The Alentejo has been named one of the “10 best wine travel destinations of 2016” by the US Wine Enthusiast magazine.
“With miles of vineyards and cork oak trees, historic hilltop cities and deserted beaches – not to mention increasingly varied hotels and restaurants – Alentejo has something for everyone,” the publication writes.
Putting the region in the 8th spot of its list, contributor Roger Voss says that “rustic charm meets ready-to-drink reds in Portugal’s most relaxed winemaking region”.
The magazine goes on to provide a number of tips on visiting the Alentejo, such as where to eat (Tasquinha do Oliveira, A Cadeia Quinhentista and Restaurante Herdade do Esporão), where to stay (M’AR de AR Aqueduto, Convento do Espinheiro and Herdade da Malhadinha Nova), and where to taste wines (Cartuxa winery, João Portugal Ramos and Herdade do Mouchão).
Visits are advised during spring and autumn, to get the best of the region’s weather without the searing heat.
Las Vegas (USA) leads Wine Enthusiast’s list, followed by Bordeaux (France), Margaret River (Australia), Alto Adige (Italy), Paso Robles (USA), Basque Country (Spain), Franschhoek (South Africa), the Alentejo, Burgenland (Austria) and Ashland (USA).
A few days before the list was published, the Alentejo was already enjoying attention from across the Pond by being included in a list of the “52 best weekends away” by the Lonely Planet Traveller magazine.
The publication recommends visiting the region in July with stops in Elvas, Castelo de Vide, Marvão and Mosteiro da Flor da Rosa.
By MICHAEL BRUXO | [email protected]
