Quinta do Lago, the exclusive heritage resort in the Algarve, has just launched brand new steak restaurant, Bovino Steakhouse -  it blends the best in modern Steakhouse with contemporary urban design.

The latest addition to the resort’s already thriving gastro scene offers the best in modern steakhouse dining complemented by contemporary urban design from renowned international designer, Lázaro Roza-Violán.

The O Barradas restaurant is situated in a converted farmhouse between Silves and Lagoa and is run by Luís Pequeno and his German wife Andrea.

The garden dining area and the covered garden terrace both provide the perfect setting for a sultry evening but throughout the summer there is an added dimension.

Quinta dos Vales retained the title of “The Best Wine of the Algarve” for the third consecutive year!

This past Monday, 25th May, Quinta dos Vales was once again honoured at the “VIII Concurso de Vinhos do Algarve” winning the Grand Gold Medal and the coveted distinction of “The Best Wine of the Algarve”.

Nothing like the wholesome scent of the country and the pleasure of gazing at the rows of neatly cared-for grape vines, sprouting courageously in their bright Spring green, high up on a ‘monte’ with 360º beautiful views all around … just a few minutes from the busy towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro.
This is what a group of more than 30 property owners and residents found themselves doing on the afternoon of the 1st of May. The visit to Monte de Salicos vineyard was a pleasant surprise to the guests who were being invited to the Quinta’s first wine tasting experience.

Quinta dos Vales managed to achieve once again an important milestone for its “Marquês dos Vales” wines. Just weeks after the “Grace Vineyard” 2009 red was awarded a double gold medal and the title of “The Best Wine of the Algarve”, it has now also won the FIJEV 2014 Trophy for the best red wine of the competition held during VINIPAX 2014 in Beja.

For as much as a holiday is supposed to be about relaxation and switching off, a key aspect of the holiday experience is becoming immersed in a different culture. By doing so, you can truly escape from your everyday stresses and strains, and even learn something.

Of course, one of the easiest ways to sample an unfamiliar culture is to sink your teeth into its cuisine. As well as teaching you a surprising amount about the values and trends of the culture in question, you’re also liable to experience something new and delicious.

The team at Quinta dos Vales has once again achieved all its targets in quality, winning for the third time “The Best Wine of the Algarve” , this year for the “Grace Vineyard” 2009 red. This means they won both Gold and Great Gold Medal in the “7th Algarvian Wine Competition” at the FATACIL in Lagoa, on the 16th of August 2014.

This serves as confirmation of the long-established quality of the "Marquês dos Vales" wines, after the "Grace Vineyard" 2008 red also won Gold in “Mundus Vini” in Germany last Autumn.

Learning a few basic words and phrases of Portuguese shouldn’t be beyond most people, and is only common courtesy. And unless you’re really off the beaten track, you’ll usually find the owner, or at least one of the waiting staff, will speak more than enough English (and often other languages such as German or French) to help you get by.

If not, muddle through with a few well-chosen mimes, a spot of guesswork, or just cast a glance at what looks good on the other tables.