Editor’s Note: Today, we’re very excited to introduce Cathy Fisher, an American currently living in Lisbon with her Portuguese husband. Cathy approached us with an infectious passion to share her love of Portuguese wine; and who are we to say no?! Welcome Cathy and thank you for getting us in the mood for old Vinho Verde! “Portuguese guys care […]
The Serious Side of Vinho Verde Read More »
With more than two thousand years of grape growing and winemaking history, and as the country with the largest planted surface of vineyards in the world, approaching Spanish wines for the first time can be quite intimidating. Different regions, climates, varieties, regulations,… yield different styles that can gratify very divergent palates. Familiarize yourself with the
Spanish Wine 101- A starting point for Spanish Wine Lovers Read More »
Editor’s note: With the March being recognized for stories about inspiring women (also known as Women’s History Month in the USA), we thought it would be fitting to honor the only female master blender existing today, Ana Rosas, of the renowned Ramos-Pinto port house. A woman that oozes with, grace, passion and the warmest of
Women’s History Month: Exploring the Maternal Side of Winemaking Read More »
From fried snakes on a stick to dirty water hot dogs, there hadn’t been anything novel to buzz about in the street food scene for years. That is, until five years ago when the gourmet food truck craze exploded in Los Angeles. Professional chefs jumped behind the wheel and turned that city’s down economy in
Street Food is Picking Up Speed in Portugal Read More »
Don’t let the bucolic fields of pink and white almond blossoms, abundant fruit orchards and twisty vineyards fool you, there’s a gory, bloody side to Northern Portugal. Here is where you’ll find extreme snout to tail eating, where winter pig slaughters are a time for families to bond, to roll up their sleeves and hand-wash
6 Extreme Foods of Northern Portugal – For Foodie Adventurers Read More »
Spain might be known for its festivals and its food more than for its skiing, but it would be remiss to assume that Spain is a country best visited in the summer. Although it sports almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, the mountains, too, offer their own unique beauty and a wealth of winter activities beyond
Best Places to Ski in Spain Read More »
Have you heard of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro? I’m assuming no…but you should! They’re Portugal’s real life star-crossed lovers. The two lived a forbidden affair that ended in tragedy. The backdrop to this story was the royal palace of Quinta das Lagrimas, today a luxury hotel. A stone’s throw from the charming city of
Portugal is for Lovers: Make It Your Romantic Getaway Read More »
I know it’s a bit obvious, but I think it’s worth restating, it’s damn cold; so cold that an unlimited supply of wool blankets and crackling fireplaces won’t eradicate the persistent, internal chill. During these trying times, I find myself reaching for liquid comfort when the mercury dips below zero, preferably from a fortified or rich red wine. The Alentejo, Dão and
Portuguese Wines to Ward Off the Winter Read More »
As I was nearing 16, I told my parents I didn’t want a big birthday party. I opted instead for a trip to Portugal—the best sweet sixteen gift I could ever receive. In college, I went so far as to turn down a trip to Cancun for a chance to explore historic Portuguese villages. There
Portugal is a Small Package with Big Surprises Read More »
The headline is a bit more ambitious than I plan to be. This past year has seen a lot of changes at Catavino HQ, not least of all is trying to find a balance in life with a little guy nipping at your heels. At night, Gabriella and I often find ourselves falling asleep to
10 Portuguese Wine Experiences from 2014: An unforgettable year! Read More »
Editor’s Note: Although summer has come and gone, there’s no reason why you can’t be planning next year’s goal to become a surfing pro! Avid beach lover, Leah Burt, has provided us great suggestions on what to look out for when choosing your perfect Portuguese or Spanish surf camp! Over the past decade, Portugal and Spain have
How to Choose a Surfing School in Spain and Portugal Read More »
What is vermouth? Well, let’s start with what vermouth is not. Vermouth is not solely a supporting role to classic cocktails, nor is it the dry, bitter stuff that languished away in Mom and Dad’s liquor cabinet, only to be drunk in secret by soon-to-be rueful teens when left alone at home for the weekend. Yes, Mom,
Vermouth in Barcelona: The past and present of a delicious aperitivo culture Read More »
Portugal might be on its knees economically, but the Portuguese wine industry is going from strength to strength. Exports are growing quietly (between 5-10% per year over the last decade), and the country is beginning to escape the shackles of being seen only as a value producer. I’m not talking about Port, which has its own
Three Dynamic Female Portuguese Winemakers Read More »
What do you call a group of small, artisan wine producers at a tasting? If you’re in France or Italy, the “natural wine” moniker might well rear its head. The suggestion being that these are winemakers who eschew overtly industrial production methods, intervene less and attempt above all else to express their terroir. The less charitable may claim
Off the beaten track in Porto – Simplesmente Vinho Read More »
The history of Sherry is rich. For starters, it is one of the oldest wines in the world, introduced to Britain when notorious pirate Drake, plundered Cadiz and filled his decks with over 2000 barrels as a gift for his adored Queen Elizabeth 1st. But prior to all that, the Moors tended the chalky vineyards around
Top 10 Things to do in Jerez – Other than Enjoy Sherry! Read More »
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