Wine and food go hand in hand. That is why when I heard about the breadmaking demonstration, linked to the Museum of Bread in Favaios, I was immediately intrigued. Having heard that bread is made daily I called ahead to be sure and 11 AM was the magic time to be present.
Mother and daughter team Manuela and Assunção have been making bread most of their lives, and the bakery is about 100 yrs old. About 500 rolls or pão de Favaios are made a day, baked at 220 – 250 *C / 430 – 480 *F in a wood-burning oven, an operation that promotes sweat in the heat of the summer.
Dedicated to what they do, working in unison as the dough is shaped, proofed, transferred to the oven, taken out. Without machines, except for mixing the dough, and with a pride that is to be admired.
Final result – the golden pão de Favaios rolls, no 2 perfectly alike, piping hot out of the oven. After watching the operation for several hours, you can understand why all I wanted to do was to enjoy with fresh butter and a glass of moscatel, the sweet wine of Favaios.
Best to call the Museum to confirm the day for the bread making experience: 351 259950073. Located 30 minutes from Quinta do Tedo, to a higher altitude through breathtaking Douro Valley landscape. The interactive museum is a treat – with excellent visuals to understand the traditions of bread and Moscatel wine. Included in the ticket is a glass of Moscatel served on a terrace with a magnificent view of the region.