Portugal July 2014 Newsletter

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To Me

Today at 3:02 PM

Dear travel partner, Saudacoes from Visit Portugal team in India! We trust that the monsoon season has started on a good note for all our Indian travel partners. To further enhance your knowledge of Portugal as a culinary destination, this month's newsletter focuses on wine tourism. Don't miss the opportunity to sample Portuguese wines, as varieties are unique with thrillingly different flavors. From north to south, east to west, mountain to maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green, in every style, from fizz to port, from crisp dry whites to elegant reds, in so many diverse ways, Portuguese wines are unique. Come and discover the spas, cruises, golf, sports and heritage that compliments wine from the north to the south of Portugal and visit the wine producing villages in the Porto and Duoro region. Discover key attractions such as museums, theme parks, Oceanarium (Lisbon) and some famous landmarks all over the country which may help you develop unique itineraries for your clientele. To know more about the production method, gastronomy and different experiences of Portuguese wines, kindly visit:http://www.winetourismportugal.com/pt/ We hope to receive the love and affection from our travel partners. Happy reading & selling! Sincerely, Visit Portugal Team India Representative Office ABOUT 'WINE TOURISM' IN PORTUGAL Portugal is a country with a strong winegrowing tradition, so discovering its different wines and the regions in which they are produced can be a great excuse for exploring the landscapes, heritage, culture and the people who live here as well. The Porto and Alentejo regionsare where you will find the largest number of places dedicated to wine tourism, but there are wine production units receiving visitors all over the country, including the Algarve, Lisboa etc. To know more about the vineyards, the wineries, restaurants and wine shops, why not stay overnight and explore the surrounding area. UPCOMING EVENTS ARTS FESTIVAL Friday, 18th July – Tuesday, 29th July, 2014 In July, Coimbra will be hosting its Arts Festival, organised by the In�s de Castro Foundation. This is an eclectic festival offering public exposure to all kinds of artistic expression: music, painting, theatre, literature, cinema, photography and much more besides! The Festival will mainly take place in the spectacular open-air amphitheatre at the Quinta das L�grimas. MEDIEVAL MARKET Thursday, 19th July – Sunday, 3rd August, 2014 In July, visit the Obidos medieval market, and back in time. Surrounded by its high town walls, Obidos is the ideal scenario for hundreds of extras and actors, fully dressed in medieval costumes, who animate the town’s streets, as they portray noblemen, beggars, mule-drivers, jugglers, musicians, jesters and dancers. The main site of the entertainment events is located next to the castle, which will be the location of jousting tournaments, on horse and on foot, medieval dinners and the market, where everything is sold from medieval costumes to traditional home-made medical remedies. RED BULL CLIFF DIVING Saturday, 26th July, 2014 In July, in the Azores, don’t miss the chance to see the world’s top divers displaying all their skills. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be hosting a stage in S�o Miguel, on the tiny islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a beautiful nature reserve set in the crater of an extinct volcano. Cliff diving is a highly spectacular sport, and here divers will be competing from a height of roughly 27 metres, reaching speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour. �BIDOS INTERNATIONAL PIANO WEEK Thursday, 24th July – Monday, 4th August, 2014 In July and August, the medieval town of Obidos is filled with piano music. Young music students from all over the world take part in the Obidos International Piano Week in order to perfect their knowledge with great masters. SEA WEEK Sunday, 3rd August – Sunday, 10th August, 2014 During one week in August, the sea is the key theme underlying the year’s most important event in the island of Faial. The nautical Festival is the main event within the Sea Week and includes sporting competitions in various modalities such as swimming, diving, water polo, sail- and whale-boat regattas, rowing, canoeing, jet skiing, and angling. On land, the animation is complemented by music and folklore performances, exhibitions, handicrafts and gastronomy fairs. The week ends with a grandiose fireworks display over the Bay of Horta. ENHANCE YOUR PORTUGAL TOURS Cruises on the Douro River The beautiful stepped slopes of Port wine terraces start at the heights of Barqueiros and stretch to Pinh�o, offering one of the most impressive hand-built and hard-worked rural landscapes. The cruise up the river provides a wonderful vantage point for this region�s unique landscapes and the opportunity to encounter its traditions, culture and gastronomy. Don’t miss to discover the unique heritage the Douro has to show its visitors. Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, World Heritage (UNESCO) What about tasting a wine that grows on basaltic rock? The cultivation of vines on Pico began in the late 15th century, when the island was first settled. The vineyards that dot the landscape of the island, still produce acrisp, fruity, dry and mild wine that is an ideal companion for a plate of seafood or fish, as well as the vinho de cheiro(fragrant wine) that is so popular at the tables on feast days. MUST VISIT Aqualand Big One Aqualand is a world of water attractions for the whole family to enjoy, experience a mixture of water slides of all different shapes and sizes, from adrenaline rushes to moments of relax whilst watching the little ones enjoy themselves at their very own water playground, Children's Paradise. Aqualand has something for everyone such as various types of slides: worm slide, fast slide, flying carpets, slow rides, Rainbow Park, crazy jump, kamikaze. There is also the "Banzai Boggam" and a swimming pool with waves. World of Discoveries, Interactive Museum and Theme Park WORLD OF DISCOVERIES is an Interactive Museum and Theme Park that recreates the fantastic odyssey of the Portuguese navigators, crossing oceans to discover an unknown world. At the WORLD OF DISCOVERIES the multimedia content provides a multi-sensorial experience. Some of the technological features as 4D Globes and Fog Screens are completely unprecedented in the country. Ocean�rio de Lisboa A visit to the Oceanarium, designed by the American architect, Peter Chermayeff poses a constant challenge to our knowledge, at all levels. Inhabited by 15.000 animals and plants representing over 450 different species, in 30 tanks containing more than 7.000 m3 of seawater, and reconstituting several of the oceans' ecosystems, the Oceanarium offers visitors a unique and enchanting experience. Badoca Park The thrill of the Wild awaits you while you visit this park that has over 200 animals. Buffaloes, lamas, wild boars, ostriches, giraffes, tigers, kangaroos, emus, zebras, yaks, stags, deer, from the four corners of the world, have all adapted to the Portuguese climate. The Badoca Park’s principal attraction are jeep rides that proceed through the forest areas and open clearings, and allow you to observe animals that you've never seen before and get to know and appreciate animal life in complete freedom and harmony. Alian�a Underground Museum The Alian�a Underground Museum shelters an exhibition that is displayed along the traditional wine cellar of Alian�a Vinhos de Portugal. Exhibiting seven distinct collections, this museum contemplates areas such as archeology, ethnography, mineralogy, paleontology, and ceramic tiles, covering millions of years of art history. Integrated in the great universe of the Berardo Collection, these collections are the result of the constant care of the collector Jose Berardo in immunizing pieces and works of art, from multiple origins and artistic movements, with both historical and sentimental meanings. Christiano Ronaldo Museum Opened in December 2013, the CR7 Museum is no doubt the latest attraction in Funchal, Madeira. Dedicated to the city’s most famous son, the museum houses more than 125 awards that Cristiano Ronaldo won during his career, from its first cup as a top scorer for Andorinha to the highly coveted 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or. A space designed with great similarities to a resort, with the floor made in cobblestone, the acronym CR7 logo is the trademark for the beautiful surroundings at the entrance of the Museum. In the range of trophies highlighted in the 2008 Golden Ball and Golden Boots 2007 / 08 and 2010/11. Also the wax statue of Real Madrid star that‘s been on display in Paris, London and New York, stands inside the Museum. There are about 400 square meters presenting his story as a professional football with 125 trophies, individual and collective, which has gained throughout his career. PORTO & DUORO WINE REGION It is in the Alto Douro Wine Region, which is the oldest wine region in the world. The Douro Demarcated Wine Region was created in 1756 and was established in the reign of King Jos� I by his minister Marqu�s de Pombal. No wonder that there is a centuries old tradition here of welcoming visitors and sharing with them the best that the region has to offer. To start with, there’s the superb scenery of the Douro valley, where man built terraces to plant vines on the region’s rugged slopes. The Douro region is recognized by UNESCO as “World Heritage” since 2001. Its beauty comes from the monumentality of its steep scopes, bathed by the river Douro. It’s possible to get here from Porto, where the Port Wine Lodges are, and a good way to discover the region is on board a cruise ship, visiting some of the most iconic sites linked to the production of fine wines from the Douro and Porto. The name of "Port wine” is explained by the fact that the wine is stored at and commercialized from the port located between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The wine went down the river in the typical "rabelo” boats and was aged in the storehouses of Vila Nova de Gaia, since this region shows little variation of temperature throughout the year. ALENTEJO REGION The Alentejo is a region rich in wine tourism units, being the home of several leading Portuguese wine producers. One of the most important Portuguese poets, Florbela Espanca, born in Vila Vi�osa, described Alentejo in a passionate way, as is the case of the poem “My Alentejo”. It is likely that the production in Alentejo has provided the first export of Portuguese wines to Rome. The Roman influence was so crucial to the development of viticulture in Alentejo that today, two thousand years after the annexation of the territory, the marks of Roman civilization are still noticeable in everyday tasks, visible through tools used intensively until a few years, such as the trimmer or clay jars for the fermentation of musts and later storage of wine, used still today. Vineyards are to be found throughout the vast plains, and are accompanied by olive groves and cork oak plantations. The wine producing quintas (farms) and herdades (estates) lay within this landscape of vast horizons, and they are also renowned for their hospitality and cuisine. At their centre is�vora, another World Heritage city, whose beautiful, serene historical centre will leave you enchanted. Participate in the grape harvest and observe the different stages in the making of a wine. MADEIRA REGION The ex-libris of the tourism in the Atlantic Ocean, also known as "The Pearl of the Atlantic", is a place of vineyard’s cultivation. The well known “Madeira” wine is the best example, showing unusual qualities and features, such as its longevity. The production of white, red and ros� wines turned out to be internationally recognized and led to the creation of the Designation of Origin of Madeira in 1990. The Madeira wine is, just like its island, a very well hidden pearl which absolutely needs to be discovered. The wine "Madeira" was considered by most European courts a very elegant wine. It was even used to serve as perfume on the ladies scarves. In England, Madeira and Port Wine competed for the first place in the preferences of the court. KNOW MORE ABOUT WINE ROUTES Portugal’s wine routes provide some excellent trips to discover a pleasure that has been perfected over time. Vinho Verde Route Starting in the north, theVinho Verde Wine Routeruns from the Minho to the Douro Green, which gives its name to the wine. They are easy to drink wines, fruity, that go very well with appetisers or accompanying light meals such as fishes, sea foods, white meats, salads and other dishes. Examples include Amarante, Viana do Castelo, Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. Alvarinho Vinho Verde Route Within the Vinho Verde route is also the birthplace of the reputed Alvarinho, the most prized variety of vinho verde. For this reason, Alvarinho wine has its own route, centred around these towns. In the Solar do Alvarinho in Melga�o, or in the Pa�o do Alvarinho in Mon��o, you can try the wine, and taste or buy other regional products. Port Wine Route The Port Wine Route follows hillsides of great scenic beauty with the River Douro meandering down below, between the mountains. These days, on this route, some excellent table wines, the Douro white, red and ros� wines, are produced by the same vineyards that produce Port Wine. Bairrada Route Bairrada was one of the first regions in Portugal to produce great wines which include the sparkling wines. The Bairrada Wine Route is located in the centre of Portugal along the strip of coastline where Aveiro and Figueira da Foz beach are to be found, but also covers the area around Coimbra, a city classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Set�bal Pen�nsula Wine Route This is an area of great beauty south of the River Tagus, bordered by the Serra da Arr�bida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its friendly dolphins. The Set�bal Muscatel, one of the most reputed wines in Portugal, comes from this region. Alentejo Wine Route The Alentejo Wine Route stretches along the plains of the region, and is marked by the heat, except in the far north near the S. Mamede Mountain. The entire region is worth visiting to enjoy a unique landscape, made of rolling fields, cork oaks and lakes which reflect the blue sky and the soul of a region where the power of the land wins you over. A TASTE OF WINE Ever tasted Douro wine? You’ll recall instantly just how deliciously smooth it is. The grapes for this fruity number are grown on the slopes of the Douro River valley, running inland east of Porto – one of the most scenic viticultural areas in the world for a long weekend. It feels like Tuscany before the crowds: a tranquil agricultural land, with other sensory pleasures to savour too. Wine Styles White Wine: The cool, hilly, verdant north west of Portugal is the main source of a unique style of white wine with lowest alcohol and high, fresh acidity: Vinho Verde Rose Wine: Like white wines, ros�s tend to have crisper acidity, lower alcohol and lighter body when grown in cooler places, which means places with maritime influence or high altitude. Red Wine: The vineyards along Portugal’s windy Atlantic coast (the ones that make light, fresh, fruity whites) also make some of their reds in a similar light, tangy style, with alcohol typically nowadays around 11%. Sparkling Wine: As sparkling wines need high acidity, they are made, unsurprisingly, in the cooler areas of the country. Sparkling wines are an ideal choice for dressed salads, the acidity and slight sweetness matching the dressing as well as the sweetness of the salad and vegetable ingredients. Port Wine: The Port Wine is divided into three big families, White, Tawny and Ruby, being the first made from white grapes and the other two, from red grapes. Madeira Wine: All Madeira has a nutty, deliberately oxidized and slightly caramelized quality from wood-ageing under the influence of heat. Madeira ranges in sweetness from just off-dry to seriously sweet. Moscatel: Moscatel (Muscat) grapes are turned into sweet, fortified wine in the Douro and, most famously, the Peninsula de Set�bal region. Most fortified Moscatel is sold young and fruity, but with age it develops nuttier, figgy flavours that go brilliantly with English Christmas Pudding and mince pies, or at the end of the meal with nuts and preserved fruits. In short, Portugal offers excellent opportunities for wine tourism, often associated with rural tourism and boutique hotels in prime locations. Besides the wines, you can enjoy other farm-produced products, such as fruits and jams, cheeses, olive oils, traditional sweets and the local cuisine itself. FEW TIPS • Make a toast with the recent but excellent sparkling Vinho Verde wines • Visit the Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, where Port Wine ages, on the Port Wine Route • When in Porto, visit the Portuguese Wine Tasting Rooms (open Tuesday to Saturday) in the Palacio da Bolsa, which is also worth a visit • Take a boat ride with the Sado dolphins, on the Setubal wine route • On the same route, discover the Troia Peninsula, the longest stretch of beaches in Europe • Discover Alqueva in the Alentejo, the largest artificial lake in Europe, where you can take a cruise or rent a houseboat and spend a few days of pure relaxation

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