You can watch it on BBC iPlayer here β skip to for the full 8 minute segment. And if, after watching, you would like to know my raspberry growing tips, check out How I grow kilos of raspberries. TV used to dominate my life β then a few years ago, everything changed. Fantastic music of all genres, all day. From live bands playing amongst the crowds, to dulcet guitar strumming around the dinner tables, to traditional folk singers and dancers, to stadium-size music stages with international artists, to the DJs that keep the party going until 4am.
Lots of fun cultural events. Things like wine barrel racing, grape stomping, live cooking shows, art workshops, jewellery making workshops, commented wine tastings. Tonnes of entertainment for kids. Trampolines, bouncy castles, rides, magic shows, face painting and loads more.
And children under 10 get in free. Unlimited access to wonderful Portuguese wines, from 35 producers across 15 local regions. There is a lot I have to say about this festival. But before I do, let me whet your appetite with some snaps. Imagine the apocalyptic scenes that would unfold at an event of this size, with unlimited booze, in the UK. I have little doubt the army would be called in by sundown. Yes, by the time it got dark people were very merry, dancing and singing along to the music.
But I saw no fights break out, no one falling over, no one puking, no one being rude or obnoxious, no one shouting or acting in a threatening manner. It was an extended weekend of pure festivity, joy and respect. The wine glasses they give you are made of actual glass. One that can be trusted with glass.
Imagine that. As if the Portuguese would allow us to drink some of their best wines β the pride of the country β out of plastic. It is this glass you present to the wine pourers at the different stands to get topped up, any time until 9pm on the Thursday, 10pm on the Friday and Saturday and 8pm on the Sunday.
