Category: Wine News

AliveTaste’25 Elevates Portugal’s Wine + Gastronomy at Pestana Palácio do Freixo

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.

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 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

Here is their website for further details: https://alivetaste.com/

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!

Liz Palmer named among the “World’s Most Influential Voices” in Wine

I am honoured to be recognized by LocalWineEvents.com as one of the Influential Wine Voices, alongside esteemed colleagues from around the world.

This recognition highlights individuals who are shaping the future of wine through innovation, education, and a shared passion for viticulture, oenology, and global wine tourism.

I remain committed to fostering meaningful dialogue, championing wine culture, and elevating the global conversation around wine through journalism and digital storytelling.

Link to site: https://www.localwineevents.com/influential-wine-voices/liz-palmer

Enroute to the Vinho Verde Region [Portugal]

Heading northwest to the Vinho Verde region today. This regions spans from the Atlantic coast to the mountainous interior and iis shaped by a cool, wet climate and granitic soils that give rise to wines with distinct freshness and character.
 
Geography and Sub-Regions
Vinho Verde lies within the broader Minho region and borders the Douro Valley and Trás-os-Montes to the East, and the Dão & Lafões region to the South. The region is segmented into nine sub-regions, each contributing its own microclimatic influence and grape-growing identity:


·       Monção and Melgaço
·       Lima
·       Basto
·       Cávado
·       Ave
·       Amarante
·       Baião
·       Sousa
·       Paiva

From coastal vineyards to inland hills, these areas showcase incredible diversity in soil, elevation, and style.

Wine Styles: From Classic to Cutting-Edge
Vinho Verde is traditionally celebrated for its crisp, low-alcohol white wines, often lightly effervescent and youthful in spirit. These wines, especially those made from Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Arinto are the perfect companions for fresh seafood.
Yet today’s Vinho Verde is far from one-dimensional. Winemakers are pushing boundaries, crafting orange wines, pet-nat sparklers, and oak-aged whites that rival more established categories. This evolution reflects the region’s balance of deep-rooted heritage and dynamic innovation.

What’s in a Name?
“Vinho Verde” translates to “green wine,” but the term doesn’t refer to the color, instead, it captures the region’s essence: youthful, vibrant, and fresh. It’s a style that’s alive with acidity and minerality, echoing the region’s verdant landscape and Atlantic breezes.

World of Wine (WOW) Cultural District in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

Just arrived at the World of Wine (WOW) Cultural District in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto!

This vibrant cultural hub features seven unique museums that celebrate the best of Portuguese heritage, wine, cork, chocolate, and more:

The Wine Experience
Where you can dive into the history and diversity of Portuguese wine.

Planet Cork
Where you can discover the wonders of Portugal’s cork industry.


Porto Region Across the Ages
This is where you can travel through time with Porto’s rich cultural evolution.


The Bridge Collection
**My Favorite
Where you can explore 2,000+ drinking vessels and social rituals across civilizations.


Pink Palace
This is a fun, immersive journey into the world of rosé.


The Chocolate Story
From bean to bar, here you can experience the magic of chocolate.


The Atkinson Museum
Where you can delve into the legacy of the Atkinson brand and its ties to Porto.

WOW also includes 12 restaurants and bars, boutique shops, wine school, and event spaces, all with breathtaking views over Porto.

Can’t wait to start exploring!

Website for further details: https://www.wow.pt/