Category: Wine and Food Pairings

AliveTaste’25 – A Celebration of Portugal’s Wine Culture and Gastronomic Excellence

I recently had the honour of attending the 9th Edition of AliveTaste’25 in Portugal, an extraordinary celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy, and cultural excellence. My journey across the country offered profound insights into the evolution of its wine culture, from the Atlantic-influenced Vinho Verde to the dramatic terraces of the Douro Valley and culminated in a multisensory experience at AliveTaste’25, hosted at the iconic Palácio do Freixo in Porto.

Exploring the Vinho Verde Wine Region: Tradition Meets Innovation

My exploration began in the Vinho Verde region, a landscape defined by granitic soils, verdant valleys, and cool Atlantic breezes. The appellation spans nine sub-regions, from Monção and Melgaço in the north to Paiva in the southeast, each contributing unique microclimatic influences and terroir expressions.

Long associated with low-alcohol, lightly effervescent white wines, Vinho Verde is undergoing a dynamic renaissance. During my visit, I discovered winemakers pushing boundaries, experimenting with single-varietal expressions that highlight the region’s diverse terroirs and microclimates, including an exciting emergence of red wines.

Producers are crafting distinctive wines from Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Arinto, each showcasing freshness, minerality, and structure. The grape varietals Alvarinho and Loureiro are being further refined through innovative techniques such as oak aging, which adds greater depth, complexity, and character.

Vinho Verde is also gaining recognition as a vibrant wine tourism destination. Many wineries now offer curated experiences that go beyond tastings, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region through tours, cultural activities, and immersive leisure experiences that seamlessly blend wine, hospitality, and landscape.

“Vinho Verde is certainly one of Europe’s most exciting wine destinations—and it’s only getting better” — Liz Palmer

Aveleda Wines: A Living Legacy of Portuguese Viticulture

One of the highlights of my travels in the Vinho Verde region was a visit to Aveleda, one of Portugal’s oldest and most respected wine estates. Founded in 1870 and still family-owned, Aveleda exemplifies the convergence of innovation, biodiversity, and sustainability. The estate spans over 200 hectares, and its commitment to ecological integrity is evident in its viticultural and architectural choices.

During my visit, I toured the historic gardens and cellars, participated in a technical tasting of their Alvarinho and Loureiro, and enjoyed an amazing outdoor wine tasting in the historic gardens, followed by a wine-paired lunch that reflected the region’s gastronomic richness. Aveleda’s wines are crisp, expressive, and exported to over 80 countries; they are true ambassadors of the Vinho Verde DOC.

The Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of Wine

My wine travels continue and have led me to the Douro Valley.

Home to over 33,000 grape growers and spanning nearly 250,000 hectares, the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, officially established in 1756. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its dramatic terraced vineyards that cling to steep schist slopes, some with gradients reportedly exceeding 70%. Long celebrated as the birthplace of Port wine, the Douro is now equally acclaimed for its bold, expressive still wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. With over 200 wine estates or quintas, this region offers an exceptional wine tourism experience, blending rich viticultural heritage, striking architecture, and awe-inspiring landscapes into a destination that embodies the essence of Portugal’s wine culture.

I spent the night at Quinta de Ventozelo, one of the oldest and most expansive estates in the Douro Valley, which offers a compelling integration of heritage, hospitality, and enotourism. The estate’s architectural restoration thoughtfully preserves its 16th-century origins while adapting the structures into refined accommodations that blend comfort with historical authenticity. Nestled amidst 400 hectares of vineyards, forests, and olive groves, the property provides a unique immersion into the cultural and environmental landscape of the region.

A highlight of the estate is its panoramic infinity pool, positioned to frame the sweeping curves of the Douro River, an ideal vantage point for contemplating the viticultural terrain. Beyond its natural beauty, guests at the wine estate are encouraged to explore a network of ecological walking trails, participate in guided vineyard tours, and visit the Interpretation Centre, which offers in-depth insights into the estate’s biodiversity and sustainable practices. This holistic approach positions the property not merely as a wine resort, but as a living expression of the Douro’s enduring viticultural legacy.

I participated in a curated wine tasting that featured a selection of estate labels, from crisp whites and expressive reds to elegant Ports, each reflecting the terroir and heritage of Ventozelo. Wines and Ports that stood out: Quinta de Ventozelo Rose, 2023, Quinta de Ventozelo Malvasia Fina, 2023, Quinta de Ventozelo, 2018 Vintage Port, and Quinta de Ventozelo Colheita Port 2014.

As dusk settled over the terraced vineyards, I enjoyed an intimate dinner with other colleagues at Cantina de Ventozelo, the estate’s signature restaurant. The menu showcased locally sourced ingredients, many grown on-site, and paired seamlessly with Ventozelo’s wines. The panoramic view overlooking the Douro Valley added cinematic depth to the evening, transforming the meal into a sensory journey that felt both grounded in tradition and rich in discovery.

Visiting Douro Icons: Adega de Favaios & Quinta de São Luiz

Venturing deeper into the Douro Valley, I visited Adega de Favaios, a historic cooperative revered for its iconic Moscatel Galego Branco. Situated at elevations between 600 and 800 meters, the vineyards benefit from significant diurnal temperature shifts—ideal conditions for cultivating wines with refined floral and tropical aromatics. During my visit, I sampled a beautifully aged vintage Moscatel, a compelling expression of the region’s aging potential and steadfast commitment to quality.

Founded in 1952, Adega Cooperativa de Favaios stands as one of Portugal’s most esteemed wine institutions, uniting over 550 dedicated growers. While Moscatel de Favaios remains its signature, the cooperative also cultivates a diverse range of native grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Rabigato, and Gouveio. The winery seamlessly blends tradition and modernity in its state-of-the-art cellar, where innovative techniques honour long-standing practices, producing wines that are both expressive and enduring hallmarks of Portuguese wine culture.

I enjoyed a guided tour of the winery, gaining insight into the cooperative’s rich history and its meticulous winemaking process. The experience culminated in a tasting of their portfolio, including several still wines and the iconic Moscatel de Favaios; a beautifully aromatic and balanced expression of the Moscatel Galego Branco grape.

En route to Quinta de São Luiz – our drive from Adega de Favaios to Quinta de São Luiz included a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Douro Valley, winding past terraced vineyards, centuries-old quintas, and panoramic views of the Douro River. As we descended from the elevated Favaios plateau, the landscape unfolded dramatically; steep schist slopes lined with vines, charming hillside villages, and the glint of rabelos drifting along the water below.

Quinta de São Luiz, the historic birthplace of the Kopke brand, is one of the Douro Valley’s most iconic wine estates, with roots tracing back to 1638, making it the oldest Port wine house in Portugal. Located on the left bank of the Douro River between Régua and Pinhão, in the village of Tabuaço, the estate is renowned for its production of Tawny Colheita Ports, white wines, and premium Douro DOC wines. We were welcomed with a guided tour through the Romilã vineyard, insights into traditional winemaking at the Casa do Alambique, and curated tastings on the scenic São Luiz Terrace, which was relocated due to the heat to one of the tasting rooms. The estate also hosts engaging activities such as treasure hunts and mystery tours for groups, making it a versatile and immersive destination for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Hotel Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia

I had the pleasure of dining with my group and special guest, Frederico Falcão, President of ViniPortugal, at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Chef Nacho Manzano, [third Michelin star chef]. The décor is sophisticated yet understated, blending warm wood accents, soft lighting, and expansive views over the Douro River and the city of Porto, creating a refined, timeless setting. Service was impeccable: attentive without being intrusive, with staff deeply knowledgeable about both the cuisine and the exceptional Kopke wine and Port pairings. Chef Nacho Manzano’s tasting menu was a masterclass in culinary precision, each course artfully balancing purity of flavour with innovative techniques like low-temperature cooking and steaming. Highlights included delicate seafood, seasonal vegetables, and heritage meats, all elevated by rare Kopke Ports and Douro DOC wines from Quinta de São Luiz and Quinta da Boavista. It was an extraordinary gastronomic journey, one that perfectly reflected Porto’s rich culinary and winemaking heritage in every bite.

The World of Wine (WOW): Porto’s Cultural Beacon

No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to WOW or the “World of Wine” a pioneering cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia. I spent an afternoon exploring the museums, including The Wine Experience, Planet Cork, and The Bridge Collection. WOW also features 12 restaurants, a wine school, boutique shopping, and panoramic views over the Douro River, a dynamic nexus of culture, education, and luxury wine tourism.

During my exploration of the local wine landscape, I had the opportunity to stay at a selection of hotels that exemplified a sophisticated integration of luxury accommodations and strategic geographic positioning.

Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel – Porto’s newest 5-star property, it combines modern sophistication with sweeping city views. An ideal base for wine professionals and tourists alike, it’s located within easy access to both urban and wine country adventures.

Pestana Douro Riverside – This elegant property is a restored perfume and soap factory known as the Floral Factory. Dinner at Aroma, its signature restaurant, was a standout experience. The interiors blend exposed beams and iron columns with a soft, modern palette, an aesthetic that tells the story of industrial heritage reimagined.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Hotel – Strategically located near the Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars, this hotel offers direct access to key wine tourism sites. Its stylish interiors evoke understated luxury, ideal for oenophiles. A dinner at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano was a culinary masterpiece, featuring haute cuisine paired with Kopke’s award-winning Ports and still wines.

AliveTaste’25: Portugal’s Pinnacle Event for Wine and Gastronomy

In the heart of Portugal’s storied wine country, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary elegance, this year’s AliveTaste’25 was nothing short of a sensory revelation.

Held at the magnificent Portuguese Baroque Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Douro, the event unfolded as a harmonious symphony of taste, culture, and refined hospitality. It brought together 26 chefs and 20 wine producers, featuring culinary creations from the chefs paired with wines from the participating producers.

The event was attended by an eclectic mix of luminaries: international wine critics, Michelin-starred chefs, top sommeliers, and luxury travel insiders. From Canada to Paris to São Paulo to South Korea, the guest list read like a passport through the world’s wine capitals. Both Portuguese wines and gastronomy took center stage, joined by leading producers from across the country, bringing the global wine world together in one extraordinary setting.

AliveTaste’25 is more than a celebration of fine wine; it is a tribute to the terroir, the people, and the compelling stories that are shaping Portugal’s growing influence in gastronomy and luxury wine tourism. In 2025, the event once again raised the bar, elevating the experience to new heights.

“AliveTaste’25 was nothing short of a sensory revelation” Liz Palmer

For further details, visit: https://alivetaste.com

An Exclusive Encounter with Opus One: A Vertical Tasting of Napa’s Crown Jewel

Tucked into the western benchlands of Oakville, Opus One stands as a beacon of sophistication and legacy in Napa Valley winemaking. During a recent visit, I was invited to experience a rare vertical tasting that spanned some of the estate’s most celebrated vintages. This exclusive encounter offered more than a glimpse into the artistry behind each bottle, it was a masterclass in precision, pedigree, and the enduring partnership between two visionaries: Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.

During my recent visit, I experienced an unforgettable vertical tasting in the Partners’ Room, hosted by the knowledgeable and gracious Therese Keating, Estate Ambassador. Ms Keating previously provided us with an in-depth insight into the Opus One’s history, viticulture and winemaking philosophy. Against a backdrop of breathtaking vineyard views, we explored three vintages: 2015, 2019, and 2021, each paired with meticulously crafted amuse-bouches.

2015 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 4%, Malbec 2%
Skin Contact: 21 days
Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: A warm vintage showing opulence and depth. Aromas of dark plum, violet, and tea leaf give way to a lush palate of blackberry, cocoa, and baking spices, creamy texture, fine tannins, and great balance.

Drink Window: 2025–2040
96 points – Liz Palmer

2019 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Malbec 2%
Skin Contact: 22 days
Barrel Aging: 19 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: A composed and classic vintage. Notes of black currant, rose petal, and graphite lead into layers of espresso, dark chocolate, and savoury herbs. Silky texture, bright acidity, and a lingering finish.

Drink Window: 2025–2045
98 points – Liz Palmer

2021 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 2%, Merlot 0.5%, Malbec 0.5%
Skin Contact: 19 days
Barrel Aging: 19.5 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: From one of the driest growing seasons on record, this vintage is defined by purity and finesse. Aromas of cassis, violet, and black cherry evolve into a palate of elegant tannins and a finish marked by truffle, vanilla, and spice.

Drink Window: 2029–2049
99 points – Liz Palmer

Each wine was paired with exquisite culinary expressions, from bacon and Roquefort canelés to truffle-scented morel gâteau, amplifying the sensory journey. This rare opportunity to observe how the estate’s wines evolve in character and structure over time was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Final Reflections

Opus One is more than a wine estate; it is a living philosophy, where tradition and innovation are intertwined with purpose and grace. Every detail, from grape to glass, reflects a pursuit of perfection rooted in legacy and collaboration. For connoisseurs and collectors, a visit to Opus One is nothing short of a pilgrimage, an invitation to experience the art of fine winemaking at its most refined.

“The most unique wine tasting experience in Napa is at Opus One. Uncover the art of Bordeaux blends, breathtaking architecture, and a wine experience like no other.” — Liz Palmer

Opus One Winery

📍 7900 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA
🌐 https://en.opusonewinery.comm

Discovering Campania’s Wine Heritage at Campania Stories 2025

Despite its fragmented landscapes, diverse soils, and varied climate, the Campania region of southern Italy presents a unified face to the global wine world each year through the Campania Stories event.

This year’s event was held in the Vesuvius area from May 18–21 and featured over 90 producers from across Campania. It offered an exceptional opportunity for wine journalists and professionals to discover and taste the wines of this distinctive region. Each year, Campania Stories takes place in a different location; this year, it was hosted at the foot of the active Mount Vesuvius. The event was organized by Miriade & Partners, a local communications agency. The opening ceremony took place at Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano, a historic villa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

This setting was ideal for exploring wines from the inland areas of Naples province, where vines grow in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. These vineyards, nestled beneath the 1,200-meter-high volcano, benefit from its protection against sea breezes and harsh weather.

Campania’s Wine Production: An Overview
Campania is Italy’s 8th largest wine-producing region, contributing around 4% of the country’s total wine output, which equates to approximately 1.7 million hectoliters per year. While red wines dominate production, there is also a significant volume of white wines, particularly from the Sannio area. Campania’s wines fall under 4 DOCG and 15 DOC appellations, including Vesuvio DOC.

The Historic Vesuvius Wine Region
The Vesuvius area is one of Campania’s oldest wine regions, with viticulture dating back to the 5th century BC. The Greeks and Romans were instrumental in developing the area’s wine culture, introducing new grape varieties and utilizing the volcanic soils’ richness.

Today, viticulture in this zone is divided between two main designations: IGP Monte Somma and Vesuvio DOP. Monte Somma refers to the ancient volcanic rim that partially collapsed after the 79 AD eruption. While Vesuvio wines are more widely recognized, Monte Somma displays unique characteristics, with vineyards reaching elevations of up to 700 meters above sea level. These north-facing slopes benefit from cooling altitudes and descending air currents.

The Vesuvio DOP area is heavily influenced by its microclimate, sea breezes from the Gulf of Naples, and protection from the Lattari Mountains and the Apennines. These features shield the vines from severe frost, while the volcanic activity continues to enrich the soils with potassium and pyroclastic materials.

Monte Somma: A Pristine Terroir
Protected from major lava flows, Monte Somma retains its pristine environment, including dense forests and fruit trees such as the local crisommola apricot. Wines from this area—designated under Monte Somma IGP, are typically austere in youth but exhibit significant aging potential thanks to wide diurnal temperature variation and complex terroir influences.

The Vesuvio DOP appellation, by contrast, faces south and is a major tourist attraction. Its coastal exposure ensures vineyards receive ample sunlight and maritime influence, producing riper, fuller-bodied wines. The entire viticultural area lies within the Vesuvius National Park, a designated biodiversity heritage site.

Ancient Grape Varieties of Vesuvius
The area is home to several ancient grape varieties, including Caprettone (white) and Piedirosso (red). Some of these vines remain ungrafted, thanks to volcanic soil’s natural resistance to phylloxera, offering a treasure trove of genetic heritage. Growers maintain these vines through traditional propagation methods such as layering, preserving centuries-old lineages.

One rare and notable variety is Catalanesca, grown exclusively in the Monte Somma IGT zone. This grape is believed to have originated in Catalonia, Spain, and was introduced to the area in the 15th century by Lucrezia d’Alagno, the lover of King Alfonso I of Aragon. Since then, Catalanesca has adapted so thoroughly to the local terroir that it is now considered native. Interestingly, the grape’s physical characteristics are berry size and cluster shape, change significantly when grown outside Vesuvius.

Originally classified as a table grape, Catalanesca was not used for winemaking until the 1990s due to its large berries, thick skins, and susceptibility to oxidation. However, in 2011, it was officially included in the Monte Somma IGT appellation. Wines made from Catalanesca are semi-aromatic, with floral and saline notes, crisp acidity, and a pleasantly tannic mouthfeel. They typically reach their peak 2–3 years post-harvest. Several samples tasted during Campania Stories stood out for their quality and typicity; detailed tasting notes to follow.

Filippo Magnani

Exploring the Douro!! Portugal’s Most Storied Wine Region

I’ve arrived in the breathtaking Douro Valley where centuries of winemaking tradition meet terraced vineyards and unforgettable landscapes. From river to ridge, this UNESCO World Heritage region tells the story of Portugal in every glass.

I’m excited to explore its vineyards, meet its winemakers, and experience its remarkable wines and culture.

Stay tuned for more stories from one of the most captivating wine regions in the world!

Aroma, the signature restaurant located in the five-star Pestana Douro Riverside

Last night what a magical dinner at Aroma, the signature restaurant located in the five-star Pestana Douro Riverside. 

This is a stunning riverside property blending neo-historic architecture with modern elegance was once home to a perfume, candle, and soap factory, famously known as the Floral Factory.
 
From the outside, the structure maintains its original brick façade, tall arched windows, and chimney towers that nod to its 19th-century factory roots. Its riverside location offers breathtaking views over the Douro, especially as we watch the sun set.
 
Inside there is a harmonious blend of industrial elegance and contemporary comfort such as exposed beams, iron columns, and high ceilings which are all complemented by warm wood, soft lighting, and a muted palette that evokes the essence of its past life. It’s a true architectural gem where history meets hospitality.
 
It was an unforgettable evening of fine dining, wine and heritage by the Douro! Fresh local seafood grilled on the terrace with stunning river views and local wines!