Times have changed and Algarve wine is now considered one of many gastronomic attractions of the region. Its current level of quality is obvious and is the result of advances in winemaking and the introduction of new methods of viticulture and grape varieties that have adapted well to the terrain. Sandy or argillaceous in origin, the local soil has seen the planting is a wide variety of grapes, such as Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional and Aragonez (red), Arinto, Malvasia fina and Moscatel graúdo (white), as well as other Portuguese and foreign varieties which were adopted by the region and which give rise to interesting reds, whites, rosés and fortified wines.

The climate helps. The Algarve is a well-defined zone, characterised by its proximity to the sea, by the sun, vegetation and a culture marked by lengthy Arab occupation. The southerly location and protection given from the north winds by the mountains, as well as the exposure to the south, define the distinctly Mediterranean climate: hot, dry, little wind with little in the way of temperature extremes and over three thousand hours of sunlight a year.

There are four DOC regions in the Algarve – Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira – which have seen new wines produced by various producers come onto the market. Some of the best of these are Quinta do Morgado da Torre, Quinta do Francês, Paxá Wines, Quinta do Barranco Longo and Adega do Cantor (the latter belongs to the British singer Cliff Richard).

Despite the Algarve Wine Route having been launched, there is still much work to be done. Although Algarve wines are drunk and appreciated a lot in the region itself, they are unfamiliar to many Portuguese people and even less well-known abroad. Publicity, promotion and marketing will be necessary for them to succeed both nationally and internationally. Let’s get to work!