FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Alentejo’s Versatile Reds and Whites

by Eunice Fried

Sep 1, 2018
September 2018

IN LAST MONTH’S COLUMN, I talked about the wines of Alentejo, the Portuguese region that opens like a fan southeast of Lisbon. On my recent trip there, I tasted so many interesting wines I could not mention all in one column. And so, this month, we continue our tour of Alentejo.

At Dona Maria, I tasted wines made of both native Portuguese grapes and international grapes, and there was much to admire in both. The white Amantis Reserva 2015, from the French grape Viognier, offered deep fruit flavors, a pleasant roundness and intense taste. Dona Maria Red Wine 2015 is a blend of half Portuguese grapes, half a combination of mostly French grapes. Together, they produce a pleasant, inviting wine.

Next I tried Dona Maria Touriga Nacional 2015, made from Portugal’s leading native red grape. The nose is so intense, it fairly leaps out of the glass. The taste reminded me of apples. The finish lingered on, a pleasing reminder of a tasty wine.

And there was Dona Maria Grande Reserva 2013, a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and the French grapes Petit Verdot and Syrah, all treaded by foot and fermented in ancient stone lagares.

At Herdade dos Grous, I enjoyed its Branco Reserve 2017, a full, round, white wine, followed by Herdade dos Grous 23 Barricas 2016, a wine that blends Touriga Nacional and Syrah to produce a full-bodied, well-structured, sturdy red.

Its single vineyard 2016 is based on Alicante Bouschet, a grape widely used throughout southern Europe and particularly in Alentejo. The grape proves its versatility once again in Herdade dos Grous’ Red Reserva 2015, which combines it with Touriga Nacional and Tinta Miŭda. Well-integrated with a long, lively finish, it makes the perfect partner to a cheese course.

My final stop was Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, whose Touriga Nacional wine shows the grape in all its vibrancy with a spiciness and hint of oak and vanilla. We finished with Antão Vaz 2016 — smooth, silky and elegant, a fine way to end a visit to Alentejo.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
September 2026
Sep 20, 2026

Celebrity Reflection Launches 13 New Spaces

Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Reflection transforms Caribbean cruising with 13 new spaces, launching in March 2027. From a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experience concepts, these new spaces raise the bar for premium Caribbean cruising.

The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access

Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.

September 2026
Sep 19, 2026

Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.

Daily
Sep 18, 2026

Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat

This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.

Get to Know TAP FORBIZ

Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.

Daily
Sep 18, 2026

New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look

In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.

Daily
Sep 17, 2026

Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences

Celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary are still in full swing across the nation. In Washington, D.C., storied Conrad Washington, D.C. wants visitors to the capital to encounter the city on a local level. With that in mind, the property introduced a selection of signature Conrad 1/3/5 Experiences — a collection of one-, three- and five-hour jaunts providing an insider’s glimpse into how residents enjoy the city.

The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom

The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.

eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026

Celebrity River Cruises’ First Ship Completes Float Out for August 2027 Debut

Celebrity Cruises celebrated the float out of Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first ship in its highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises fleet. Set to sail in August 2027, Celebrity Compass sets a new standard in river cruising, bringing Celebrity Cruises’ signature approach to elevated travel to the world’s most iconic rivers.