The Algarve is mourning the loss of Hermínio Rebelo who played a key role in the promotion of regional wines and the training of many top sommeliers. He died on Monday, June 19, aged 86.
He was also a football executive for regional football club Portimonense between 1978 and 1994, both as vice-president and as head of the football department.
The Algarve tourism board (RTA) has lamented Hermínio Rebelo’s death in a statement on its Facebook page, describing him as “one of the greatest ambassadors of Algarve wines and the author of the first wine guides published with great success by RTA.
“Hermínio Rebelo maintained a strong connection to the hospitality industry in the region, where he excelled in the field of food and beverage,” the tourism board says, adding that he was the “mentor of the Sommelier course at the Portimão Hotel and Tourism School, the Chief Taster of the Brotherhood of Oenophiles and Gastronomes (Confraria dos Enófilos e Gastrónomos do Algarve), and a regular presence at tourism fairs, promoting the tourist offerings of the Algarve.
“To Hermínio Rebelo’s grieving family and friends, RTA sends a message of comfort and pays tribute to this inspiring professional who greatly contributed to the tourism industry in the region,” the tourism board added.
The Portimão Hotel and Tourism School (EHT PTM) has also released a statement expressing its “deep sadness” over the news of his passing.
“He was a remarkable man whose impact on the field of hotel and tourism education will never be forgotten. While we mourn his departure, we must recognise and celebrate his indelible contribution to the Portimão Hotel and Tourism School,” it said.
Hermínio Rebelo was one of the school’s first teachers, having joined in 1971 and continued until his retirement in 2010.
“Mr. Hermínio Rebelo was a true visionary, a dedicated and passionate educator who devoted his life to the development and improvement of human resources for the hotel and tourism sector.
“His inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate to know him and learn from him,” the school said, adding that he played a “fundamental role” in promoting local and regional gastronomy.
“Tirelessly dedicated to Oenology and Enogastronomy, he was the driving force for the start of Sommelier training courses at EHT PTM. In this sense, he contributed to the training and preparation of several students who are now widely recognised nationally and internationally as sommeliers,” it added.
The school also stresses that he was “one of the main driving forces behind the ‘rebirth’ of wines from the Algarve region in the 1990s.”
“Mr. Hermínio Fernandes Rebelo will be remembered as an exceptional educator. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and inspired over the years. His passion for education and hospitality will continue to guide and influence future generations of professionals.
“In this moment of sorrow, while we deeply mourn his departure, we want to celebrate his life and accomplishments. His tireless work and inspiring dedication will never be forgotten. May his memory be a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us, reminding us of the importance of commitment, excellence, and love for knowledge,” the school added.
Portimonense has also lamented Hermínio Rebelo’s passing, stressing that he will “always be linked to the history of our club and will always be remembered” for having been a part of the club during some of its biggest achievements, such as the club’s fifth place finish in the Portuguese first division in 1984/85 and its participation, the following season, in the UEFA Cup.
