Quinta do Francês Winery Visit

Friday, October 9th

The CASA event calendar is filling up, and we’re delighted to invite you to our October adventure at Quinta do Francês, a charming boutique winery nestled in the hills near Silves.

Although it’s a relatively small operation, Quinta do Francês produces an impressive volume of wine, combining traditional winemaking with a beautiful setting that makes it well worth the visit.

We’ll begin with a guided tour of the vineyards and production area, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how the winery turns Algarve grapes into some very enjoyable bottles.

Then comes the important part! 

We’ll settle in for a tasting of four wines:

• Odelouca White

• Quinta do Francês Rosé

• Odelouca Red

• Quinta do Francês Syrah

The wines will be accompanied by a selection of charcuterie, because wine tasting without something to nibble on is really just research. 

Friday, October 9th

2:30 PM

€25 per CASA member | €30 for non-members

Whether you’re already part of CASA or simply curious about what our events are all about, come raise a glass with us and enjoy an afternoon discovering one of the Algarve’s boutique wineries.

Space will be limited, so don’t wait too long to reserve your place!

Address:  Dobra Cx P 862 H, 8300-037

What Three Words:  ///conspire.subscribe/mattress

The CASA Grand Prix... Followed by Lunch!

October 21 • 12:30 PM

It's time to settle an important question: Who among us is actually a good driver?

We have all developed impressive credentials navigating the A22, the N125, Portuguese roundabouts, scooters appearing from nowhere, and those mysterious drivers who apparently believe speed limits are merely suggestions.

Now we have the opportunity to put those skills to the test.

But first, a little nostalgia.

CASA is returning to O Tasco Restaurant, more than two years after our last visit. This was particularly memorable for Karen and me because it was our very first CASA event. We were still relatively new to the Algarve and discovering the many pleasures of our new home.

O Tasco quickly became one of those places that reminds you why you moved to Portugal in the first place. The food is an excellent example of traditional Portuguese cooking, the setting is wonderfully rural, and the hospitality is second to none.

And then there's the location.

O Tasco sits just north of Portimão, near the Alcalar megalithic monuments and, most importantly, conveniently close to the Kartódromo/Autódromo do Algarve.

You can probably see where this is going.

First We Race. Then We Eat.

Last year, we discovered that putting a bunch of CASA members into go-karts produces a surprising amount of enthusiasm, questionable sportsmanship, and some very creative explanations for why someone finished behind someone else.

It was such a hit that this has become our most requested event to repeat since we joined the committee.

So we're doing it again.

Join us at the karting track before lunch at 10 am for a high-speed adrenaline fix. Hone those driving skills you've developed on the A22 and N125. Find your inner Fernando Alonso. Or, at the very least, try not to be the person everyone is waiting for at the first corner.

I know we have some speed demons in CASA, and I am perfectly prepared to go bumper-to-bumper with all challengers.

Just remember: what happens on the track stays on the track... unless someone posts the results. 

Then We Reward Ourselves With Lunch

After we've demonstrated either our driving prowess or our complete lack thereof, we'll head to O Tasco for a traditional Portuguese lunch.

Choose from:

• Grilled Chicken with Chips and Salad

• Sevillian-Style Calamari with Chips and Salad

• Vegetable Crepe with salad

The €18 member / €20 non-member price includes your couvert, dessert, and two drinks per person. Additional drinks are available at your own expense.

Karting is not included, since the track has several options and you'll choose what level of speed, horsepower and questionable decision-making suits you. You'll also get to sign the universally beloved liability forms before climbing into your rocket-powered plastic missile.

So, Who's Got the Fastest CASA Foot?

Come for the racing. Come for the food. Come for the bragging rights.

Or come for all three.

October 21. Karting first. O Tasco afterward.

And yes, I will be taking names.

Let's take it to the track! ?️?

Sign up at bookings@casasocial.club and mention the event and your menu choices as well as whether you plan to race or just cheer on your favorite driver.  Payment is at the event or through our Revolut IBAN.

For the track What Three Words:  ///scornfull.hating.jeeps.  Or just enter Kartodromo do Algarve in Maps or Waze.

For O Tasco:  What Three Words:  ///perfectly.input.sightseeing.  Or enter EM 532, 8500-152, Portimao in Maps or Waze.

November CASA Dinner at Casinha Portuguesa

An Old Friend, a New Home & One Very Good Reason to Sign Up Early!

On November 11 at 6:30 PM, CASA is heading back to see an old friend.

About a year and a half ago, more than 60 CASA members and guests packed into A Tasca do Kiko in Lagos for one of our biggest and most memorable events. Sadly, the Lagos Marina project claimed the restaurant, and A Tasca do Kiko is no more.

But João has resurfaced!

He has opened a new restaurant, Casinha Portuguesa, tucked away in Praia da Vau, right on the beach between Alvor and Praia da Rocha. And naturally, CASA had to go see what João has been cooking up this time.

There is, however, one small catch.

Casinha Portuguesa can accommodate only about 40 guests.

That means this is one of those CASA events where procrastination could have consequences. We expect the available places to disappear well before the November 9 deadline, so if you're thinking, "I'll sign up later," later may already be too late.

What's on the menu?

You'll choose your main course from:

• Prawn Linguini

• Massinha de Peixe, a traditional fish stew with noodles

• Black Pork, served with chips and green salad

We'll begin the evening with a welcome glass of Espumonte and some light charcuterie, followed by your choice of Chocolate Mousse or Crème Brûlée for dessert.

And because this is CASA, the important liquids are covered too: beer, wine and water are included.

João is even adding a little Portuguese punctuation to the evening with a glass of Port to finish things off.

CASA Members: €35
Non-members: €40

Sign-up deadline: 1:00 PM, November 8th

But remember, the deadline is not necessarily the date you have until. With only around 40 seats available, we're expecting this one to fill quickly.

Don't be the person who hears about the evening afterward and says, "I should have signed up."

Come join us for good food, a beachside setting, and a reunion with an old CASA favorite who apparently wasn't finished feeding us just yet! ??

Location: Praia do Vau, 8500-820, Portimao

What Three Words: ///revivals.confidential.sneakily