Get a taste for Portuguese flavours this summer

With a selection of culinary and wine festivals coming up in Portugal, this summer offers an ideal opportunity for UK travellers to experience Portuguese gastronomy – whether it be local regional cooking or gourmet cuisine with a more modern twist.

Several wine festivals are also planned for the upcoming summer months, offering an unique opportunity to taste a selection of fine local wines.

Between 16 -24 July and 10-15 August, the Algarve region will host two gourmet festivals as part of the Allgarve 2010 programme. Both events will include show-cooking at various stands and practical cookery lessons displaying innovative ways of re-inventing traditional Algarve cuisine. The first event will be held in the Portimao museum and use local produce to create inventive dishes. The second, held in Olhao, will focus on fish and shellfish dishes.

The festivals will be run by the talented, young local chef Bertilio Gomes. Gomes, who was nominated by the International Gastronomy Academy for the Prix Chef de l’ Avenir 2009 award, says: “The Allgarve Gourmet festival creates an innovative alternative to the more traditional shellfish and sardine festival.”

If wine is more your thing, then the Madeira Wine Festival in early September is an excellent event showcasing Madeira wine. Held between 2 - 5 September in Funchal, the Madeira Wine Festival will host various exhibitions about Madeira wine while also offering a chance to learn about the region’s historical and cultural traditions. Bands, local folklore groups and all visiting tourists will be invited to partake in the wine harvest during the day- Vindima ao Vivo. The harvesting experience will include trampling the grapes barefoot, with musical entertainment and traditional regional cuisine also available.

For further information on Portugal see: visitportugal.com

For more information about Allgarve 2010 visit: allgarve.pt