
Halfway between Aljmaš and Erdut lies Dalj Planina, a loess ridge that stretches approximately ten kilometers in length. In the middle of that route, near a spot where two Danubes can be seen, stands a two-story house with twin balconies. Below it, in two orderly rows descending toward the road, a fierce orchard and a fragrant vineyard race downhill.

When you blend the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, sea and land, sun and powerful ocean rains, along with the customs and everyday life of the Iberian Peninsula, you get a formula for pure enjoyment. Portugal — a seafaring nation with a rich history, deep-rooted traditions, and a proud people — is a true revelation for most visitors experiencing this part of the world for the first time. For travelers from the Balkans, especially so.

Sometimes, true hedonism fits on a single plate. A carefully selected board of aged cheese, cured meat, warm bread and a glass of good wine is not just food — it’s a ritual. The kind that forces you to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy the moment without distractions.

Christmas and New Year holidays bring joy almost instinctively. They arrive regardless of circumstances, reminding us of warmth, togetherness, and small rituals that give meaning to the end of the year. For many, this is a time spent with loved ones, surrounded by the glow of a Christmas tree, the warmth of a Yule log, or the familiar taste of a traditional festive cake.

When we, coming from the mountainous Balkans, think of Portugal, we usually picture Lisbon and Porto. We imagine Madeira, the island that gave the world Cristiano Ronaldo, and only the most devoted football fans might recall Guimarães. Yet this city, beyond its famous football club Vitória SC, has so much more to offer.

A new Instagram profile called Secret taster has recently appeared, run by a group of gourmets, foodies, and lovers of fine drinks and delicious meals. Their concept is simple: they do not visit hospitality venues by invitation, they never introduce themselves, they pay for their own orders, and they expect to be served just like any other guest.

There is something truly special about a dinner prepared just for two — the atmosphere becomes more intimate, the flavors richer, and every detail turns into a small ritual. You don’t need to be a chef or spend hours in the kitchen to create a menu that looks like fine dining. All you need is the right choice of ingredients, a touch of aesthetics, and an appreciation for the moment.

There are evenings when we crave neither city lights nor fast conversations — just the scent of wood crackling in the fireplace and the rustle of pages turning. With a glass of wine in hand, stories become more intimate, more personal.

Autumn is the season when wine tastes different — deeper, warmer, more alive. As the days grow slower and the evenings longer, a glass of wine becomes a ritual, a gentle reminder to savor life sip by sip.