Olive oil and wines: Alijó conquers the world
From olive groves to golden oil: a region and its riches
The From Olive Grove to Golden Oil interpretation centre (D’Olival ao Azeite d’Ouro, which also means Golden) is located in the village of Castedo, near Alijo.
It is situated on the Douro plateau, which rises to a height of around 800 metres above the Douro river.
The Douro and Port wines produced here have made Alijó and the whole region famous.
From now on, you’ll have to count with olive oil. Traditionally associated with vines and dried fruit, the region’s olive oil is gaining in strength. It wants to make a name for itself, and deserves to.
D’olival ao azeite, the museum, is housed in a former oil mill from the industrial era.
The old mechanical presses are still lined up as if on parade.
The entire process from olive to oil is described and explained.
The museum is equipped with the latest 3D technology. The synthetic image lets you wave your arms to make an olive tree grow.
Or you can drop the olive.
The fruit is still very often picked by hand in the Alijó region.
Producers conquer the golden thread
The virtual producer – more real than life – at the D’Olival ao azeite D’ouro centre answers all visitors’ questions.
The idea is to help people discover this buried treasure, a little forgotten at a time when intensive olive plantations in the south of Portugal dominate the market.
The producers intend to join forces to stand out and promote their products. The association is about to come into being.
But how many producers are there? Their number is not easy to determine. Some owners only have a few olive trees that produce olive oil for domestic consumption.
But some producers own enough trees to create their own brands.
The D’olival ao azeite D’ouro centre will serve as a support base for producers, who will be able to showcase their oils there.
A great showcase for prestigious and accessible products
Wines and flavours from the hills
The Alijó region is one of the most emblematic of the Douro and Porto wines. The beauty of the landscape, the traditional vineyards, the generous wines and the mysterious Porto: everything contributes to the originality of the region.
Every year, Alijó organises a Wine and Taste of the Heights Fair. The products of the plateau are showcased.
Around fifty producers offer tastings of their wines, oil, cold meats, bread and dried fruit.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and there are some top-quality shows on the programme.
The Fair takes place in mid-June. It’s the place to be for lovers of gourmet foods and wines with character.
And at www.lisbonne-affinités.com we tasted the specialities.
Amazing viewpoints on the rivers.
Castedo has a lookout near a small church, offering panoramic views over the Douro and Tua valleys.
Near, the Ujo (owl) viewpoint overlooking the Tua valley is impressive. There are a few steps leading down into the void.
But the place is perfectly safe. The beauty of the landscape is breathtaking and just as stunning.
The spirit of the great owl hovers over the belvedere. It used to be feared as a harbinger of misfortune.
Today it is a protected and admired species.
The belvedere probably offers one of the best views in the whole of the Douro region, which has no shortage of them.
Alijó, the welcome of the people of the plateau
www.lisbonne-affinités.com give suggestions for a stay in Alijo and the surrounding area.
Where to eat?
O pelourinho
O pelourinho is located in the centre of Alijó, not far from the pelouro – pillory – from which it takes its name. Maria Olinda prepares traditional regional cuisine. We sampled lamb chops served with ‘ao muro’ potatoes. For dessert, excellent homemade pears in wine (pera bêbeda), like all the desserts on offer.
Largo do Pelourinho 8, Alijó 5070-048 Portugal
Taberna a Fonte.
The Taberna a Fonte restaurant in Santa Eugénia, near Alijó, is an institution. As authentic as its dynamic owner and chef, Marisa Avidago. The restaurant’s specialities include veal steaks – melt-in-the-mouth – served with rice and turnip greens in cast-iron pots.
Rua central, 27
Santa Eugénia
tel 259 648 113
carlaavidago@hotmail.com
delicacies
Don’t leave the Alijó region without sampling the gourmet specialities of Cabeço Bandeiro, a traditional sweet shop based on regional products. Special mention should be made of the wood-fired fig biscuits. Made from 100% natural ingredients. Shop in Carlão, in the municipality of Alijó.
wines
Oenologist Pedro Guedes, known for his part in the creation of Vertice sparkling wines, has launched his own production from friends’ grapes. Based in Alijó, he makes wines of character from the Douro appellation. Its Fingerprint Grande Réserve 2019 spent 15 months in oak barrels and three months in vats. This was followed by a year in bottle before being released on the market. Just two thousand bottles, but a lot of hard work. Also available is a Foz Tua white from 2023, fresh and long on the palate.
In Lisbon’s good wine cellars.
Where to stay?
Casa d’Arca.
Casa d’Arca is a rural accommodation. It is based around a character house on the outskirts of the small town, with 4 bedrooms. Casa D’Arca also has 4 self-catering flats for 2 or more people, equipped with kitchenettes. Practical when hiking in the region. The estate has a swimming pool. A delicious and well-presented breakfast is served in the main house. A very warm welcome.
Casa d’Arca is also a wine producer.
An informed D’olival ao Azeite d’Ouro
The D’olival ao Azeite d’Ouro interpretation centre is located
in Castedo
Avenida Nossa Senhora de Fátima
geral@cm.alijo.pt
tel 259 949 135
It opens at 9.30am (9am in winter) and closes between 12.30pm and 2pm, summer and winter.
For further information