In a caravan exclusively made up of Audi customers, we went to the city of Beja to test the off-road skills of the quattro system, in the first Audi quattro Offroad Experience of 2015. Awaiting us, in addition to the warm welcome from the people from the Alentejo region, there was the good gastronomy, the breath-taking landscapes and, of course, the challenging dirt roads that the Alentejo has to offer.
These roads, which after a dry summer (as is customary in the region) put the resistance not only of the participants but of the vehicles themselves to the test.
Lots of dust (some mud), lots of rock and of course… lots of fun! In a continuous contrast between the hardness of the terrain and the friendly and affable way with which we were always received at every stop. It was in these small details that we proved the Alentejo's reputation for refreshing and balancing those who visit it.
“With our belly (too much…) attested to regional delicacies and dishes, in the afternoon we visited the distillery where “the best gin in the world” is made
Among these improvements, I highlight the stop at Convento do Espinheiro, in Évora. Entered between holes and landscapes asking for sharing on social media, it was our belly that alerted us to the proximity of lunchtime. Convento do Espinheiro proved to be the ideal stopover. The worst thing was the start… not because of our Audi Q5, but because of the gastronomic exaggerations committed.
With our belly (too much…) attested to regional delicacies and dishes, in the afternoon we visited the distillery where “the best gin in the world” is made, according to António Cuco, founder and owner of the Sharish gin brand. Even though we believed in António's words, we really wanted to prove whether or not Sharish is the best gin in the world. With only one glass drunk, we had to leave the “titra-teimas” for another time.
However, we carried a bottle in the luggage of our Audi to be opened on another occasion. It was time to move towards another off-road stage.
Having completed one more section, we arrived at Pousada de Beja against the clock with the sun, just in time for dinner, where we took the opportunity to share the typical adventures and misadventures of a tour of this nature.
The Audi quattro Offroad Experience in Alentejo was so positive that many of the participants headed to the Douro for another edition in northern lands. An event where the main objective was to bring Audi customers together to experience the potential of their vehicles and the quattro system in controlled and very friendly conditions. As for us, mission accomplished. Next stop: Douro!
Stay with a video of this Audi quattro Offroad Experience:
