Algarve winelovers and winemakers dined and danced under the stars at the Algarve Wine Society’s Summer Party on June 14, held at the Quinta do Marco rural hotel near Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo.
The evening started with a touch of fizz, followed by three more wines from Quinta do Francês near Silves, introduced by Fatima Agostini who explained the short history of this family-run winery and its French and Italian connections.
Quinta do Francês produces a small range of quality wines that are starting to win prizes on the international stage, including this year a gold from the Concours International de Bruxelles for their Odelouca Red, chosen to accompany Quinta do Marco’s flavoursome buffet, featuring barbecued black pork and whole sea bass (paired with Odelouca White).
Over the meal, Fátima had a chance to talk with fellow winemaker and AWS member Helwig Ehlers of Algarve winery Helwigus, and also fledgling home winemaker Derek Lambert, who had organised the event for the AWS. Music from Peter Rook enticed members onto the poolside dancefloor to round off the evening.
The AWS now takes a break for the summer and will next meet on September 26 for a tasting and lunch at O Barradas restaurant near Silves.
www.algarvewinesociety.com.
Photo: From left: Fatima Agostini, Hélder Martins (Hotel Quinta do Marco), Derek Lambert and AWS President Gaynor Stapleton
