Cork…Olive Oil…Wine…Alentejo

At 9:00 am we set out with Luis, our guide, for the Alentejo region. This area, encompasses the south central part of Portugal.

We drove through soft rolling hills and plains. The stunning landscape is dotted with cork and olive trees and grapevines.

 

 

 

We began our excursion at an enormous cork factory, where the owners’ son gave us an overview of the Portuguese cork industry. Cork is a sustainable product because the trees are not cut down, only the bark is removed to produce the cork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The well- preserved old town center is still partially enclosed by medieval walls. We viewed many monuments dating from various historical periods…a Roman Temple was among my favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We climbed the tower in the Cathedral (not quite as steep as the one in Siena, but a challenge none the less). We were rewarded with sweeping views of the town and country side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A delightful walk through the streets found us in front of an Olive Oil shop. Luis had kindly arranged a private tasting with Renata, the owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before  we left Evora, Luis had a surprise for us- a visit to the Chapel of Bones. Yikes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived for lunch and wine tasting at the fantastic Quinta do Quetzal winery. Norbert and Pedro were outstanding hosts, helping us pair three wines with our cheese plate, rabbit tart, lamb for Timmy, and black pig for me. Our dessert was typical of the region: Sericaia with plum, almond crumble and lemon ice cream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up: a tour of the wine making facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally…a cave museum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all a super day. Muito obrigada to Luis Santo, our charming guide.