Country Partner: Visit Portugal Key wineries of the Alentejo
Half of all Portuguese wine comes from the Alentejo. With eight distinctive regions, there’s plenty of characterful wine to enjoy from serious, long-lived wines for the connoisseur to approachable wines for the keen amateur. There are iconic, sturdy reds and indigenous whites from Adega da Cartuxa just outside Évora, while estates like Herdade do Esporão, dating back to 1267, have championed a modern, sophisticated style that’s hard to resist.
Cabeças do Reguengo On the edge of the stunning Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park and boasting more than 3,000 vines over 100 years old, Casa Relvas produces 6 million bottles a year and offers a range of detailed tours and tastings.
João Portugal Ramos Not far from the marble city of Estremoz, this estate offers a range of tours, walks and activities like cookery workshops.
Carmim This vineyard produces every type of wine and is a great chance to see medieval region Monsaraz, one of the jewels of the Alentejo.
Herdade dos Grous This 1,6700-acre estate lies just outside Beja and the
memorable tours showcase the superb wines, stables, olive groves and a huge lake.
Herdade do Sobroso Overlooking the Guadiana river, this estate is known for exemplary gastronomy, jeep safaris and superb wines.
Wine tourism
The Alentejo Wine Route threads through spectacular scenery, linking gorgeous vineyards and stunning wineries. There are some 260 wineries and vineyards, over 60 of which are open to the public. A good tip is to collect a map and get your bearings at the Wine Route Centre in Évora (you can book visits from here too). Travel along near-empty roads, stay in remarkably good-
value hotels and herdades of real charm and individuality. And, best of all, enjoy wines created from grapes growing just a few metres from your bedroom window. The Alentejo is quietly and confidently gaining a reputation
as a premier location for wine tourism. It’s a destination with a difference, one that remains authentic, inspirational and accessible - and it’s on our doorstep. We can all raise a glass to that.
THE FOODIE ONE Herdade da Malhadinha
Foodie heaven, with vineyards, olive groves and traditional livestock, not to mention a pool and spa.
THE AR TISTIC ONE Quinta do Quetzal
This estate magically combines a cutting-edge winery and a funky art gallery, complete with a fabulous restaurant.
THE UNIQUE ONE Honrado
Producing extraordinary wines in clay amphorae, just as the Romans did.
THE INNOVATIVE ONE Ervideira
Creators of ‘Water Wine’, bottled and aged 30 metres under the waters of Lake Alqueva.
Connections 2020 Country Partner: Visit Portugal. For more information, discover Visit Alentejo (
visitalentejo.com) and Wines of Alentejo (
vinhosdoalentejo.pt)
If you plan to explore possibilities for developing wine tours as part of your programme, get in touch: Alentejo Promotion Office,
info@turismodoalentejo.pt
Pictures: Visit Portugal
weareconnections.com
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