Portugal and wine are synonymous. Of course the country is best known for its fortified wine, port but the country’s wines are also well known for their flavoursome and innovative taste.
In recent years there has certainly been a rosé revolution and the Algarve has been included in that rise in appreciation.
This year, the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA) launched its new website where visitors can read about and book experiences revolving around wine.
The three categories are Leisure, Heritage and Gastronomy. Offering experiences that can be enjoyed during the day or evening, these vineyards are the perfect place to taste and learn about local wines, together with other products made on site (such as olive oil) and of course visitors can see the workings of the vineyard.
In 2010 the Algarve boasted around 10 wine producers, today there are over 50 with four denominations of origin: Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira.
If wine tasting is new to you, don’t be put off by words or the art of the sommelier. Whilst we may not have the acute smell or taste that professionals have, we can still enjoy trying wines.
A great place to start is to understand why certain actions are carried out and an easy way to teach yourself is read up about them. Click here for some information that will help you along the way.
And for those who prefer their drinks with zero alcohol there is still a choice, albeit small, of wine.
Most brands of beers in Portugal produce a 0% alcohol version whereas for wines this is a fairly new market.
José Maria da Fonseca was the first to have marketed an alcohol-free red and white wine, O%riginal, in 2021.
There are now a few producers bottling non-alcohol wines, including Lancers and Mateus, so keep your eyes peeled.