The tomato is a South American fruit that traveled to Europe on sailboats in the 16^th century and, over time, conquered the cuisines of the Old World. Like travelers who adapt to foreign lands, tomatoes developed distinct characteristics in different regions. In the Douro Valley, the warm days, cool nights, well-drained soils, and abundant micronutrients produce tomatoes with exceptional flavor, texture, and succulence. 

Every year, on the third Friday of August, the Douro Valley comes alive with a festival dedicated to the heirloom tomato. Winemakers submit tomatoes grown in their vegetable gardens to this friendly competition, an opportunity to enjoy some light-hearted fun before the serious work of the harvest begins. Renowned chefs like Miguel Castro e Silva prepare the food and vintners pour their wines, creating a festive atmosphere.

The tomatoes are served at peak ripeness, blessed with a pinch of Castro Marim sea salt, and anointed with sacred olive oils from the Douro Valley. A panel of judges, composed of chefs and food experts, conducts a rigorous blind tasting to elect the finest tomatoes.

This year, a small producer, Casa da Quinta dos Ferreiros took first place. Wine & Soul, acclaimed for their iconic Pintas and Guru wines, received second place. Third place was awarded to the Mateus Palace.

The festival was conceived by Abílio Tavares da Silva, the charismatic Foz Torto winemaker, Celeste Pereira, a gifted communications strategist, and Edgardo Pacheco, a renowned food journalist.

Each year, a different winery hosts the festival. Previous editions were held at Quinta de la Rosa, Quinta do Vallado, Quinta de Ventozelo, Niepoort’s Quinta de Nápoles, and Sogrape’s Quinta do Seixo. This year’s event took place at the Mateus Palace, a graceful Baroque manor surrounded by serene gardens.

The festival is open to the public. If you dream of mingling with famous chefs and winemakers at a picturesque Douro Valley estate, mark your calendar for the third Friday of August. You can email greengrape@greengrape.pt to join the mailing list. One word of advice: once you receive your invitation in late July, answer immediately—the event sells out in less than an hour!