O Alentejo foi eleito a melhor região vinícola do mundo para visitar, numa votação promovida pelo USA TODAY, um dos jornais americanos com maior circulação, quer no seu site 10Best.com, quer na sua seção de viagens.

The vast Alentejo, stretching to Portugal’s southwestern coast, is still off the radar for many travelers. This intriguing rural region is like a trip back in time. The diverse terrain holds olive groves and vineyards, quaint villages, flower-filled meadows and forests.

“The Alentejo is best known for its hardy red wines made from a unique combination of indigenous varietals,” says Kerry Woolard, who served on the expert panel. “Now, more familiar vinifera such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot are being produced there too.”

The food in Alentejo is rustic and authentic, taking full advantage of the agrarian lifestyle in the area. You won’t find a developed coastline of hotels; instead Alentejo’s beaches – considered some of the most dramatic and beautiful in Europe – require visitors to seek out lodging in independent guest houses. The Alentejo is like a trip back in time for wine lovers. The Faro and Lisbon airports are each less than two hours away.

in USA TODAY