Tag: Portugal Wine

Exploring the “Wines of Portugal” Tasting Room in Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço

Lisbon’s vibrant energy flows through its grand avenues, pastel façades, and historic waterfront, yet one of its most compelling experiences lies quietly in a corner of the city’s most iconic square. Tucked into the western wing of Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, operated by ViniPortugal, offers an exceptional immersion into the diversity and depth of Portuguese wine.

Once the site of Portugal’s Royal Palace during the reigns of King Manuel I (1511) and King José I (1755), this square has witnessed centuries of seismic change, both literally and figuratively. Following the devastating 1755 earthquake, Praça do Comércio was rebuilt in the elegant Pombaline architectural style and has since become a symbol of Portuguese resilience, culture, and commerce. Today, the surrounding buildings house government ministries, sleek restaurants, curated shops, and cultural spaces; seamlessly blending past and present.

At the heart of this transformation sits the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, a sanctuary for oenophiles. The space offers a self-guided or sommelier-led journey through more than 1,000 wines from across Portugal’s diverse regions, from the granite-soiled vineyards of the Vinho Verde DOC to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo, and from Douro’s legendary quintas to the volcanic terroir of the Azores.

A visit to the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room is not just about tasting; it’s about time-traveling through the country’s enological heritage, told through native grapes like Touriga Nacional, Baga, Encruzado, and Arinto.

Location:
Terreiro do Paço, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
Further details: www.viniportugal.pt

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!

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.

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!