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.
Tim inspecting the bark
Let’s talk all things cork
Just a small part of the operation
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.
Those Romans…
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.
Yes, we climbed this tower
Tim looks pretty good after the trek up
The view was a bit vertigo inducing
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.
Renata shared this ancestral photo
Before we left Evora, Luis had a surprise for us- a visit to the Chapel of Bones. Yikes!
Don’t ask
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.
Pedro surprised us with a marvelous dessert wine
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.
