Turning 30 Under a 2,000-Year-Old Portuguese Olive Tree

An Unforgettable Meal on a Portuguese Vineyard

Turning 30 felt like it needed something big. You know, something that makes you look back and go, “Yeah, I hit that milestone.” So, Barry and I decided to celebrate in Portugal, because what’s more iconic than wine, sunshine, and stunning views? The highlight of the trip? Lunch under a 2,000-year-old olive tree at this gorgeous vineyard in the Algarve.

Let me tell you, it wasn’t just a meal—it was a whole vibe.

A Vineyard That Feels Like a Daydream

I stumbled across Morgado do Quintão while scrolling TikTok (as one does when planning trips). When I saw their ancient olive tree and read about their farm-to-table wine lunches, I immediately sent Barry the link. He took one look and was like, “When are we booking this?”

When we showed up, it was even more stunning than the photos. Rolling hills of grapevines, warm breezes, and this absolutely massive olive tree that looked like it had been standing there since the dawn of time. It was one of those places where you instantly feel like, “Okay, this is going to be special.”

A Meal Worth Writing Home About

Eating out as someone who’s gluten-intolerant can be tricky—like, there’s a good chance I’ll either leave hungry or just settle for a sad salad. But Morgado do Quintão? They were on it. Not only did they accommodate me, but they made sure everything felt just as indulgent as what Barry was eating.

The meal was simple but so intentional. Every dish was seasonal and local, and you could taste the love in every bite.

Starter: Fresh tomatoes, olives, and the kind of olive oil that makes you want to drink it straight from the bottle. And they even had gluten free bread!
Main: A perfectly grilled pork loin with roasted potatoes and arugula salad, that tasted like they’d come straight from the garden that morning.
Dessert: A citrus cake that was somehow fluffy, sweet, and gluten-free (bless them).

And the wine? Oh, the wine. Their Verde wine was everything I love in a glass—crisp, light, and so good we ordered two bottles to take home with us.

The Magic of the Olive Tree

What really made the day, though, was the tree. There’s something humbling about sitting under something that’s been around for 2,000 years. The way its branches twisted toward the sky, its gnarled roots spreading out—it felt like it held a million stories.

Barry and I sat there sipping wine, letting the afternoon sun filter through the leaves, and it was just… perfect. No rushing, no checking the time. Just us, the food, the wine, and this ancient tree that had seen more than we ever will.

A Birthday for the Books

This wasn’t just a meal—it was one of those moments that sticks with you. Turning 30 this way felt like exactly the right mix of special and chill. It was the kind of thing that reminds you to slow down and really take it all in.

So, if you’re ever in the Algarve, do yourself a favor and book the lunch at Morgado do Quintão. Trust me, you’ll leave full, happy, and probably with a bottle (or six) of Verde wine.

For those ready to experience this magic for themselves, check out Morgado do Quintão’s wine and dining experiences here. You deserve to treat yourself.

Here’s to more birthdays under olive trees, more good wine, and more moments worth remembering. Cheers!