Art, History and Wine: A Day Out in Estremoz

Portugal's interior has a wonderful way of encouraging visitors to slow down. Away from the busy coastline, the Alentejo is known for its rolling landscapes, historic towns and rich cultural heritage.

Among its most charming destinations is Estremoz, a town renowned for its white marble, medieval castle and winding streets lined with traditional cafés and independent shops. On Saturday mornings, the historic centre comes alive with one of the region's best-loved markets, where visitors can browse everything from antiques and ceramics to local produce, cheeses and regional delicacies before exploring the town itself.

On Saturday 8 August, the 2026 Sovereign Portuguese Student Art Prize opens at Howard's Folly Winery, where the exhibition will remain on display throughout the month. Bringing together thirty outstanding works by students from schools across Portugal, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, imagination and technical skill of the country's next generation of artists.

The venue itself makes a particularly fitting setting. Founded by Howard Bilton, Chairman of The Sovereign Art Foundation, Howard's Folly reflects a belief that art should be part of everyday life rather than confined to galleries. The exhibition is hosted within one of Portugal's most unexpected contemporary art collections, where visitors can discover works by internationally acclaimed artists including Joana Vasconcelos, José Manuel Espiga Pinto, Kevin Francis Gray, Bouke de Vries, Patrick Hughes, Chris Levine, and Sam Jinks, creating a rare opportunity to experience established and emerging artists in the same visit.

Art continues throughout the winery. Many of Howard's Folly's wines feature original artworks on their labels, including designs by Sir Michael Craig-Martin, alongside labels created by finalists from previous editions of the Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize and drawings by children taking part in The Sovereign Art Foundation's Expressive Arts Programme. It is a small but powerful reminder that creativity can inspire, connect and, for many young people, become an important part of healing.

Before the exhibition opens, families are invited to join One Table, One Drawing, a free collaborative workshop taking place from 2.00pm until 3.30pm. Inspired by the artworks on display, everyone is invited to contribute to one enormous drawing stretching the length of a table. Children, parents and grandparents can all add their own sketches, colours and ideas to a single shared artwork that gradually evolves throughout the afternoon, celebrating creativity as something to experience together rather than individually.

The exhibition opening takes place from 4.00pm until 6.30pm on Saturday 8 August, offering visitors the first opportunity to experience the exhibition, meet members of The Sovereign Art Foundation and celebrate some of Portugal's most promising young artists. The opening promises to be a relaxed afternoon of art, conversation and creativity in a unique setting.

Following the launch, the exhibition will remain in Estremoz for a limited period before travelling to the Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes (SNBA) in Lisbon later this year, making the opening weekend an ideal opportunity to experience the collection in the heart of the Alentejo.

As with every Sovereign Portuguese Student Art Prize exhibition, the works will also be available to view online, where the public can vote for their favourite artwork. Original works will be available to purchase, with proceeds shared between the young artists and The Sovereign Art Foundation's Expressive Arts Programme, which provides free expressive arts therapy for vulnerable children and young people across Portugal.

Whether you come for the market, the history, the food or the art, Estremoz offers the perfect excuse for a summer day out. This August, visitors will discover not only one of Portugal's most beautiful towns, but also the remarkable creativity of the country's next generation of artists.

Vote online and explore the shortlisted artworks:
https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/sp-portugal/

Find out more about the Sovereign Art Foundation’s work in Portugal:

https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/expressive-arts-programme-portugal/

Follow SAF Portugal on Instagram:
@sovereignartfoundationportugal

Sovereign Art Foundation Portugal
📧 Tanya@sovereignartfoundation.com