Exploring the Algarve: 4 Wineries and Their Unique Tasting Experiences
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The original form of this article was published on WineXP.pt. You can read the original version and Portuguese version there.
Algarve
The Algarve is renowned for its stunning beaches, resort accommodations, food, and wine. It is a top travel destination in the winter for many Europeans.
You can find the Algarve wine region on the southernmost coast of Portugal. With so much influence from the Atlantic Ocean and warm temperatures, it makes this a great place to cultivate grapes.
Many grape varieties grow in the Algarve. Only one is native to the region. Negra Mole is Portugal's second oldest grape. It is the quintessential Algarvian grape. It is a red-skinned grape. Yet, the berries in each bunch can vary from pink to dark blue. This gives the wine a paler color. It is resistant to drought, which makes it a great grape for the region.
Winemaking and this region date back to the Phoenicians and Greeks. Over the centuries there has been an up and down seen in this region with winemaking. Luckily, now in the 21st century, winemaking is at an all-time high here. I mean that the area now has 4 DOCs, Controlled Designations of Origin, Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira. It also is a region that is producing wines across the board: sparkling, dessert, still white, red, and rosé. There is constant growth and innovation happening here that should be on your radar.
Morgado do Quintão
In Portugal's southernmost region lies a vineyard that goes far beyond producing wine. It embodies everything that sparked my passion for it. This extraordinary estate is a place I wholeheartedly believe everyone should experience.
Back in the early 1800s, the Count of Silves, Francisco Manuel Pereira Caldas (their ancestor), started something special at Morgado do Quintão. He planted the first vines in the estates iconic red soil. Over time, the family expanded on his work, growing some of the Algarve’s most historic vines. Today, their goal is to bring the legacy back to life. With a focus on native grapes like Negra Mole and Crato Branco.
The family is super supportive of artists, in fact their labels are all designed by artists and there is no writing on the front so that the art shines (like the wine). They love art so much they host an artist residency. If you are an artist, you should definitely look into this. Their estate is definitely a place that will get your creative juices flowing.
The winery hosts a myriad of unique winery experiences to choose from. I recommend one more than the others, their cooking workshop. Don't get me wrong, you cannot go wrong with any of their customized tours, but this one is truly unique. Not many wineries offer a cooking workshop and tour. The beauty of this one is that you don't need to book with others, the minimum is 1 person. To book this Wine XP customized experience, click here.
Convento do Paraiso Winery/ Quinta de Mata Mouros
The Pereira Coutinho Family own this beautiful winery. They preserved the stunning Convent of Nª Sª do Paraíso "Our Lady of Paradise Convent”" from the 15th century. The estate, also called Quinta de Mata Mouros, is in the historic city of Silves. The family planted the first vines in 2000 and now have 25 hectares of vineyards. Ten hectares are currently producing wines.
I recommend attending the Vineyard & winery visit & Paradise 3 wine tasting offered. This tour and tasting will take you back in time to when the Moors were in the area. You'll learn the history of the Convent up until the present time. You'll also learn about the winemaking and vineyard practices. Of course, you end the tour tasting 3 of their wonderful wines. This is the perfect wine tasting to start or end your day in the Algarve. It isn’t too long, but it is jam-packed with history and wine. Book this unique winery experience through Wine XP here.
Quinta dos Sentidos
In 2005, a Dutch-Swiss couple bought a wasteland in the Algarve with a dream. Well, that dream transformed into a stunning reality in a short time. They built a winery and an olive oil facility. They transplanted old olive trees and 14,000 vines. They didn’t stop there. They turned the 9-hectare property into an oasis. It has stunning gardens with fruit and flowers from around the world. This is an absolute must see when you travel to the Algarve.
The winery tour you should add to your itinerary today is their guided tour of gardens & premium wine and olive oil tasting. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, quite . You also get to walk along their gorgeous gardens, taking in the true beauty the Algarve has to offer. This winery offers a special and unique experience; book here.
Cabrita Wines
Quinta da Vinha produces Cabrita Wines. The Cabrita family has owned the property since 1977. José André, a fruit merchant in the Algarve, purchased it. In 2007, they made the first wine under the Cabrita name. It turns out the wines were such high quality that the family purchased two more vineyards.
You should try the prestige visit and tasting at Quinta da Vinha. It is a great wine tasting experience. This is a premium experience. It includes a guided tour of the estate, the barrel room, the winery, and other facilities. You also learn about their winemaking process. Then, you try four of their wines with regional snacks. This is a great way to spend an afternoon and your palate will love you. Book your wine experience here.
No matter how you spend your time visiting wineries in the Algarve, I know you'll want to explore more. I recommend booking two of these wineries in a day. They are close enough to fit all four into a 2-day trip.
Looking forward to trying these