From renowned wineries venturing into new territories to restaurants redefining local cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate
Alentejo and Algarve blend
The renowned Alentejo winery Herdade do Rocim has ventured into the Algarve in partnership with Quinta da Pedragosa.
Located just north of Praia da Luz, this family-run property’s 25-year-old vineyard, planted on 2.4 hectares, influenced by the Atlantic breeze, produces a white (€15), a blend of Arinto and Malvasia, with a subtle minerality and nuances of tropical fruits, that is full-bodied and creamy, yet has excellent acidity.
There’s also a rosé (€15), a salmon-coloured blend of Negra Mole and Aragonês with a mineral character, floral nuances, some spice on the nose, and remarkable freshness. Both were aged in 500L French oak barrels to add complexity.
Summer flavours
Located at one of the main access points to Quinta do Lago, the Figueiral restaurant has been offering excellent service for almost 40 years, combining traditional and modern cuisine with the best of Portuguese gastronomy under the guidance of chef José Botequilha.
Seasonality sets the challenge for the menu, which also extends to the drinks and, for the summer, the restaurant is launching a new cocktail menu: sparkling wine, tequila, vodka, rum, whisky and various liqueurs join the caipirinha, margarita, mojito and a variety of gins to enjoy in the late afternoon or during a meal.
Poetry in a bottle
Ideal pairings for the summer, organic wine producer Monte da Casteleja has launched Meia Praia red and white (both €12.50). Blends of varieties exclusive to the region, they “reflect the best the western Algarve has to offer: the generosity and softness of its sun, the freshness of its breeze, and the richness of its flora”.
Bringing this image to life, local artist Mara Taquelim designed the beautiful watercolours on the labels.
Also launched at the Lagos winery this summer is the 2023 Palhete (€14). A single varietal of Bastardo, this delicious light-bodied cherry-red wine, best served at 12°C, offers subtle red fruit aromas and minerality on the palate.
Infusion of authenticity
Situated near Quinta do Lago, the Authentic restaurant promises to set a new standard in the region’s vibrant dining scene.
The interior, with gleaming marble floors and a grand fireplace, is designed to impress.
©Charlotte Cockayne, Authentic Restaurant
The large terrace and an inviting ambiance make it perfect for both intimate dinners and grand celebrations. Live music is a staple, with performances either on their beautiful grand piano and even their harp. At the heart of Authentic is its classic cuisine, infused with creativity and authenticity.
Head chef Ricardo Luz, with experience in two Michelin-starred establishments, Bon Bon and Al Sud, leads the kitchen. Chef Ricardo’s menu highlights Portuguese cuisine along with some international classics, with each dish also offering a surprising twist. The wine list at Authentic is curated by Miguel Martins, one of Portugal’s top sommeliers.
The Joie de Vivre rosé
Presented in an exquisite bottle, the Casa Relvas Rosé Pom-Pom 2023 (€15) is one of the Top 50 Best Rosé Wines in the World of 2024, according to Wine Pleasures.
For the producer, this delightful rosé wine is the culmination of years of vineyard work, diverse experiences, and a strong commitment to showcasing the Alentejo region’s terroir.
The light salmon-pink wine is a blend of Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Syrah. On the nose, it presents fresh aromas of red and citrus fruits, and in the mouth, it is intense, enveloping and fresh, with plenty of creaminess and minerality.
Tavira tastings
Casa Santos Lima has recently opened the doors of its Al-Lagar in Tavira. What was once an old 19th-century winery was transformed into a delightful visitor’s centre offering “the essence of the Algarve”. Here, wine lovers can taste the producer’s complete Algarve portfolio of wines, including the Castelo de Tavira red (€8) and white (€6.50) and the Belíssimo rosé sparkling wine (€16.50).
Adding to its southern selection of wines, there are also vintages from the other regions where Casa Santos Lima is present: Lisbon, Alentejo, Dão, Douro, Vinho Verde and Azores. Al-Lagar is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10.30am and 7.30pm.
Around the world
The cuisine of the Greek islands, sushi and a floating kitchen are just some of the new gastronomic attractions at Domes Lake Algarve, in Vilamoura.
Whilst Topos presents a fusion between Greek and Portuguese gastronomy, BLEND Nikkei serves flavours from Japan and Peru.
ÀCosta by Olivier, Rush Hayley Kelsing Photography
Finally, Estrella is the perfect place for light meals between dips in the pool.
This year’s big news is the ÀCosta by Olivier restaurant in Praia da Falésia. The brand needs no introduction and you can enjoy some of the chef’s bestsellers, such as cuttlefish rice and monkfish picanha.
Seafood 2.0
An éclair stuffed with crab mousse and sea urchin mayonnaise may sound like an odd combination, but at Maré Shrimp & Stuff in Olhão, it makes perfect sense.
According to restaurant owner Stephanie Bento, “the sweet mixes with the salty and as soon as you bite, there is an explosion of flavours”, especially when paired with a Bloody Mary.
On top of the sea éclair, new dishes include scarlet prawns and clam rice broth and cod with prawn, chickpeas and coriander pistou.
‘Classic’ dishes, include mini shrimp burgers, sea bass cannelloni, prawn tacos with mango gel and avocado, and shrimp bolas de Berlim (Portuguese donuts).
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