Enter 2026 Visiting Chaparro Alentejano and Tasting Alentejo Gastronomy

Source: Evasões

In 2026, the Baixo Alentejo region holds the title of Wine City, providing a perfect reason for a trip south. Between toasts with vinho de talha, regional dishes, and cultural heritage, we suggest stops in Beja, Serpa, and Vidigueira.

The millennial-old tradition of vinhos de talha, inherited from Roman presence and currently in the process of being nominated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the starting point for a visit to Vila de Frades, in Vidigueira, the capital of this winemaking method, just in time to celebrate the Wine City 2026 title, awarded this year to the Baixo Alentejo territory. Open for five years, the Vinho de Talha Interpretive Center delves into the origins of these wines, with detailed and interactive information on how they are produced in many local wineries. The museum space includes archaeological remains, an exhibition of tools dedicated to historical viticulture, games for younger visitors, a replica of a traditional Alentejo tavern, and examples of 19th-century clay amphorae (talhas). The visit can—and should—end with a tasting of local vinhos de talha, with white, red, and palhete wines to choose from.

And since wine and food go hand in hand, the next stop takes us to Beja, the capital of Baixo Alentejo. At Chaparro Alentejano, there are new comfort flavors to try, designed for colder days. The restaurant, with consultancy by chef Miguel Rocha Vieira and led by the experienced hands of Maria Duarte, a cook who has worked here since day one, now offers special Sunday lunch menus. Feijoada is the star dish of the menu, which includes a couvert with Alentejo bread, olive oil, and seasoned olives, dessert, and a drink. On the fixed menu, available any day, there is room for regional dishes and small plates such as Alentejo-style gazpacho, açorda with cod flakes, dogfish rice with cilantro, carne de alguidar with tomato rice, and sericaia with Elvas plums to sweeten the ending.

Chaparro Alentejano is in Holiday Inn Beja - the full package for an amazing visit of the Baixo Alentejo, and Beja itself. Here, you will find the region in every detail, corner and flavor. Enjoy it!