Good Wine Gal Travels: The Alentejo & Evora

4/5/2025

Discover Magical Évora - Southern Portugal

After an uneventful three-and-a-half-hour train journey through the Portuguese countryside from Portimão, I arrived in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Évora is steeped in history and nestled within the Alentejo region’s golden plains. The walled city is iconic for it's remarkably intact Roman ruins, it's whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and hilltop perch. You can see for miles. But why not see for yourself. Travel with me October 13 - 19, 2025 for the Insider's Guide to Southern Portugal. It's a trip of a lifetime.

2000 Years of History

Walking through Évora feels like traveling through time. The city’s Roman Temple, often called the Temple of Diana, dates back to the 1st century AD and stands as a testament to its Roman heritage. The temple’s granite and marble columns, still remarkably intact, create a striking contrast against the surrounding medieval and Renaissance architecture. It’s a place that invites you to pause and imagine the ancient rituals that once unfolded here.

Nearby, the Évora Cathedral offers another glimpse into the city’s storied past. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it’s a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The Chapel of Bones, located within the Church of St. Francis, is perhaps Évora’s most haunting yet fascinating site. Its interior walls are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls, a somber yet thought-provoking symbol of our mortality.

Encircling the historic center is Évora’s walled perimeter, which dates back to Roman times and was fortified during the Moorish and medieval eras. Walking along these walls offers stunning views of the city and the countryside beyond.

Award Winning Wine - Cartuxa

Évora is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. I discovered the Cartuxa Wine Bar, a chic spot to sample wines from the renowned Cartuxa winery, one of the oldest in the Alentejo region. Sipping a glass of their crisp Colheita Branco 2022, a blend of Arinto, Antao Vaz and Roupeiro, I savored the mineral character and freshness that this region is known for. Paired with Serra do Estrella, a local soft cheese that was wrapped in cloth, the perfect pairing left me completely satisfied and grateful to be behind the walls of this magical place.

"The name Cartuxa comes from the Cartuxa Monastery, where Carthusian monks lived in silence and prayer since 1598. The winery is owned by the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, a charitable organization established in 1963 that supports various social and cultural initiatives. The first Cartuxa wine was produced in 1986, and since then, the winery has become one of the most prestigious in the Alentejo region."

Time to Escape to Southern Portugal

Évora’s charm lies in its ability to make you slow down and savor the moment. Each day was 10,000 to 12,000 steps of wandering its quiet streets, uncovering hidden corners and charming shops and restaurants. Long lunches is a hallmark of Portugal and Evora was no exception. Alentejo-style pork with clams is just one dish that continues to carry on the region’s culinary heritage.

At the end of the day, standing at the Roman Temple watching th sun sink into the horizon, I couldn’t help but marvel at the history that has shaped Évora. It's a magical destination that will have you returning to again and again. It's a sensation like no other to feel stones of time under your feet and the energy of 2000 years at your fingertips. Sipping characterful wines that breath terroir and a sense of place doesn't get old, and is especially poignant in Évora. Until we sip again, cheers to your wine life.

Come with me to Southern Portugal in 2025. I'm hosting a small group tour that is centered in Évora. We'll spend an all inclusive 6 days and nights in the walled city exploring the countryside and discovering wineries, vineyards, forests, castles and markets. Here's the link to the details. Seats are limited. Deposit required by April 12, 2025. Please share with wine lovers, travellers and foodies in your life. Thanks for your support.

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