Wine Chronicles | Alentejo Wine Route

Alentejo Wine Route, in the heart of Évora, presents a new space dedicated to wine tourism, in which, through a multimedia and interactive concept, it will provide its visitors with a journey through the history of wine in the region.

The ancestral tradition of Talha wine, the soils and grape varieties, the sustainability of the region and the various wine tourism projects that make up the Alentejo Wine Route, are themes present in this new 680 square meter space that includes two complementary areas: one exhibition area on the history of this Portuguese wine region, and a space for wine tasting and wine tourism promotion.

Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo, no coração de Évora, apresenta novo espaço dedicado ao enoturismo, no qual, através de um conceito multimédia e interativo, irá proporcionar aos seus visitantes uma viagem pela história do vinho na região. 

A tradição ancestral do vinho de Talha, os solos e as castas, a sustentabilidade da região e os diversos projectos de enoturismo que integram a Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo, são temas presentes neste novo  espaço de 680 metros quadrados que inclui duas áreas complementares: uma área de exposição sobre a história desta região vinícola portuguesa, e um espaço destinado a provas e promoção do enoturismo. 

This new and carefully curated space, capable of receiving, with comfort and quality, 50,000 visitors annually, is part of the strategy of the most important wine region in southern Portugal, which aims to make Alentejo a world reference in the area of ​​wine tourism.

The recognition of the potential and unique character of this wine region by the tourism industry is indisputable. Indeed, since 2014 the Alentejo has received 9 successive distinctions as a wine tourism destination, where the most recent, in November 2019, was from Condé Nast Traveler, the North American magazine of luxury travel and lifestyle, which considered the Alentejo as one of the Six Best Wine Regions to Visit in 2020.

Este novo e cuidado espaço, capaz de receber, com qualidade, 50.000 visitantes anualmente, faz parte da estratégia da principal região vinícola do sul de Portugal que tem como objectivo tornar o Alentejo uma referência mundial na área do enoturismo. 

O reconhecimento do potencial e carácter único desta região  de vinhos pela indústria do turismo é indiscutível. Com efeito, desde 2014 o Alentejo já recebeu 9 distinções sucessivas enquanto destino de enoturismo, onde a mais recente, em Novembro de 2019, foi da Condé Nast Traveler, revista norte-americana de viagens de luxo e lifestyle, que considerou o Alentejo como uma das seis “Best Wine Regions to Visit in 2020”.

In the area dedicated to wine tasting, visitors can find wines from the region's producers, as well as books related to Alentejo wines and wine tourism in the region. Six wines, representing 3 producers, are selected for tasting each week.

In addition to the wine tastings and purchases they can make, visitors also have access to interactive equipment that allows them to autonomously design a custom wine route, choosing the starting and ending point, as well as the activities to be carried out during the tour (wine tastings, cellars visits, meals, accommodation). The personal wine tourism route defined will be sent by email to the visitor, who will be able to open it directly on Google Maps, constituting an excellent aid to their trip.

The new space of the Alentejo Wine Route is located in the center of the historic area of ​​the city of Évora, on the route from Praça do Giraldo to the Cathedral of Évora and the Roman Temple.

Na área dedicada às provas, os visitantes podem encontrar vinhos dos produtores da região, assim como livros relacionados com os vinhos do Alentejo e com o Enoturismo da região. Todas as semanas estão a provas seis vinhos, representando 3 produtores. 

Para além das provas e das compras que podem realizar, os visitantes têm também acesso a um interessante equipamento interactivo que lhes permite, de forma autónoma, desenhar uma rota à medida, escolhendo o ponto de partida e de chegada, assim como as actividades a realizar durante o percurso (provas, visitas a adegas, refeições, alojamento). A rota enoturistica definida será enviada por email para o visitante, que a poderá abrir directamente no Google Maps, constituindo um excelente auxiliar à sua viagem.

O novo espaço da Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo situa-se no centro da zona histórica da cidade de Évora, no trajecto da Praça do Giraldo para a Sé de Évora e o Templo Romano.

ROTA DOS VINHOS DO ALENTEJO

Rua 5 de Outubro, nº 88 - Apartado 2146

7000-854 Évora - Portugal

Telefone: (+351) 266 746 498 ou 266 746 609

Email: rota@vinhosdoalentejo.pt

Monday to Friday | Segunda a Sexta-feira - 11:00 às 19:00

Wine Tasting | Prova de Vinhos - 5 €

Alverca Palace | Casa do Alentejo in Lisbon

Alverca Palace in Lisbon (most commonly known as Casa do Alentejo), in Lisbon, has a curious story and a discreet facade that doesn't let the visitors remotely guess what they will find inside. This hidden gem of Lisbon has a special place in my heart as it holds many happy childhood memories. So, let me take you by the hand and walk with you in this scenic place.

Walking Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, a pedestrian street next to Rossio, you probably won't notice the entrance of Casa do Alentejo as you pass by. The facade of number 46 is discrete and you must walk the stare case to find the patio so many times photographed and that was even scenery for movies and TV series. But don't be fooled by what you see. This is not a reminiscence of the Moorish presence in Lisbon (the city was conquered in the 12th century), but the reflex of the revivalist transformation that took place in the early 20th century.

O Palácio Alverca (mais conhecido como Casa do Alentejo), em Lisboa, tem uma história curiosa e uma fachada discreta que não permite aos visitantes adivinhar, sequer remotamente, o que encontrarão no interior. Esta jóia escondida de Lisboa tem um lugar especial no meu coração, pois guarda muitas lembranças felizes da infância. Certo de que estará acompanhado de alguém que conhece a casa há muitos anos, deixe-me levá-lo pela mão e caminhar consigo neste verdadeiro cenário cinematográfico.

Ao caminhar pela Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, uma rua pedonal perto do Rossio, provavelmente não notará a entrada da Casa do Alentejo ao passar. A fachada do número 46 é discreta e deve subir as escadas para encontrar o pátio tantas vezes fotografado e que já foi cenário para filmes e séries de TV. Mas não se deixe enganar pelo que vê. Esta não é uma reminiscência da presença dos mouros em Lisboa (a cidade foi conquistada no século XII), mas o reflexo da transformação revivalista que ocorreu no início do século XX.

The palace, built in the late 17th century, belonged to the Portuguese aristocratic family Paes Amaral (Viscounts of Alverca),  from whom it adopted the name. At the beginning of the past century, the building was leased to a company that transformed a part of the old palace in the first casino of Lisbon, the Magestic Club. To serve that purpose, the palace suffered profound adaptation works, transforming it into the stunning venue that reached the present day. During the crazy 1920s the Magestic Club (and later, the Monumental Club) were the spot for society with its luxurious gaming rooms, lavish parties, and shows.

The 1930's witness a new phase of the palace's life, that continued to the present days. In 1932 it was leased to the Alentejo Guild, later called Casa do Alentejo, becoming the headquarters of the Regionalist Alentejo Association.

O palácio, construído no final do século XVII, pertencia à família aristocrática portuguesa Paes Amaral (viscondes de Alverca), de quem adotou o nome. No início do século passado, o prédio foi alugado a uma empresa que transformou parte do antigo palácio no primeiro casino de Lisboa, o Magestic Club. Para servir esse propósito, o palácio sofreu profundas obras de adaptação, transformando-o no local deslumbrante que chegou aos dias atuais. Durante a louca década de 1920, o Magestic Club (e mais tarde, o Monumental Club) foi o local da sociedade, com suas luxuosas salas de jogos, festas deslumbrantes e espectáculos variados.

Os anos 30 testemunham uma nova fase da vida do palácio, que continuou até os dias atuais. Em 1932, foi alugado ao Grémio Alentejano, sendo mais tarde chamada Casa do Alentejo, e tornando-se a sede da associação regionalista Alentejana.

The palace presents a square plan and three courtyards, including the iconic Moorish Patio. Although most people remind it for its neo-Arab features, the Art Nouveau decorative elements (including furniture), and especially its tiled panels  (namely in the restaurant rooms and the library) are not to be missed.

The entrance to the palace is free and it's possible to schedule a guided visit. Don't visit just the Arab Patio and go up the stairs to visit the Mirror Room and the neo-Renacentist Room, 2 stunning ballrooms, beautifully decorated by some main Portuguese artists of the early 20th century, that share a stage where the shows took place. On the first floor, you can also find a restaurant featuring Alentejo's cuisine and the library. By the Arab Patio, there's another courtyard where you can find a quaint "petiscos" (AKA, Portuguese tapas) restaurant. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the delicious food of this Southern province of Portugal.

O palácio apresenta uma planta quadrada e três pátios, incluindo o icónico pátio mourisco. Embora a maioria das pessoas recorde o palácio pelas suas características neo-árabes, os elementos decorativos Art Nouveau (incluindo móveis) e, especialmente, os seus painéis de azulejos (principalmente nas salas do restaurante e na biblioteca) são imperdíveis.

A entrada para o palácio é gratuita e é possível agendar uma visita guiada. Não visite apenas o Pátio Árabe e suba as escadas para visitar a Sala dos Espelhos e a Sala Neo-Renascentista, dois salões de festas deslumbrantes, lindamente decorados por alguns dos principais artistas portugueses do início do século XX, que compartilham um palco onde os os espectáculos tinham lugar. No primeiro andar, também pode encontrar um restaurante dedicado à gastronomia alentejana e a biblioteca. Ao lado do Pátio Árabe, há um outro pátio onde pode encontrar um pitoresco restaurante de petiscos. Não perca a oportunidade de descobrir a deliciosa comida desta província do sul de Portugal.

CASA DO ALENTEJO
R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150-268 Lisboa

Opening Hours | Horário:
10:00 - 22:00
Free Entrance

Top 10 Instagram Spots in Paris

Paris is, no doubt, one of the most photographed cities, and surely one with more Instagramable spots in the world.  The light and the soft color palette of the city, along with all the artistic, architectural and lifestyle features of this stunning place contribute to unforgettable moments and great pictures.

In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite spots, where you can capture that image that will back up your memories in years to come. I'm conscious that 10 is a very short number to sum up all the must-go places in Paris, but we have to start somewhere and who knows, maybe one day we'll have 10 more Instagram Spots in Paris.

1. ANY PLACE WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

A photo of the Eiffel Tower is a must, but the size of this quintessential landmark makes it visible from almost anywhere in the city. Actually, I'm collecting all the perspectives I can get from the old Iron Lady, and always find new, stunning ones. The views from Trocadero or Champs de Mars are perhaps the most up-close ones, but I find that this one, from Avenue de Camoens, is in total Parisian vibe.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

2. THE ART NOUVEAU DOOR AT AVENUE RAPP

There are plenty of Art Nouveau architectural examples in  Paris, but maybe none has been so photographed as the door of the Lavirotte building, that you can find at 29, Avenue Rapp. Because of its erotic motifs and figurative symbols, the building caused a huge scandal when it was built in 1901. Nearby you can find another great spot to snap a shot at Eiffel Tower.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

3. PLACE DES VOSGES

Place des Vosges is perhaps my favorite square in Paris. Perfectly symmetric is one of the oldest planned squares in Paris. Entering through an arch, one can admire the surrounding red brick facades of the houses, stroll under the arcades, visit the shops, walk across the central garden or seat in a restaurant or cafe.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

4. JARDINS DU LUXEMBOURG

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens and by the Pitti Palace in Florence, the Gardens and the Palace of Luxembourg were created for Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century, as a way for her to remember her native city. Today the gardens are open to the public and are the perfect place to spend a few relaxed hours in one of the most beautiful sceneries of the city.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

5. JARDINS DES TUILERIES

Between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, the Tuileries area was built as a place of kings, queens, and palaces. Walking around the Jardin des Tuileries to look at the numerous statues or to act like a local and enjoy the sun or a good book in one of the chairs available all over the garden will be time well spent.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

6. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

Nôtre-Dame is an icon of Paris and its most significant landmark. After the tragic fire that destroyed part of the cathedral last year, it is only possible to see this masterpiece of architecture from the outside and at some distance. Let's hope that the recovery works give back Notre Dame to the Parisians and the city visitors.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

7. BRIDGE BIR-HAKEIM

The bridge, made of steel, was constructed between 1903 and 1905 and is structurally stunning with its double-decker steel framework. Located just south of the Eiffel Tower, offer astounding views of the tower, especially in the early morning or during sunset.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

8. CAFÉ DE FLORE

The plant covered facade of Café de Flore, has become one of the most posted on Instagram. If you want this coveted picture, head to Saint Germain des Prés and enter the Parisian way of life, enjoying your time in a café terrace, with a coffee or a chocolat chaud in hand.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

9. PALAIS ROYAL

At Palais Royal, the black and white striped columns by Daniel Buren are a top attraction. The contrast with the classical building in the background makes it even more interesting as a photo subject.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

10. SHAKESPEARE & CO. BOOKSTORE

Shakespeare and Company is kind of a treasure cove of books meeting a time machine. It is not allowed to take pictures inside, but the facade of the bookstore is an Instagramer magnet for sure. But don't limit yourself to a nice picture, enter and let the bookworm inside you think it has died and gone to book lovers  heaven.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

You can find more on #Paris on my Instagram and I would love to take a look at your best Instagram pics of Paris. So, if you have some, please share them with me on the comments (links please) and I'll be glad to write a future article with the best Paris pictures on Instagram. Let's bring as much people onboard as we can, sharing this post with your friends. I'll be looking forward to know you and your Instagram profiles.

You can check our Top 10 Instagram Spots in Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona on the pictures bellow:

10 Photos from Sintra to Make You Dream