcia is Aveleda's second brand and has today become the best-selling Vinho Verde in the world Aveleda has evolved and developed its winemaking by adapting to market demands and investing in new technologies along every step of the way.  A market leader in the Vinho Verde Region Aveleda is one of the largest wine producers in Portugal and exports over half of its output to more than 70 countries across the globe annually A short walk through the Quinta da Aveleda estate exhibits that the quest for perfection and the love for winemaking are core values for the Guedes family For more information on Aveleda, visit:  http://aveledaportugal.pt/ Joanna Sykes-DarmonSopexa c/o Aveleda S.A.[email protected]+1 (212) 386 7439 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160706/386875 http://aveledaportugal.pt Joanna Sykes-DarmonSopexa c/o Aveleda S.A.Joanna.sykes-darmon@sopexa.com+1 (212) 386 7439 Do not sell or share my personal information: With Spring arriving in the north of Portugal my family and I are ready to shake off the waterlogged winter embrace the bloom and quickly fill up our weekends and holidays with as many day trips as possible aldeias (villages) to pop our heads into on a weekend It has to be very special to command a second visit and the Quinta da Aveleda The Quinta produces many vintages of wine as well as aguardente but the wine they may be most known for (or at least the one I most recognize) is “Casal Garcia” When I lived in America one of the most common Portuguese green wines (vinho verde) I could find was Casal Garcia In my opinion the Portuguese never perfected beer making because they have green wine If you have never had green wine I suggest you ask for it at your local wine vendor and pick up a bottle Even if you are not a wine drinker this refreshing especially when served ice cold on a summer day mentioned visiting Quinta da Aveleda last May it wasn’t the estate garden or wine tour that caught the interest of my son Hank and I what caught our attention was when he mentioned the quinta had a goat tower: The “Goat Tower” a construction where the goats climb up and down the outside ramp Alfredo: Quinta da Aveleda is open for the season and they have a tour and a goat tower Me: Like a tower made of goat bones like the creepy memento mori in Évora or a tower for goats like a plastic castle for a fish tank Are there three billy goats and will they be named Gruff and is there an ugly troll and a field full of daisies to make them fat Sure the allure of a sprawling vineyard and estate dating back as far as 1600 was appealing Once your guide finds you browsing the wine and cheese gift boxes and the pig pitchers in the reception shop you are gently lead away from the protective peacock at the front gate and into a lush oasis of roses camellias and dragonfly laced babbling brooks I could feel my shoulders relax and my mood calm as we were drawn blissfully forward met with the smell first then the grandeur of a 200-year-old Eucalyptus tree where Hank and I dawdled to pick up as many eucalyptus seeds as my purse could carry Possibly the prettiest and most magical seed in our seven and thirty-five year old opinions and their scent brightens a dreary pocket after you spy an eclectically design guardhouse flanked by rhododendron Like something straight out of Rapunzel – but with ramp access – stands a stone tower like the lone remains of a loved goat sized castle When I asked the guide what possessed the family to call up their local stone mason and order a goat spire “Because goats like height.” But when I read the tour brochure it hinted that it had been built on a whim because I know when I think goat pen renovation the first thing that comes to mind is My son Hank was dazzled that there were indeed three billy goats (who may have been named Gruff although they weren’t talking) lazing in the sun in full enjoyment of their paradise pen and attention lavishing tourists you meet the “Forest Lake” section of the garden Home to ducks and swans in the center of the lake there is an island where the family have placed a 16th century window taken from the Porto castle where King Dom João IV was declared king Manueline Window from the 16th century where D Ivy covered and aged by centenaries the window is an impressive piece of history and is the jewel in the crown of this garden I let my imagination wonder to the generations of family members that have reenacted scenes from Romeo and Juliet while escaping to the cool ponds edge from the heat of a summer afternoon To say that this garden was anything less than enchanting would be an insult a magical archway or treasure tucked in amongst the green to elevate the eye and sit pretty as if it were grown there fountains ranging from a trickle of water to a cascading waterfall accompany the music of nature and the rhythm of life in this garden and I will admit that I wanted to turn around and return to the shelter of the trees when our tour took us out into strong daylight and long manicured lawns That was until I caught sight of the house the 17th century house on the Quinta da Aveleda is not open to the public but the exterior and lawns do not disappoint The main door to the chapel reads 1671 although many renovations and additions were made during the 19th century This house is still in the family and although not a permanent residence the large extended members frequently vacation there Which made my heart sing thinking of all of the children who still grow up dancing among the dragonflies lending laughter to the magic of such a special place visitors are welcomed to enter one of the family’s adegas (cellars) where the winemakers age their famous aguardente barrels and the cool of the granite building shock your senses more so than the towering eucalyptus as you breeze past casks of brew mixed with centuries of traditional knowledge it is after these barrels and a short walk through a rose lined archway that your tour ends An hour passed in the time it took to blink but the tour guide does not abandon you at the gift shop instead they lead you out onto a covered terrace where you are offered a bottle of their Vinho Verde (green wine) and another of their Rosé accompanied by cheese and other light refreshments The terrace overlooks their vineyard and affords you a leisurely moment of peace to return from your garden daydream and prepare to return to the real world once more They offer tours by appointment and in many languages Beware that although the tour is family friendly it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible And if you are visiting with young children consider reading them The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone before your visit Quinta da Aveleda recommends visiting in early April to see the azaleas in bloom and May for the roses If you are a wine enthusiast there are many packages and shipping opportunities available and remember to bring your camera but as with most things in Portugal we were utterly surprised and dazzled by what came along with it when I place a bottle of Casal Garcia in my shopping basket (as I do most trips) I am transported away from the bustle of the market and into those gardens once again Quinta da Aveleda is definitely on our calendar for April available in both English and Portuguese are available at Amazon iBooks (an animated version) and Google Play Store By dallasnews Administrator The hot ticket from the Douro Valley of Portugal home of the famous and venerable fortified port wines is dry red wine like this one from Quinta Aveleda It’s made from the same grapes as the ports There’s a lot of wine for the money in this bottle It’s dense and dark with black cherries and earthy but open it and give it some time before serving It has a medium-weight body and finishes with chewy tannins Quinta Aveleda is a big agricultural estate that’s been focusing on wine production since the late 1800s The estate is located in Penifiel in northwestern Portugal They make wine in several appellations — the Douro Eat Drink D-FWThe latest food and drink reviews GoogleFacebookBy signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy Parkit Market Liquor and Sunflower Farmers Market Soalheiro / Luis Seabra Vinhos / Quinta de Curvos .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Ken Ross | kross@repub.comIMG_3331.JPG The six Vinho Verde wines reviewed in this wine column You want something cold and refreshing to drink most of these wines are extremely affordable five of the six Vinho Verdes reviewed here cost less than $7 a bottle It's a wine region in the northern part of Portugal these wines often have a similar taste to them - light refreshing and slightly sparkling in many cases Vinho Verde wines are often made with several different types of grapes But good luck figuring out what grape was used to make some Vinho Verde wines Many bottles say absolutely nothing about exactly what grape was used to make the wine Many Vinho Verde wines have a slightly effervescent quality But there's a wide range of flavors when it comes to these wines smooth and velvety right from the very first taste The six Vinho Verde wines reviewed here are: Gazela Vinho Verde ($5.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield) J M Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde ($6.99 at Table & Vine) Casal Garcia Vinho Verde ($5.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Nortico Alvarinho ($12.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Aveleda Vinho Verde ($4.98 at Table & Vine) 2014 Quinta Da Aveleda Estate Bottled Vinho Verde ($6.99 at Table & Vine) The Gazela Vinho Verde had a very noticeable sparkling quality compared to all the other wines here I could not find out what grape was used to make this extremely young tasting I will say I had a hard time distinguishing from one wine or another I would strongly advise not having any other wines after this one The J M Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde had a slightly sharp taste at first Then I started to suspect that the wine might have tasted sharp because I just had a glass of the Gazela the Twin Vines (named after the wine maker's twin daughters) tasted much smoother than the first time I tasted the wine The wine also had a distinct citrus-like aftertaste that was quite refreshing As for what grape was used to make this wine all the winery's website said was most Vinho Verde white wines are made with Alvarinho But I have no idea if those four grapes were used to make this wine The Casal Garcia Vinho Verde has long been one of my favorite go-to white wines during the summer especially since this wine is so affordable and easy drinking It had been a while since I had tasted the Casal Garcia and I was surprised by the sparkling quality of the wine It's very subtle but noticeable like many Vinho Verde wines I often put an ice cube in a glass of Casal Garcia on an extremely the winery's website states that the Casal Garcia Vinho Verde is made using Trajadura The 2015 Nortico Alvarinho is very different from all the other wines reviewed here That's because this is made with a different grape - Alvarinho It even has a slightly lemon-like flavor and was the driest tasting wine of the group this wine was my second favorite of the six Vinho Verdes reviewed here The 2015 Aveleda Vinho Verde is another sparkling slightly-citrus-like wine perfect for a sweltering I found the wine to be a bit too sparkly - and I have no idea what grapes were used to make this wine it's an absolute steal and definitely one worth trying especially with fish or shellfish - or as a wine to have before dinner or before opening a robust But if I had to pick just one wine to recommend it would be the 2014 Quinta Da Aveleda Estate Bottled Vinho Verde This wine barely had any effervescence to it from its lemon-like flavors to its citrus-like aftertaste The wine is blend of two grapes - 80 percent Loureiro and 20 percent Alvarinho It was also the first wine my wife and I finished over two days this wine tastes better than many wines that cost twice as much any one of these wines would probably taste terrific on a hot Have you own Vinho Verde wine tasting and let me know which ones you like and why WINES WORTH SPLURGING ON: 2013 Viansa Reserve Pinot Noir Carneros dry red wine from California opened right up right after I opened this wine cherry-like flavors were front and center and stayed there for hours The wine tasted absolutely perfect with grilled meats and there was barely any left for a second-day taste But I can strongly assure you that all the flavors were still there in this full-bodied red wine the next day So while you might want to set this complex wine aside for a few years and find out what happens to it as it ages my advice would be enjoy it now with friends at a barbecue and try to save a bottle or two for the future if you can resist drinking this delicious wine now Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican's weekend section every Thursday Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes 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All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices Portuguese winemaker Luis Cerdeira has left his family’s renowned Soalheiro wine company to establish a new Vinho Verde wine project with his son Manuel who built up Soalheiro for more than 30 years is known for producing diverse and experimental expressions of Alvarinho in its Monçao e Melgaço (MM) heartland located near the mountainous border with Spain’s Galicia He has sold his shares in Soalheiro to his mother and sister Cerdeira said his (as yet not officially named) new project which includes plans to build a new winery in the village of Melgaço aims to produce more refined and precise expressions of Alvarinho in MM we are discovering much more by gaining more knowledge about soils and the influence of soils and mountains on vines There are a variety of soils with different ages expressive wines with new dimensions,” Cerdeira told Harpers Cerdeira’s move comes amidst a growing investment appetite in the MM sub-region Having acquired Quinta do Hospital estate in 2017 Over the past two years Symington’s and The Fladgate partnership from the Douro have also acquired historic MM estates secured a joint venture to produce Alvarinho with Symington Family Estates has since 2018 invested close to €7m in 85ha of Alvarinho-led plantings on schist soils (hitherto its plantings have been on granitic soils) in a new vineyard located in Cabração Until 2021 Vinho Verde producers making Alvarinho outside MM sub-region were excluded from using the Vinho Verde DOC appellation and were obliged to use the Regional Minho appellation Aveleda has switched its premium range of wines into the Vinho Verde appellation “We’ve made a big bet on Alvarinho,” said Martim Guedes adding that blends would make up an important part of the company’s new wines Aveleda has tripled its vineyard ownership to about 450ha “We have bought more vineyards to control the terroir as we invest in our premium wines,” Guedes told Harpers Meanwhile Cerdeira said that his new project would go beyond Alvarinho to include the production of blends of Loureiro elegant and expressive naturally-balanced wines made from lower yields Quinta da Santa Teresa and Quinta da Lixa have transformed region with the production of premium white wines and pet-nats Alvrinho and Alvarinho-led white wine blends accounted for more than nine million litres of sales between 2000 and 2022 Alvarinho single variety wine sales more than doubled to four million litres during that period Despite the growing premiumisation of Vinho Verde wines some MM producers fear that blends of Alvarinho will be made across the Vinho Verde at lower prices This partly explains why winemaker Joana Santiago and newly appointed chair of the MM producer association is this year ramping up moves to create a new MM appellation within the Vinho Verde “Only with a DO Monção e Melgaço will we ensure that the value that our region has generated over several decades is not lost in time,” Santiago said who hatched the idea of an appellation said: “A small region like Monção e Melgaço has done a lot to promote Portuguese white wines – we have wines for different price segments and we have made the best positioned wines and ageing capacity – many producers have wines that can age up to 20 years These are important steps to affirm the region as a DO by having all these things that differentiate it from the rest [of the Vinho Verde].” “Alvarinho made here has more personality structure and a sense of place due to its natural conditions,” he added moves to create an appellation face strong opposition from influential Vinho Verde producers “We’re stronger together as a single appellation,” countered Guedes AWL announces creation of new global win... 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Vergelegen – continuity and change on the Schapenberg Talking innovation and opening doors with LWC Koshu brings flavour of Japan to London Reh Kendermann: Sales Manager UK What is Vinho Verde? ‘Young, fresh and light,’ the marketing trumpeted but, these days, Vinho Verde’s Wine Commission is keen to broaden perceptions beyond the classic As are the Guedes’ family who, in addition to making the best-selling classic, Casal Garcia, now produce sophisticated single-parcel Vinho Verdes under their Aveleda brand there’s plenty more on offer than ever before… You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter Our wine critic’s pick of the best new arrivals at the LCBO for less than $20 (and one $25 splurge) 2022 Umberto Cesari Liano Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti IGT 2021 Aveleda Red Wine Vinho Regional Lisboa Today’s competitive market means you can find excellent wines at excellent prices Based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts Studies all point to the same thing. The keys to happiness are not money, fancy things or chasing the future but rather connection, gratitude and being in the moment. So the simple act of sharing a meal with family and friends ticks all the boxes. Add a delicious bottle of wine to the meal and the moment magnifies and the pleasure deepens No wonder wine has been made for 8,000 years a source of joy and a social lubricant all rolled into one lip-smacking refreshment that’s full-throttle and star bright reach for the 2022 Leftfield Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (LCBO 487496 There’s verticality here too — a lightning beam of acidity — as well as loads of polished If you prefer a bit more restraint in your white you’ll appreciate the 2022 Umberto Cesari Liano Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti IGT from Abruzzo It exudes the gentle fragrance of sliced pears laced lightly with orange pear-scented fruit is a quiet stoniness that emerges and comes into focus on the finish With more weight and concentration than many Pinot Grigios this is a table-worthy wine that’s incredibly versatile A sub-$13 red that overdelivers is the 2021 Aveleda Red Wine Vinho Regional Lisboa Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet — three native grapes from Portugal Each sip puts you in that part of the world — in Lisbon maybe with Fado music in the background The wine slips in with muddled blackberries It tastes plump yet poised and quietly sophisticated easy drinking red with little sharing plates and people you like Also from Portugal and outstanding value is the 2022 Bacalhôa Monte das Ânforas Red Trincadeira — three Portuguese grapes — offers full-bodied generosity blackberries and poached plum scored with cinnamon stick well-balanced red with enough heft to pour with grilled meats and mushrooms For those moments you’d prefer to serve a wine cocktail One of the most classic wine cocktails is the Bellini It’s a blend of Prosecco and white peach purée created by Giuseppe Cipriani the founder and bartender of Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1948 The NV Cipriani Bellini from Italy (LCBO 19304 peach-hued drink that smells pure and fresh And it’s drop dead delicious and tastes like it was made just for you — at Harry’s — moments beforehand pristine-tasting crowd-pleaser transports you and your pals to Venice The splurge this week is the 2023 Château d’Aquéria Tavel from the Côtes-du-Rhône fuchsia-coloured wine is disarmingly beautiful glazed strawberries and wild cherry tempered with flintiness and notes of underbrush Everything found on the nose emerges on the palate along with light serious rosé with bouillabaisse and crusty bread and linger a while Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account Portuguese wine producer Quinta da Aveleda has announced a £6 million investment in the Algarve which is expected to primarily focus on the production of rosé wines said the company had acquired the Quinta do Morgado da Torre vineyard in Alvor with 15hc of vineyards and a further 65hc of land for planting new vines “We will be producing 300,000 bottles of wine in the Algarve next year It’s a move which has already drawn interest from our distributors in the UK Canada and Nordic countries,” Guedes told Harpers Quinta da Aveleda will produce red and white wines but Guedes laid emphasis on the production of rosé wines “When I went to the Algarve about 18 months ago I was very surprised by its potential.” Guedes described the potential of the Algarve as a “two-way street” formed of the ideal combination of quality wine production and tourism “It’s milder than I thought and has good availability of water It’s protected by the Monchique mountain range.” Quinta da Aveleda’s investment sum includes the construction of a new winery and reception and tasting room facilities Guedes said Quinta da Aveleda would focus on regional sales “Only 3.5% of wine sold in the Algarve Tourism in the Algarve is no longer seasonal Quinta da Aveleda is Portugal’s biggest producer in Vinho Verde It also produces wine in the Douro and Bairrada regions but it’s the company’s first investment in the Algarve The company’s acquisition highlights the growing wine investment appetite in the southern Portuguese region a lawyer and wine producer of ‘Dom Vicente’ premium wines in the Dão region announced plantings of 12 ha of vineyards in Luz de Tavira “I am mitigating risk.Whilst production in some parts of Portugal has fallen between 40 and 50% were overall unaffected by the weather,” Marques told Harpers I can use less than a third of the amount of pesticides that are used in vineyards in in the Douro Dão and in Alentejo,” he said the number of wine producers in the Algarve has more than doubled making it Portugal’s fastest growing wine region according to the Algarve Viticulture Commission (CVA) (See Harpers https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/22011/The_Rise_of_The_Algarve.html) Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau Deep in the Portuguese countryside and surrounded by swathes of vineyards Quinta da Aveleda is certainly one destination you won’t want to miss off your Portugal bucket list once onsite you can discover a beautiful garden and enjoy stunning vistas over the surrounding region Located around a half hour drive from the city of Porto this breathtaking destination boasts beautiful botanical gardens and the chance to sample local wines and cheeses Here’s your ultimate guide on everything you need to know before visiting Quinta da Aveleda… The estate’s main building dates all the way back to the 17th-century and is still in use as a summer family residence to this day Dripping in trailing ivy and characterised by a lace-work veranda the mansion house can be spied during walking tours of the gardens though the interiors themselves are closed to the public the Guedes family have been producing wine on the estate much in part thanks to the much loved Porto and the green wine (vinho verde) of the Douro valley Quinta da Aveleda was recognised for its quality wines when it won the international Best of Wine Tourism award the Quinta da Aveleda estate has a bottling plant on site over 19 million bottles of wine are produced The bottling machinery is so advanced that the equipment can produce up to 10,000 bottles an hour A duck palace, a towering goat’s haven, and more hydrangea bushes than you’ve ever likely spied before: Quinta da Aveleda is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Portugal And not just because of the tranquil ambience of the property the fact that the garden hosts over 100 varieties of camellias Some of the trees on the estate have been in situ for centuries (unusual specimens include Japanese Cedar and a Swamp Cypress Tree) while follies and fountains are to be found in abundance Given the chance, be sure to book yourself onto a guided tour of the gardens! (check or further information here) Must-see attractions of the Quinta da Aveleda botanical gardens include; Goat tower: Home to a family of happy goats this towering structure is hidden among a forest of lush green trees and rises up The garden boasts a large number of wildlife species while ducks also have their own little ‘duck palace’ pond while striking peacocks roam freely around the grounds and located adjacent to what was once the main entrance to the property the Gatekeeper’s cottage is probably the most photogenic place in the Aveleda estate a series of ponds offer the kind of shady spots that are perfect for curling up with a book and escaping the harsh Portuguese sun for a couple of hours Ourdoor ceremony area: Serene and peaceful the outdoor ceremony area is still used for ceremonies by the family today Tucked away in a corner of the estate that’s close to the vines you can only begin to imagine how stunning an outdoor wedding ceremony held there must be For those who love sampling local dishes and cuisine while exploring a new area booking a wine and cheese tasting experience at the Aveleda Estate is an absolute must Set against the backdrop of a sprawling complex of buildings crafted from the local stone the wine tasting area is set over two floors While the upper floor is an intimate space of wooden seats and comfortable seating the lower floor is marked by its two banquet length tables along which larger groups can sample and enjoy local wines Also on the ground floor is an expansive shop selling produce that’s made locally we enjoyed a selection of several locally produced crisp white wine varieties as well as some dairy cheeses (both hard and soft) Served with crackers that were a little too easy to eat We munched on our nibbles and sipped on our wine as our tour guide gave us further information about the history of Portuguese wine and the Aveleda estate itself; an altogether enjoyable experience Brandy is also produced on site in large barrels where the tipple is then aged for up to thirty years Stroll into the brandy cellar (the oak barrels are housed in a cool barn close to the mansion house) and the smell hits you before your eyes even have the chance to adjust to the small and dimly lit room You should know before you go that the gardens can be viewed as part of a guided tour only you would have been free to roam the grounds at your leisure the gardens are once more open by appointment only at certain times of the week (and year) you’ll need to check in with security and present a form of ID (i.e the price of wine tasting is from €6.50 (please note that you have to be 18 or over for the wine tasting) Otherwise, if you want to visit the bodega as a day trip from Porto, then the best way to reach the area is by car. After all, public transportation in the region is limited. Check car rental comparison prices here. seeking out some of the stunning Romanesque architecture located in this part of Northern Portugal during your time the Vinho Verde is an absolute must the wine-growing region can be found along the Rota do Românico One particularly fascinating nearby ecclesiastical buildings of note is that of the Monastery of Cête which is made all the more magical by the presence of a tiny cloister with plenty of greenery The construction of this ecclesiastical building is typically attributed to Gonçalo Oveques Last but not least, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination for yourself, be sure to read our Portugal travel tips guide to help you avoid common travel mistakes that visitors to the South Western European country make Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy relax and enjoy the fresh aromas with a glass of something truly incredible Not only are these bottles perfect for the upcoming warm weather but they’re also perfect to toast to your mama for Mother’s Day Here are my top six choices to celebrate every style of Mom in your life.  I recently was able to spend five days in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal and absolutely fell in love with this region and their wines I spent a full day touring Aveleda and walking their incredible garden grounds meeting their talented winemaker and happily sipping on Quinta da Aveleda Although I have always loved Aveleda wines I love them even more after visiting the estate and learning more about the region and the winery The aromas are lush and tropical with notes of starfruit and citrus and the elegant finish makes this wine easy to pair food with (try it with cheeseboard This wine is versatile and wonderful to share The grapes in this wine are Loureiro and Alvarinho Tasting this wine will make you want to plan a trip to Porto Love to sip a spritz and want to take it up a notch Germain is a French elderflower liqueur that has a bright fresh floral flavour everyone will fall in love with elegant and delicious liquor owes its unique flavor to the white flowers of the elderflower tree Each bottle contains the refreshing essence of up to 1,000 fresh elderflowers These small but mighty flowers bloom in spring and are harvested by hand during the fleeting three to four-week period that follows when their flavor and aroma are at their peak Now is the perfect time to try this incredible liquor with all of the mom’s you love (from fur moms to real moms!) Gently twist a lemon peel on top of your drink and add edible flowers as garnish.  As if this blue bottle wasn’t memorable enough Blue Giovello Prosecco has a female owner by the name of Mrs The name on the bottle comes from the combination of the Italian words Giovane (young) and Bello (beautiful) The dragonfly in flight on the label is a symbol of harmony and prosperity and it refers to its origin: Italy represented by the blue of its sky and of the waves of the Mediterranean Sea This is a bottle I know for sure I will be popping open with my Mother this weekend to celebrate This wine is made by talented winemaker Katie Nelson and it is an incredible red wine that humans everywhere will appreciate The pacific northwest is rich in volcanic history Washington vineyards are sustainable by nature giving vineyards a perfect place to grow and create exceptional juice Looking for a simple yet fascinating cocktail that fits right in with your weekend celebrations Try a cotton candy champagne cocktail with Juliet Prosecco Rosé Don’t forget to take a photo and post it on Instagram it makes for a fantastic Instagram ready moment!  METHOD: Add bitters to a coupe or champagne glass Cotton candy will dissolve as soon as the bubbly touches it covers all costs associated with production and shipping Not only is Tullamore an incredible Irish whiskey to sip and savour but supporting this initiative helps bring joy to others as well Give this gift to mom and it comes totally personalized with a special giving back message as well!  may have been compensated by some of the brands or gifted products for tasting prior to being featured; or may be compensated for any purchases made through some of the links included Our 4th annual POWER 60 List has arrived. #VIBEfeatures Inquire Now The global sensation Come From Away returns to the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre — where it all began with the pre-Broadway engagement and the record-breaking Canadian production that played for… Cloudscape is a mesmerizing installation that blends traditional artistry with contemporary themes Artist Xiaojing Yan masterfully crafts intricate cloud forms using paper and natural reed “What is art?” This question has sparked debate for centuries the boundaries of what defines art are being pushed further than ever One significant shift is the growing… The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world Kour Pour: Cosmic Diagrams showcases three monumental paintings that explore the kaleidoscopic ways in which different cultures have envisioned the cosmos Guests and locals can enjoy their favorite coffee alongside a freshly baked croissant or choose from a delightful array of brunch dishes Every day at The Broadview Hotel from 7AM… Enjoy half-priced bottles and $3 off glasses of your favorite wines at The Gladstone Café Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a cozy spot to relax,… Arcadia Earth is unveiling a brand-new immersive room called Every Action Has a Reaction – Earth Month Room The 52: An Exhibition Explore The 52 in this one-of-a-kind multi-media exhibition and creative monologues written by 24 award-winning… A Yonge Street Theatricals Production Book Music & Lyrics by Britta Johnson Directed by Annie Tippe Featuring Isabella Esler The Nova Music Festival Exhibition Toronto The Moment Music Stood Still April 23 - 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