Vila Vita Parc Hotel in Porches hosted this year’s AGM and Gala Dinner Dance for the Algarve Wine Society.
First the business of the evening was dealt with. The committee reported a good year, full of activity – 11 events in total including two trips, one to the Merida district in Spain, the other an action-packed trip to Porto.
Membership of the society continues to flourish and 2018 saw many new members from all over Europe and even further afield joining. Two new members were elected to the committee, Richard Campbell and Vernon Beamish.
Following the meeting, guests enjoyed a glass of Vila Vita’s own excellent wine, Herdade dos Grous, before going into the beautiful, azulejo-lined private dining room.
A five-course followed, and it was delicious as always.
An aromatic duck salad and an excellent green pea and mint soup were accompanied by South African Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 2016; then Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2014 was served with the main course of lamb rump and chops in a pine seed crust and a cheese plate.
Taylor’s LBV port was then offered with a trio of desserts – mango mille-feuille, chocolate ice cream and passionfruit cream.
The charismatic Vernon Delauney provided music for the evening and, after dinner, the floor was filled with energetic dancers, all having enjoyed a superb dinner in a lovely setting.
By GAYNOR STAPLETON
