A wine lover in the Alentejo

I regularly visit the Alentejo, because one of my best friends I've lived here for years. I started a raspberry empire, and it turns out to be rose gold. For me, it's an ideal vacation spot, sometimes paired with a visit to a winery and usually an evening at Celso (a fantastic restaurant, see below).

Now I don't have all the names in focus, so this list will be updated again soon when I have more on the spot am.

Wineries in Alentejo

Herdade de Esporão

Organic viticulture, fruit-driven wines, top-class Sémillon and fantastic olive oil. That is Herdade de Esporão in Alentejo, the region between the Algarve and Lisbon, Portugal. The estate covers 2,000 hectares, of which almost 600 hectares are planted with vines. Sustainability and respect for the soil and nature are paramount here. And that's quite an achievement on such a large plot of land.

You can go here for tours and tastings. Don't forget to try their fantastic olive oil. And, to top it all off, you can also enjoy a truly exceptional meal. The restaurant has one Michelin star! Highly recommended.

Herdade de São Miguel (Casa Relvas)

Herdade de São Miguel is also a major player in Alentejo. On the one hand, they are ultra-modern, while on the other, they also uphold centuries-old traditions. Similar to Esporão, in that respect. For example, alongside the high-tech tanks, there are also centuries-old amphorae. " It's the easiest way to make wine," says Paolo, the winemaker, about amphorae wines. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit them. take a look inside .

Restaurants in Alentejo

Celso in Milfontes

After a leisurely brunch, we depart for Milfontes, a small coastal town where our boat trip begins. Along the way, we reflect on the trials and tribulations of our lives. After a good two hours, we dock, completely zen, in Odemira and enjoy a well-deserved vinho verde at the nearest terrace. On the way back, our captain Rui fires up the engine, and we're back in Milfontes in no time, where we grab a caipirinha on the boulevard.

In the evening, we're going out for dinner at Celso restaurant. Celso never disappoints. René and Chantal know what's good and order:

Pica pau Marinated pork belly. Super crispy and tender.
Camarao a alho – Prawns in oil and garlic. Yummy .
Ameijoas a casa – Venus clams with tomato and onion rings. To die for .
Salad of polvo – Squid can be very tough, but this was super tender and very tasty.
Porco a alantejana – Venus clams with pork and potato cubes.
Presunto – Dried Portuguese ham (freshly sliced tableside). Buttery soft.

My mouth is watering again. If you're ever in Milfontes, go to Celso. Naturally, we'll be sipping Portuguese wines throughout the meal. The wine list here is fantastic, perhaps the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the country .

Other restaurants in the area

O Dunas Mil – Good fish restaurant near the ocean in Milfontes. Delicious sea bass, scampi, and salad de polvo.

Hotels in Alentejo

I have two in store for you. Both are completely secluded, surrounded by nature, with the most beautiful views, top-notch rooms, and a lovely pool. You're guaranteed to unwind here.

Ecorkhotel Peace, cleanliness, and regularity. At the Ecorkhotel, you'll find peace and quiet, because here you'll find everything and yet nothing – you're in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cork oaks and olive trees. That's okay, because the hotel has its own restaurant, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a donkey. If you do want to see a city, Évora is beautiful and just around the corner.
Montimerso – The same idea as Ecorkhotel. Complete relaxation. Very spacious rooms, a refreshing pool, beautiful nature all around, overlooking the Guadiana River (I think) where you can also enjoy a nice walk in the cool morning hours.