Catarina Álvares is a native of Lisbon, engineer and teacher who ended up in the Alentejo sort of by chance. She fell in love with the mountains, the peacefulness and the idea of real sustainability.

With her husband, Chef José Júlio Vintém, she opened the Tombalobos restaurant in Portalegre. Together they developed a concept based on connection to the land, seasonality and a unique identity.

Catarina joined Chaîne in 2019 as a Professional member. She later accepted the invitation to be an “ambassador” of the region. Catarina thus became part of the Baillis triad that composes it.

Catarina knows the characteristics of the area call for more intimate, smaller events. Ones that give space for people to get to know each other in the true sense of the word. Ones that give the opportunity to absorb what she considers to be the Chaîne’s philosophy - conviviality, sharing and exchanging experiences.

In the future, Catarina sees herself organizing more events along the lines of Chaîne Nature: with a direct connection to nature, where the product is king and guests are involved in every step.