Exploring the World of Grape Varietals Portugal Resident Grapes are one of the oldest and most cultivated fruits in the world, known for their diverse flavours and the wide array of wines they produce. The cultivation of grape varietals spans centuries, resulting in numerous distinct varieties tailored to different climates, soils, and regions. In this article, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore some of the most prominent grape varietals and their contributions to the world of wine. Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated grape varietals wo ..read more

Spanish fishing vessel caught with 3 tons of illegally caught sardines Portugal Resident Sardine fishing is prohibited until May 1st to safeguard the species. The Portuguese Navy detected a Spanish vessel carrying out illegal fishing activity in Tavira in the early hours of Wednesday. According to a Portuguese Navy statement, NRP Cassiopeia made the discovery “while conducting patrol and maritime surveillance south of Tavira.” The vessel contained more than three tons of sardines, which “were illegally caught and which are banned from capture until May 1, 2024, to safeguard the species”. The s ..read more

Algarve hoteliers lament lack of ministry of tourism Portugal Resident Hoteliers in the Algarve believe tourism deserves its own ministry The main association representing the Algarve’s hotel industry, AHETA, put out a statement today lamenting that Portugal’s new government has not created a separate ministry for the tourism sector. “It hasn’t been this time yet that the region’s and the country’s main economic activity has been honoured with a ministry,” AHETA says in the statement. On the bright side, the hoteliers believe that the new minister for the economy, Pedro Reis, a ..read more

Algarve Senior Bikers March ride: Boliqueime-Cabanas de Tavira Portugal Resident Bikers enjoyed a beautiful clear day with blue skies The Algarve Senior Bikers organised a bike ride on March 20 from Boliqueime to Cabanas de Tavira. Thirty-five members turned up to join the ride and later enjoy lunch at the Charrete restaurant in Cabanas de Tavira.   There were three groups and special thanks go to Huw Chivers, Phil Anderson and Stefan and Sandra Greger for assisting as group leaders and sweepers. On leaving Boliqueime, the bikers headed out on small roads to Parragil before turning ..read more

Evidence of evolution at Algarve Wine Society Portugal Resident The Algarve Wine Society is changing! Its 250-strong membership and the management committee both increasingly reflect a younger, more diverse mix of wine lovers, evident among the 80 attending the Annual General Meeting event held on Friday, March 22 at the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira. Vanessa and José Perdigão, flanked by Steve Rigby and Nick Sykes of the AWS This year’s dinner was accompanied by wines from the Quinta do Perdigão family winery in the Dão, presented by José Perdigão who attended with his artist wife Vanessa ..read more

“There is space for dialogue”, assures former contender to PS party leadership Portugal Resident Former minister smooths over rough edges left by party leader’s recent speech Former Minister of Internal Affairs José Luís Carneiro has stepped into the icy waters separating the incoming AD government and PS Socialists, arguing that there IS room for dialogue on strategic matters. To a large extent, the former contender for PS party leadership was using the powers of diplomacy eschewed by PS secretary-general Pedro Nuno Santos who is widely seen to have ‘missed’ the swearing in of the new governm ..read more

Dispute between neighbours ends tragically in Portimão Portugal Resident Neighbours got involved in an argument on the street A dispute between neighbours in Portimão turned deadly on Thursday night (April 4) when one of the men fatally attacked the other with a knife on a public street. PSP police were called to the scene at 8.40pm, having found the victim, 38, on the ground “receiving assistence.” The suspect, 61, was still at the scene and “strong evidence was gathered that he had been responsible for the crime,” a PSP statement says. The victim was still alive when he was taken to Portimão ..read more

IPMA confirms two tornados (Lisbon and Silves) during Storm Nelson Portugal Resident Portuguese meteorological institute IPMA has confirmed that last week’s ‘depression’ caused by Storm Nelson involved two tornados, in Lisbon and Silves (in the Algarve) – with the latter resulting in damages. The Silves tornado “ destroyed two prefabricated houses, damaged other dwellings and caused the fall of large trees that damaged vehicles, the fall of telecommunications and power poles. The extent and width of the path of destruction of this phenomenon is unknown. The post IPMA confirms two tornados (Lis ..read more

Algarve football round-up: Wash-out     Portugal Resident Liga Portugal Betclic: Portimonense 3-5 Sporting Braga Arouca 2-1 Farense Much like the Easter weekend weather, both Algarve top division clubs’ attempts to end their respective, now considerable winless streaks once again got stuck in the mud. On Saturday afternoon, Farense’s efforts in keeping the game alive, in no small part due to keeper Ricardo Velho’s season record-equalling 13 saves, belied the match statistics which saw Arouca enjoy 27 shots and 13 corners in comparison to the Algarveans’ paltry 13 and four ..read more

Bodies discovered of French tourist couple reported missing on island of Madeira Portugal Resident Foreign resident found first body last night The bodies of the French couple, Laurent and Véronique Blond, who went missing while they were holidaying in Madeira last month, have been discovered. According to reports, a foreign resident walking the Fajã da Areia footpath last night, “noticed” a smell, which led him to a spot near the Abelheira path, “already more than 100 metres off the trail”. It was not possible to make a visual identification, but everything suggested the body was that of Ver ..read more