The Alentejo region stretches from the
Tagus River at Lisbon, south to the Algarve. Its terracotta earth
is covered in wheat fields and bordered by rows of olive trees.
Here and there white washed villages and towns appear, crowned by
castles. The ancients left their megaliths, the Romans their aqueducts,
the Portuguese a wealth of architecture from Gothic to Baroque.
Here too cooking and winemaking
reflect a rich culinary tradition. The cuisine is simple, characterized
by a rich variety of regional dishes. Its history and heart are
preserved and taught at the Refugio de Vila Cooking School in the
small town of Portel outside Evora. Gathering herbs and produce
from the local markets and paring them to timeless recipes, cooks
of all levels can roll up their sleeves in the Vila kitchen and
learn to prepare a variety of succulent Mediterranean dishes influenced
by this region. Excursions to nearby towns and markets compliment
the lessons. Non cooking participants are encouraged to attend with
their partners.
Arrival in Lisbon and
transfer to hotel by taxi. Enjoy free time before a welcome reception
and dinner. Overnight: Hotel Avenida Palace or similar.
 This
morning, we drive to the small Alentejo town of Portel, and Refúgio
da Vila, our base for the week. After an orientation walk around
Portel, past the 13th century castle and Baroque Church, and lunch,
we'll enter a Portuguese kitchen and have our first cooking class:
Introduction to Portuguese Gastronomy, a study in influences and
seasonings. Dinner at Adega do Refúgio. Overnight: Refúgio
da Vila.
After breakfast our third cooking
class begins: The Importance of Fish and Olive Oil in Portuguese
Cuisine. Lunch is a chance to sample your own cooking! Non-cooking
partners join at the table.
This afternoon you'll visit the Esporão Wine State, blending
ancient and modern winemaking techniques. The grapes of this wine
region include Periquita, Trincadeira, Tinta Roriz, and Moreto for
red wines, and Roupeiro, Manteudo, Perrum, Rabo de Ovelha for the
whites - all Portuguese varieties, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon,
and Shyraz.
The nearby Arts &
Crafts Center of Reguengos displays a wonderful collection of Alentejo
wares. The road winds past megalithic sites to the thousand-year-old
village of Monsaraz. Here you’ll dine under the shadow of
the 13th century castle built by King Alfonso III.
Today's focus is on local produce:
The Abundance from Local Quintas, Farms and Ranches. This afternoon,
we'll tour nearby Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
a beautiful white town with a wealth of monuments, from Roman times
to the 19th century. After a walking tour, you'll have free time
to explore and shop on your own.
Dinner at Adega do Refúgio.
Cooks, this is your day
off! Today we’ll drive into the northern Alentejo, and before
lunch at Vila Viçosa, visit its Renaissance Ducal Palace.
Passing through the marble area you’ll visit the historical
and white town of Estremoz, enclosed within its ramparts and overlooking
a vast plain of gnarled olive trees and wheat fields. After passing
through Estremoz, return to Portel in time for dinner.
This region is known for its aromatic
herbs and wild flowers. This morning we’ll use them in dishes
that the locals have passed on through the generations. Enjoy an
afternoon excursion to several traditional villages.
This evening, sit down
to a farewell dinner at the Adega do Refúgio
Today's cooking class focuses on:
The Flavors of the South... After lunch, enjoy a siesta and a free
afternoon to stroll, ride on horseback, bicycle, or simply lounge
by the pool. This evening, dinner includes entertainment from a
local folklore group.
Day Eight
After breakfast transfer
back to Lisbon
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