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A Vegan’s Guide to Eating Well in Meat-Loving Wine Regions
by L.M. Archer
Traditional ‘red meat and wine’ regions are now embracing sustainable, plant-based food and wine pairings.
As a vegan and writer focused on sustainability, I once resented visiting wine regions famous for their red wines and meat-centric pairings. Places like Portugal’s Alentejo, a bastion of red blends, lamb, and pork, or Argentina, a country rich in ‘gaucho’ culture’s Malbec and asado. Even tiny Uruguay, home to Tannat — and the world’s highest per capita number of cows (four to one).
But no more. Recent studies predict a 12% growth in plant-based diets over the next ten years. Concurrently, consumers clamor for more sustainable food and wine options.
This means more wine regions typically associated with red meat and wine like Alentejo, Argentina, and Uruguay are now catering to sustainably-minded vegans like me.
Here are a few of my favorite places to seek out vegan-friendly fare in these carnivore-catering wine regions:
Quinta do Quetzal, Vidigueira, Alentejo
North Stars: Community Support, Waste Management, Heritage Value
Drawing its name from the quetzal, a green, red-breasted bird revered by the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, this sprawling estate in Vidigueira includes an airy restaurant, circular winery, working farm, and arts center.
“At Quinta do Quetzal, sustainability is a deeply rooted commitment that we’ve pursued consistently over the years,” says Chef João Mourato. “We ensure that ingredients used in our restaurant are sourced through practices that respect and preserve the environment.”
Consequently, the restaurant forges a close bond with community farmers. “For example, one of this autumn’s vegan highlights, cauliflower steak with acorn purée and beans, was inspired by the season’s bounty of cauliflower and acorns,” says Chef João, who collaborates with sommelier José Santos. “We carefully select wines that enhance the envisioned flavors, refining the dish with these pairings in mind.” READ MORE HERE.
I’m delighted to share my Azure Road vegan guide for eating well in meat-eating wine regions with you here.
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