Today Casa Santos Lima with it multitude of wineries in almost every DOC in the country (Lisboa, Alentejo, Minho, Douro and Algarve) is the largest single producer in the Algarve, having today conquered 40 percent of the total production.

The Algarve Wine Society was lucky enough to be able to taste some of these local wines (along with others from elsewhere) at a dinner in the lovely setting of Benamor golf, appropriately, in Tavira. Duarte O’ Neill in charge of National sales, represented Casa Santos Lima, having made the journey down from Lisbon.

Members and guests gathered on the pretty terrace to enjoy a glass of Espumante Bruto de Portugal, a lovely fresh, fruity sparkling wine, before heading inside for dinner.

Preparation for the night was exceptional, the tables were pretty and spacious, and the copious number of glasses were gleaming. Food and Beverage Director of Benamor, Ricardo Goncalves excelled.

LAB (so named because of Snr. Santos Limas admiration of the Labrador dog) Rose’ accompanied an interesting Salmon Ceviche, then the local Al Ria Sauvignon Blanc complemented a delicious Fillet of Sea Bass. Next another Algarve wine, Al Ria Reserva Red was served with an excellent Fillet Steak before a Douro wine, Quinta de Porrais with a cheese selection.

Dessert was replaced with a glass of Casa Santos Lima s Lisboa “Late Harvest” before coffee was served.

A lovely evening of old friends seeing old friends again in a lovely setting.

The next meeting of the Algarve Wine Society will be a lunch at the Hotel Eva in Faro on 17 November to taste the wines of Herdade do Sobroso which will be presented by family member and oenologist, Filipe Teixeiro Pinto.