A Historic Dinner at the Palácio Estoril Hotel
Once again, we had the honor of accepting an invitation from the Palácio Estoril Hotel for a Primado wine dinner, held on 26 June.
It is always both an honor and a particular pleasure to return to such an iconic hotel, rich in history. During the Second World War, diplomats and secret agents crossed paths in its corridors and grand salons in an atmosphere of intrigue that made the hotel one of Europe's most singular settings of that era.
It was here that Ian Fleming found the inspiration for Casino Royale, giving birth to the world of James Bond.
The halls of the Palácio Estoril have welcomed many distinguished members of royalty, who either stayed at or lived in exile at the hotel for extended periods. The Royal Gallery displays photographs capturing memorable moments from these royal families, including grand balls and other celebrations.
The Founder's Gallery is dedicated to the countless distinguished guests who have stayed at the hotel. From international political figures to icons of cinema and music, it is difficult to find a renowned name that is not represented there.
It is a legacy of elegance and fascinating stories that remains evident today in every detail of this remarkable place.
As for the service—and I say this as a consultant in Image and Protocol—it is absolutely impeccable. Whether in the restaurants, the bar, by the pool, or throughout the hotel's public spaces, the staff demonstrate a level of care and attention that has become increasingly rare. Room service is equally exceptional.
At every level, the Palácio Estoril stands out for its refined and elegant hospitality.
As for the dinner itself, our wines had the privilege of accompanying the outstanding cuisine of Chefs Hugo Silva and Michael Rocha before an audience of around thirty guests, making it yet another memorable evening.
Unlike what is customary at most wine dinners, during the Primado dinners at the Palácio Estoril Hotel, the wines are not removed as each course is served. Instead, every wine remains on the table until the end of the meal.
This decision was unanimously taken by the chefs, the hotel's directors, and myself during the preparatory lunch for the first dinner. It reflected the recognized gastronomic versatility of our wines, allowing guests to revisit each wine throughout the meal and discover new pairings.
As with the previous dinner, the guests were genuinely surprised—but above all delighted. It was a pleasure to witness the lively conversations as they compared their favorite pairings between the different dishes and the various wines.
Below is the excellent menu presented at the Palácio Estoril Hotel.
PRIMADO ENCRUZADO 2023 (white)
Foie gras with smoked french toast and asparagus
*****
PRIMADO ENCRUZADO FAMILY EDITION 2024 (white)
Salmon, pressed cucumber, tartare and oyster mayonnaise
*****
PRIMADO ROSÉ 2023
Red mullet with mussels, violet potato and glazed carrot
*****
PRIMADO 2015 (red)
Roasted suckling pig with potato terrine, smoked leek, and horseradish emulsion
*****
PRIMADO 20 (red multivintage)
Fresh cheese pudding with poached pear and bulgarian yoghurt ice cream
*****
PRIMADO FAMILY CELLAR EDITION 2013 (red)
Trilogy of petit fours – fig and almond sweet, portuguese custard tart, Dom Rodrigo
The memory of these unforgettable moments already leaves a sense of longing, as anticipation grows for the next edition.
Our sincere thanks to the Palácio Estoril Hotel, its General Manager, Nuno Antunes, Chefs Hugo Silva and Michael Rocha, and the entire exceptional team. We are truly grateful.
Manuel Pereira de Melo
