Barcelos Thursday fair ★ 3.8
Weekly open-air fair on the Campo da República in Barcelos, known for its pottery. Its stalls also sell cheeses, cured meats and honey from small Minho producers. It starts early and runs to early afternoon.
A guide to cheese experiences in Vinho Verde.
Cheese Experiences in Vinho Verde
Ponte de Lima fortnightly fair ★ 3.9
Fair held every other Monday on the left bank of the Lima, with more than 300 stalls selling ceramics, cheeses, cured meats, bread and clothes. The council publishes each year's dates.
Book wine experiences in Vinho Verde
Braga & Guimarães Small-Group Tour, Lunch & Tickets Included
Discover Portugal's history on this guided tour from Porto. Visit the ancient city of Braga and the charming city of Guimarães and visit Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Cas...
Premium e-MTB Tour in Geres with typical lunch
Discover the wild beauty of Northern Portugal on a Premium Electric Mountain Bike Tour, topped off with a delicious traditional Portuguese lunch.
Wine Tour in Braga with Vinho Verde Tasting and snacks
Wine Tour of the historic area of the city of Braga, which may include a visit to the Monastery of Tibães. Accompanied by a tasting of Vinho Verde wines that are uniqu...
Cheese Experiences in Vinho Verde, FAQ
Is Serra da Estrela cheese made in the Vinho Verde region?
No. Its DOP area is in the Beiras, in the districts of Viseu, Coimbra, Guarda and Castelo Branco. In the Minho it is a shop cheese: O Minho (2023) says it is the cheese Queijaria Central in Braga is known for.
How big is a wheel?
The specification gives 8 to 20 cm across, 4 to 6 cm high and 0.4 to 1.7 kg for the standard cheese.
Does it go with Vinho Verde?
Portugal Journeys calls it one of the best cheese pairings at the Portuguese table with Vinho Verde: the wine's acidity cuts the cheese's fat and mild tang.
How long is it aged?
The specification sets a minimum cure of 30 days for the standard cheese and 120 days for the Velho.
How big is a Queijo de Azeitão?
The specification gives a normal size of about 250 g, 6 to 11 cm across and 3 to 5 cm high, and a small size of about 100 g, 5 to 7 cm across and 2 to 4 cm high.
Where is it made?
In the municipalities of Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal, according to the DGADR register. It is not a Minho cheese.
How long is it cured?
The DGADR summary says 20 days at 10 to 12 degrees C in the drying house; the specification sets a minimum cure of 16 days.
Does it go with Vinho Verde?
Portugal Journeys says it is similar in style to Serra da Estrela, slightly sharper, and works the same way with Vinho Verde's acidity.