In order to complete her mission Sarah visited Portugal more than five times.

In the Association’s brochure she wrote of the only Algarvean wine to be nominated:

“Wine-wise, the Algarve may have less history than Colares, but property development is also an issue for its growing band of wineries, 16 last count.

“Frenchman Guillaume Leroux took over his grandfather’s Algarve farm, Monte da Casteleja in 2000, producing his first wines in 2004.

“Rather than seeking to pander to the tourist market with easy drinking quaffers, Leroux is focusing on quality.

“Vines planted on clay and limestone are tended organically and he foot-treads his reds. Though it’s early days, his wines show lots of character and promise.”

The event showcasing Portugal’s ‘50 Best Wines’ will travel to Manchester and Edinburgh in June this year. They were formerly introduced to wine experts, from the restaurant, importation, critic and journalism trades at London’s Caledonian Club, last month.

The Monte da Casteleja Maria Selection Tinto, 2007 was created as a tribute from Guillaume Leroux to his wife Maria, “to acknowledge her constant support”.