Members and their guests travelled north to participate, together with Chaîne members from the Alentejo region and members of the public, in the opening event of Vila Vita’s bi-annual Fine Wine and Food Fair at Herdade dos Grous in Albernoa.

A tour of the adega, with the opportunity to sample port from Vila Vita’s vineyard in Northern Portugal Quinta Val Bom, started the lunch time gathering. Afterwards we were transported to the shores of the lake. Here we enjoyed the estate’s panoramic views of olive groves, vineyards, cork forests and cattle breeding as well as their accommodation facilities.

A cook-out had been prepared by guest chef Ljubomir Staniscic from Restaurant 100 Maneiras in Lisbon assisted by Herdade’s resident Chef Rui Prado and his staff. Several of the Michelin star chefs who were involved in events later in the week were present to lend a hand with the food preparation and participate in the lively discussions taking place.

Tables and benches made of straw bales, traditional for a Portuguese assado, were set out in the shade of trees. We were surrounded by cooking stations which offered such gastronomic delights as traditional starters of local sausages, octopus salads, homemade bread, roast suckling pig, oysters cooked on an open fire, a wide variety of deserts, cheeses and fresh fruits.

The estate’s red and white wines were served. What an absolute treat it was to wander from one food station to another sampling the delights on offer in the relaxing surroundings.

This event, as with all events organised by the Bailliage of Algarve, generated funds for the National Bailliage’s gastronomic school in Évora which provides under privileged youngsters with the opportunity of education in the hospitality industry.

Valerie Lantau
Vice-Chargée de Presse