Portuguese cuisine is having a well deserved moment. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the Age of Discovery of the New World. As a result, seafood rules Portuguese kitchens, but inland, the famous Iberian black pig holds its own. By land or sea, Portuguese food is awash with Mediterranean foundations but peppered with portions of African, Brazilian, and Spice Route pizzazz. We will explore the ubiquitous fascination with bacalhau (salt cod) and finish with a sublime pastel de nata (custard tart). In between we will taste pork belly and a duo of salad and vegetables to lighten the menu. Try a clean, crisp white wine from the Vinho Verde region and a fruit driven but balanced red from around Lisbon. Enjoy also a Port from its birth place in the Duoro Valley.
Food & Wine of Portugal – Rosa & David
Course Description
Step into the vibrant and flavourful world of Portuguese cuisine with South Australian food identity Rosa Matto and WEA Wine Tutor David Crossman.
As Portugal enjoys its well-deserved moment in the culinary spotlight, this course celebrates the country’s rich gastronomic history- deeply rooted in the Age of Discovery and seasoned with Mediterranean, African, and Brazilian influences.
From the sea to the land, you’ll sample dishes like the ever-popular bacalhau (salt cod), indulgent pork belly, and fresh salads and vegetables, finishing with a delicate pastel de nata (custard tart).
Each course is designed to showcase Portugal’s unique balance of simplicity, spice, and soul.
Accompanying the food is a hand-picked selection of Portuguese wines: a crisp white from Vinho Verde, a balanced red from near Lisbon, and a classic Port from the Douro Valley.
Rosa will guide you through each dish, demonstrating traditional techniques and sharing the stories behind the ingredients.
David introduces the wines, offering insight into their regional origins, production methods, and how they pair beautifully with the menu.
Together, Rosa and David bring Portugal to life through every bite and every sip.
Over the course of three hours, you’ll taste three wines. While this is generally considered a moderate pace, it’s important to understand that everyone metabolises alcohol differently, and individual tolerance levels can vary.
Please note that participants must be aged 18 or over to attend this course.
Course Structure
The class will begin with an engaging introduction by Rosa and David, setting the cultural and historical context for Portugal’s food and wine traditions.
Rosa will share the stories behind each dish and then demonstrate her recipes step-by-step, explaining techniques and ingredients as she goes.
Students will enjoy tasting each dish, with three of them thoughtfully paired with Portuguese wines selected by David.
As the session unfolds, David will lead informal but informative discussions on the wines – how they are made, what defines their style, and why they work so well with the food.
The session is designed to be interactive, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and join in the conversation.
Students will leave with a complete set of recipes and wine notes, ready to recreate the magic of Portugal at home.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe key elements of traditional Portuguese cuisine and wine
- Understand the cultural and historical influences that shaped Portuguese food and wine
- Replicate several classic Portuguese dishes using Rosa’s recipes and techniques
- Describe and compare Portuguese wine styles including Vinho Verde, Lisbon reds, and Port
- Pair wine and food with greater confidence and understanding
- Expand their vocabulary for tasting, evaluating, and discussing wine and cuisine
- Appreciate the diverse flavours of Portugal’s culinary heritage
- Enjoy a hands-on and social learning experience in a relaxed setting
Your Tutor is Rosa Matto
Rosa Matto commenced with the WEA in 2014.
Rosa's career in teaching and hospitality spans four decades.
Currently, her recipes appear in SA Life magazine. She is Leader of SLOW FOOD SA and holds very strong views on inclusivity regarding food sources and targeting food waste.
Another of Rosa’s great obsessions is travel. So, her recipes and knowledge come from her years of leading travellers through Europe and SE Asia. Of course, her particular passion is the food, wine and culture of Italy where is has lived and travelled widely, over many years
She is also a great gardener – and most of the produce she uses is from her own or her assistant, the very talented, Nancy Colarco’s, garden. Being a gardener influences her food – it is always local, seasonal and accessible.
The recipes are carefully written and the classes offer great tips for adaptation, and transformation, for you and your family.
Your Tutor is David Crossman
David Crossman BA, Grad Dip Ed, Cert IV WTA has been teaching at WEA since 1994.
David has a background in secondary school teaching, with a long-term interest in wine. While spending six months in France experiencing their wine culture, he developed an even greater enthusiasm. He was even invited to judge French wine at the Concours Agricole de Paris!
Since returning to Australia David has been involved in secondary education, adult education and wine activities. He has completed an Advanced Wine Studies course at TAFE, and has experience in wine sales as a wholesaler and retailer. He also has experience as both a teacher and administrator in adult education, and has taught the TAFE competency ‘Wine Evaluation’.
David truly believes that wine is made to be enjoyed, so his wine courses are designed to be enjoyable too.
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