Village had reputation for wines so strong “outsiders turned yellow”
Nave do Barão, a small village in Loulé which has a tradition for strong wines dating back to the 13th century, will host its 6th Wine Festival on Saturday, May 21.
Says the organising association Os Barões, the event will feature Algarve wineries such as Adega do Cantor, Quinta da Tôr, Quinta Rosa – JAAP, Quinta do Canhoto, Quinta da Malaca and Sul Composto, and a number of local winemakers with their homemade wines.
There will also be a handicraft and regional gastronomy fair held at the same time.
The event begins at 12 noon with wine tastings and the opening of the fairs, followed by a homemade wine competition at 3pm and a meeting of the contest jury at 4pm. The award ceremony is scheduled for 7pm, followed by a dinner at 8pm and a fado performance at 9pm featuring singers Filipa Nobre and Renata Violetta, Nuno Martins (viola) and Valentim Filipe (Portuguese guitar).
Nave do Barão wines used to have a reputation for being “so strong, outsiders would turn yellow after just two glasses”, but the tradition took a strong blow in the 19th century when vineyards were blighted by a disease known as ‘Filoxera’ (Grape phylloxera), and most growers turned to other activities like almond, fig and carob production.
In an attempt to keep the tradition going, ‘Os Barões’ asssociation, created in 1995, opted for the idea of a festival.
Admission is free.
How to get there?
Os Barões association is located on the municipal 1184 road in Nave do Barão. For those travelling from Loulé in the direction of Salir, you will pass the small villages of Andrezes, Vendas Novas da Tôr and Mesquita. After Mesquita, look for the T-junction with a road sign indicating Nave do Barão to your left. Follow the sign into the valley until you reach the village.
If you are coming from the N124/Messines exit of the A2 motorway, you should follow the road towards Paderne/Salir. After you pass the village of Alte, you will reach Benafim. Follow the village road until you reach a roundabout and turn right. Follow this road until you reach a T-junction with a road sign indicating Nave do Barão along the left side of the road. Follow this road to Nave do Barão.
For more information, call 932 702 938.
