Do I need prior cooking experience to join the workshop?

No experience is necessary; Chef Miguel Vidal guides all levels through each recipe with clear instructions.

Are wine tastings included?

Yes, the workshop includes tasting three distinct Caminhos Cruzados wines, carefully paired with the dishes you prepare.

Is the workshop suitable for children or those with dietary restrictions?

The workshop is not recommended for individuals with severe food allergies. It’s best suited for adults due to the complexity of ingredients.

How large are the workshop groups?

Groups are capped at 45 participants to maintain a welcoming and hands-on environment.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, the winery is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can comfortably participate.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Cancellations made up to 7 days before the scheduled date are refundable.

Hands-On Cooking & Wine at Caminhos Cruzados Winery | Events | Food Tour

In the heart of Portugal’s Viseu region, the Caminhos Cruzados Winery in Nelas invites food and wine lovers to an immersive culinary journey that bridges vineyard tradition with regional gastronomy. This three-hour Cooking Workshop, led by Chef Miguel Vidal, unfolds amid the winery’s expansive estate, offering a rare glimpse into the processes behind its acclaimed wines. Guests begin with a guided tour through sunlit grapevines, the cellar’s oak barrels, and the aging rooms, grounding the experience in the terroir that defines Caminhos Cruzados.

The workshop centers on hands-on cooking, as participants craft seven distinctly regional dishes—a rotation of three cold starters, three hot mains, and a dessert—each highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients tied to this agricultural landscape. Chef Vidal’s approachable instruction welcomes all skill levels, mixing technique-building with cultural storytelling that deepens appreciation for the flavors. Throughout, diners enjoy tastings of three carefully paired Caminhos Cruzados wines, each selection echoing the nuances of the dishes and the unique character of the Dão appellation.

What sets this experience apart is its authentic connection to place: the cooking unfolds within a vibrant agricultural region known for its granite soils and temperate climate, which foster robust vineyards and a dynamic culinary heritage. The session’s relaxed atmosphere encourages curiosity and camaraderie, inviting guests to develop new skills they’ll carry home.

Caminhos Cruzados isn’t just a winery—it’s a gateway into the cultural fabric of Nelas and the wider Dão region, blending outdoor appreciation with the art of food and wine. For visitors seeking more than a tasting, this workshop offers a dynamic way to engage with Portugal’s rural landscape through its flavors, techniques, and traditions.

About Caminhos Cruzados Winery

Caminhos Cruzados Winery is a family-run winery located in Nelas, in the Viseu district of Portugal's Dão wine region. The estate offers a range of visitor experiences that showcase traditional winemaking and contemporary cellar design. Guests can join guided tours of vineyards and the aging room, attend structured tastings of Dão wines, and choose from themed experiences such as creative winemaking workshops, wine-and-food pairing menus, and premium tastings with local delicacies.

The property hosts interactive activities for groups and families, including peddy paper challenges in the vineyards, picnic options, aroma games, and cooking workshops. The winery presents experiences in both Portuguese and English, with specific events described in multilingual listings. Several offerings require advance booking; for example, the tasting menu with wine pairing asks for at least forty-eight hours' notice to customize dishes and prepare vegetarian options.

The creative winemaking session allows participants to blend, bottle, and take home a personalized wine. Wine and chocolate tastings pair five artisanal chocolates with four selected wines. Standard visit-and-tasting experiences typically include three wines, while premium tastings present four wines paired with traditional Portuguese accompaniments. Caminhos Cruzados emphasizes education and hospitality through guided explanations of viticulture and cellar techniques. Visitors are invited to explore the vineyards, learn about Dão grape varieties, and taste wines that reflect regional terroir. The winery's on-site experiences cater to both casual visitors and wine enthusiasts seeking hands-on activities and curated tasting events.

Reservations are available directly through the winery for scheduled tours, workshops, tastings and private group events. Seasonally available.

Hands-On Cooking & Wine at Caminhos Cruzados Winery

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