This month, we would like to recognize the unprecedented, tumultuous and unpredictable times we are all living in the global fight against COVID-19.
We worry, practice isolation, work remotely and retain sanity with good wine (and Port!), food, virtual contact, and hobbies we always wished we had more time for and now we do. We struggle in our own ways, but we do so in global solidarity and gratitude for those health workers fighting the front lines. I find these thoughts unifying and reassuring.
COVID-19 numbers continue to grow worldwide. So far, the numbers in Portugal are considerably low. Communities and businesses here acted a step ahead of the government, closing shop, working remotely, stocking up (without hoarding toilet paper!) and self-quarantining before such measures were enforced.
Public events were cancelled. Churches, football stadiums, tascas (watering holes for cheap beer and traditional snacks) and other public spaces that uphold communities and culture in Portugal were closed. Ronaldo financed new intensive care units for Lisbon and Porto hospitals.
Breweries, wineries and distilleries produced hand sanitizer. Portugal Wine Week streamed live in lieu of ProWein, the most important, annual, international wine trade show. Instagram account, Wine Hour At Home, invited wine lovers to join producers and sommeliers for a virtual, daily, 6pm apéritif. Restaurants turned to-go. Partial remuneration regimes kicked in to help compensate employees and parents taking care of, now schoolless, children.
Last year, The World Travel & Tourism Council recognized Portugal as Best European Destination (for the third year in a row!) Now, Portugal, like so many other destinations that rely heavily on tourism for economic development, risks suffering greatly from the repercussions of COVID-19. Experts predict a loss of 30 - 50 percent revenue from tourism (which makes up 15 percent of Portugal’s GDP and supports one in five jobs) between March - June 2020.
In such times of peril, it is uplifting to see countries and organizations coming together to find solutions and focus on the positive. More COVID-19 infected patients have recovered than died, beautiful Spring has sprung and the environment is healthier than ever. Studies show nitrogen dioxide pollution levels are down 50 percent in some areas.
The vines have come out of their Winter slumber, from buds to shoots to leaves!
While Quinta do Tedo closed to the public on March 16th, along with other Douro wineries, our Port and Douro DOC wines keep evolving and vine shoots keep growing, thanks to our vineyard and cellar team that persevere with gloves, face masks and positive morale.
Man and horse teamwork makes the certified organic dream work.
Our horse, Carriço, plows away in our certified organic vineyards.
Daughter, Odile, and son, Joe, safe at the Quinta, revived an old press for a dry cider experiment (nearby Armamar is Portugal's Mountain Apple Capital) and forage local flowers for tinctures to enhance our Porto Rosé Tonic when cocktail season resumes.
Two new, four-legged mascots have joined the team (adopted from Régua’s animal shelter). Small and clever Mica is named after the mineral in schist that makes it shine. Long and gentle Ardinia takes the name of the Moorish Princess for whom the brave Spanish warrior, Don Tedo, died fighting atop the hills of Tedo Valley in the 11th century.
Experimenting with tangy desserts fresh from our citrus trees. Lemon meringue tart anyone?
We are putting in final touches to our new, urban tasting room, Atelier du Porto, soon offering Port wine, cheese and chocolate pairings in Régua (stay tuned!) Our chefs are preparing Bistro Terrace’s summer menu that will surely solicit a party amidst your post-quarantine taste buds.
As I write, a choir of migratory birds sing in unison down by Tedo River, and the perfume of almond, cherry, orange and elderberry blossoms, gum rockrose and wild lavender fill the air with hope and a reminder that life goes on around us.
Friendly faces in intimate embraces; nature is thriving and thrusting to Spring vibes ;)
Quinta do Tedo Friends, whether you have/had plans to visit, don’t cancel, reschedule! And in the meantime, order online using the code WINEAGAINSTCOVID for a special offer (see below).
In Europe, click here to order direct from the Quinta. With a purchase of 11 bottles, we’ll add a Fine Tawny on the house!
In the US, click here to order via our new partner, Rachel Farah Selections, and get a free, grey Quinta do Tedo cap (designed by daughter, Odile) WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Check out our Spring Special while you’re there.
Awaiting your next visit - in person or for online orders!
~ Odile Bouchard