Gricha by Fire: Vines, Wine and Time is a series of four immersive evenings celebrating the essence of the Douro - its land, its wines, and the rhythms of life that shape them. The first edition will be on March 28, 2026!
Your experience begins in the late afternoon with a visit to Quinta da Gricha, our 40-hectare working vineyard estate overlooking the Douro River. You will explore the granite lagares dating from 1852, where Churchill’s Ports are still traditionally foot-trodden during harvest - a practice that honours the character of the grapes and the expression of the terroir.
Vines represent the landscape that sustains us. During the evening, you will reconnect with the Douro through its soil, plants, and traditions. Guided by Chef Rosário, you will walk through the quinta’s vegetable garden and surrounding land, discovering native plants and seasonal ingredients that have long been part of daily life in the Douro. These ingredients help shape the evening’s menu and reflect a philosophy of sustainability rooted in tradition, preserving the knowledge and practices that have defined the region for generations.
Wine reflects the living identity of the estate. As a working quinta, Quinta da Gricha produces wines that respect the rhythm of the vineyard and the character of the terroir. Throughout the evening, you will enjoy a selection of Churchill’s wines paired with dishes slowly prepared over a wood fire in traditional iron pots. The cooking unfolds in front of you, allowing you to witness the process and share in the ritual of fire, food, and wine.
Time is the spirit that binds the experience together. This is an evening designed to slow down: time to forage in the garden, time to wait for the fire to cook the meal, time to share stories around the table while enjoying Churchill's wines, and time to contemplate the Douro landscape as the day gently fades into night.
The final celebration of time is a special Douro ritual: the opening by fire of a bottle of Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha 2005 Cellar Aged Vintage Port, a wine that has matured in our cellars for 20 years before release.
The experience takes place in the old 'Caseiros Kitchen' that's still being used by our viticulture team during harvest.
Inspired by the long tradition of herbal infusions in the Douro, the evening is complemented by an infusion pairing created by Infusões com História, featuring teas made from native plants of the region.
17:00 — Arrival at Quinta da Gricha. Walking Tour of the property.
Welcome drink overlooking the Douro River.
Walk through the vineyards and visit the historic granite lagares from 1852, where Churchill’s Ports are still foot-trodden during harvest.
18:15 — Foraging in the Garden
Guided walk with Chef Rosário and Miguel from Infusões com História through the quinta’s vegetable garden and surrounding land to discover seasonal ingredients and native Douro plants.
19:00 — Dinner & Wine Pairing
Dinner is slowly prepared in traditional iron pots over wood fire.
Starters
Bread, olive oil and olives
'Alheiras' (traditional portuguese sausage) grilled over the fire
Wild sorrel salad with fresh cheese
Soup
Turnip greens soup
Main
Rice with salpicão and greens (traditional Portuguese smoked pork sausage)
Dessert
Golden slices from the Douro, infused with Infusões com História Festive Tea (Black tea, Mint and Orange).
Cheese
Requeijão (Portuguese fresh cheese) with pumpkin and almond preserve
Opening by fire
Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha 2005 Cellar Aged Vintage Port
More than a dinner, Gricha by Fire: Vines, Wine and Time is a tribute to the Douro, to its land, its people, and the traditions that continue to shape its wines.
