OK boys trial 2 your new topicis HERE

wizard

Has anyone tried the Cliff Richards wine from his vineyard, I just forgot the name, I would like to try it. We also have a Portuguese friend Tino who lives facing our house his brother has a vineyard in Oporto & lives in Loule and the wine is absolutley brilliant, its called "Tinoco", the red is a reserve quality {Bootiful) and the white is excellent. We have problems getting hold of the white as there is a waiting list for it. We always put an order in with him for a case of each the first day we arrive (drunks hah hah). I dont know whether its available in the garrafeiras ( oops think I spelt that wrong) but I will ask him when we go down this Friday & maybe it can be tested. Cheers Jayjan

Oh dear Sagres think your being watched hahaha behave. When I saw sticky I thought of sticky vicky who was a drag artist we once watched in caberet years ago. Keep taking the medication & enjoy it. Cheers Jayjan

Ooer have had to come back in here cos I can't ask questions in the other thread..............so:-

I'd like some recommendations of area's to visit and why people like them, as we haven't been to the Algarve before and are hiring a car for 2 weeks. Also any favourite off the beaten track little coves etc.

Thanks

Or is that not counted as a question?

Glynis, I think Roseweb Sagres or Algarveadick maybe could help you in that subject, I am always b***** painting and labouring when I come down to the Algarve. Maybe I should get some earmuffs then I cant hear his lordship .Cheers Jayjan

Thanks Jay.....

I would think they'd be better in the recommendations thread as I'm sure this question will keep cropping up. ie Favourite resorts and area's is places to visit as well.

Jayjan, we went on a tour of Adega do Cantor which is the winery which produces Cliff's Vida Nova wines. We tasted them all - well, it is only a very new enterprise! - and came away with a box each of the 2004 Red and the Rose and a couple of bottles of the Reserva. If you want a tour it's best to book (their website is http://www.winesvidanova.com) but you can just go along and buy the wine from the shop there anytime. It's just south of Algarve Shopping on the little road that cuts down from the eastern end of the complex towards the road that brings you down to the Dolphin Roundabout.

I'll also put a post on the new thread about our favourite little coves, Glynis - but don't tell anyone, or they'll all want to go!!!

I wasn't particularly impressed with Vida Nova; o.k., it was drinkable but there are far nicer reds available on supermarket shelves and costing a lot less.
Don't get me wrong - if anyone wants to send me a case it will be accepted with thanks, but it's not a wine I would buy again.

Ah, but was it the 2003 or 2004 you had, Sagres? There is a world of difference, we thought. The 2004 was really full-bodied but the 2003 was more like cheap plonk. The owner of Quinta do Miradouro said they were learning as they went along!

What did surprise us was the Rose. My hubbie has never had any time for roses (looks funny without the accent, doesn't it?!), thinking they were only good for girlies, lightweights and those who used to drink Blue Nun! But it was really "tasty" and he was so gobsmacked that he bought a case. It may not seem so good back in England (we're waiting for some good weather to drink it), but luckily we left most of it out in Portugal! Try it in May and see what you think. Or go on the tour (only 7.50 euros) and taste them all for free.

Our problem with recommending wines is that we never write them down and so can't remember the names the next day - must try harder!

It was the first time we'd seen it on sale, so it was probably the 2003.
O.K., I'll reinstate it on our list and give it one more try in Sept. ( or, hopefully May. )
At this point I would like to make it perfectly clear to the "Blue Nun " brigade that, whilst not disagreeing with you roseweb, I wish to disassociate myself with your comments - I'm not getting drawn into a winedrinkers' argument ( well not, at least 'til this new thread has been up and running for a while )

I found a lot of useful information on This site and it made interesting reading also. I'll be writing down some of their tips on eateries and places to visit.

Glynis,
I know all of the restaurants mentioned and have eaten at most of them; if you need directions just shout.
P.S. Simply Lagos doesn't mention "O Galeao"; don't miss this one- it's our favourite.

Glynis,
Try <http://www.digitallagos.com/ > There's more info on Lagos there.
If you want to check the local weather before you go, there's a webcam at < http://www.vivendamiranda.com/webcam/webcam-lagos.jpg > which overlooks Porto da Mos beach just to the west of town.
There's another cam in Praia da Luz, again west of Lagos ( about 3 miles ) http://www.algarve-luzbay.com/webcam/cam_page.html
The third cam I use is, at the moment, offline due to refurbishment of the complex but, if and when it comes back online, I'll let you know.
Hope this will be of some interest to you.
P.S. The Porto da Mos cam faces west towards Cap St. Vincent, so don't be surprised if the sky sometimes looks stormy in that direction- it's got its own mini - climate but it doesn't extend as far along the Algarve as Luz or Lagos.

Many thanks for those - have added them to favourites.

We don't do particuarly 'posh' restaurants on holiday as hubby likes to keep relaxed and cool. He doesn't like to 'dress up' or wear long trousers as he says they're too hot. (Too lazy to bother more like) So we tend to visit more casual places for dinner.

Glynis,
Many of the restaurants in Lagos have outside tables so you don't have to worry about dressing up too much.You may,however, be joined by a sad-eyed dog who'll look up at you pleadingly and begrudge you every mouthful. Why not go inside the restaurant yourself and leave the old man outside with the dog until the bill turns up ??

leave the old man outside with the dog

Am not saying anything about hubby being used to having meals with a 'sad old dog'
We usually sit outside anyway as we like to 'people watch' - well I do. So that isn't a problem. But there's me done up in all my finery and hubby sitting opposite in his shorts and shirt In his words he dresses for comfort not to parade

Am enjoying the chat on this thread. I totally sympathise with you Glynis as your hubby sounds exactly like mine He prefers to go out with shorts and t shirts and not get dressed up! He also hates posh restaurants and goes out of his way to look for "relaxed" places, usually full of the locals...... although I,too, like this idea as it gives me a chance to speak the old lingo
On your trips, try to visit the Eastern end of the Algarve as it is totally uncommercialised and different from the western side.
Wherever you go, I'm sure you'll love the Algarve and it's people, not to mention the vinho tinto, super bock and last but not least......Sagres!!!!!!

Hi Sagres,

When are you going in September, we might be there the same time , I;m there last week in August first week in September.

Jen xxx

Hi Jen,
We'll just miss you I'm afraid. We're going from 11/9 to 3/10. We're also hoping to get out there for a couple of weeks in May to meet some friends of ours from East Anglia.