MARK HIX AND MITCH TONKS REUNITE FOR TWO-DAY CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN PORTUGAL’S DOURO VALLEY

Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks reunite for two-day culinary experience in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Following two successful years of collaboration, chefs and long-time friends Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks will reunite this winter for a two-day food and wine experience at Quinta de La Rosa in Portugal’s Douro Valley from 6th to 8th November.

Mitch Tonks is one of the UK’s most respected voices on seafood, sustainability and fishing, known for founding The Seahorse and the Rockfish restaurant group across the South West. Mark Hix is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading restaurateurs and food writers, celebrated for his championing of seasonal British ingredients and his influential career across London’s restaurant scene. Their shared commitment to provenance, simplicity and place underpins this latest collaboration.

Taking place across 6th, 7th and 8th November, the event brings guests to the family-run winery of sixth generation port producer and winemaker Sophia Bergqvist. Hix and Tonks first visited the estate more than fifteen years ago, when a long lunch overlooking the river led to the creation of their own wine, Tonnix, with a label designed by friend and artist, Tracey Emin. The wine is still produced and poured today, and this return to La Rosa offers guests the opportunity to experience the setting and partnership that shaped it.

Designed as a relaxed, hosted stay in the heart of the Douro, the experience includes two nights’ bed and breakfast in a shared double room, dinners on both evenings with paired wines and ports, alongside a guided winery tour and tasting with the Bergqvist family and locally sourced produce featured throughout the programme.

Guests will arrive on 6th November and spend the afternoon settling into the valley before joining Hix, Tonks and the La Rosa team for an aperitif followed by a traditional Portuguese dinner created by Head Chef Pedro and served in the estate’s barrel room, paired with La Rosa wines and ports.

After breakfast on 7th November, Sophia Bergqvist will lead a vineyard tour and tasting, offering insight into the history and production of the estate. The remainder of the day is free to explore the surrounding area, visit nearby Pinhão, take a boat trip along the Douro, or relax at the hotel.

That evening, on 7th November, Hix and Tonks will cook a four-course dinner focused on regional and seasonal produce, with each course paired to Quinta de La Rosa’s Tonnix wine and port. The chefs will host throughout the evening, offering guests the chance to spend time with them in a relaxed, informal setting.

Guests depart on 8th November after breakfast, with the option to continue on to Porto or travel home.

This limited-capacity event brings together two leading British chefs, a historic Douro winery and more than a decade of shared winemaking history, offering a focused and intimate food and wine experience in one of Europe’s most established wine regions.

The experience is priced at £900 per person. Suite upgrades are available at an additional cost.

Image: Rockfish