FitaPreta Vinhos
A stunning winery to explore next time you are in the Alentejo wine region in Portugal
A previously published version of this article is available at wineXP.pt and is available in English and Portuguese.
Fitapreta Winery, located in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, was founded in 2004 by winemaker António Maçanita and viticulturist David Booth. Sandra Sárria joined the team as a partner in 2008. Sandra and António are the winemakers behind the delicious wines.
In 2010, António helped bring "vinho da talha" back to Portugal with the release of his Branco de Talha. A style of winemaking using amphoras or clay pots. If you would like to learn more about talha, I highly recommend the book, Talha Tales: Portugal's Ancient Answer to Amphora Wines by Paul James White.
In 2016, Fitapreta moved to the Paço do Morgado de Oliveira, a 14th century estate. There, they began restoring the estate while respecting and preserving the history of the estate. They found what quite possibly is the oldest wine cellar in Évora. In 2018, António launched wines from the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard. It has old, traditional Alentejo grape varieties. He aimed to recover a piece of Alentejo's lost history and he truly has.
Fitapreta covers approximately 100 hectares in the Alentejo. Grape varieties like Arinto, Baga, and Tinta Miúda are grown in the vineyards. The vineyards are found in different sub-regions, Évora, Redondo, Borba, and Fronteira. Some sit near the Serra d’Ossa (Ossa Mountains). Winemaking here has been a tradition since the 14thcentury. At their estate, Graça do Divor, near Évora, they have planted new vines of Arinto, Perrum, Folgazão, Baga, Tinta Miúda, Tinta Grossa, Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, and Touriga Nacional grapes. Additionally, they have dedicated 6 hectares to rootstock, which they will later graft with local varieties. Fitapreta has also acquired a 20-hectare property. This land has an old vineyard with vines around 50 years old. They are able to produce exceptional wines with complexities due to their grapes being grown in various microclimates around the Alentejo region. Fitapreta does also sources grapes from a selection of growers in the region who have been chosen with care.
Winery Experiences
The winery experiences at Fitapreta are truly exceptional. They offer much more than just a tour and tasting—they provide exceptional experiences you don’t want to miss. Below are their unique wine experience you and your friends can take part in. I've also included the minimum group size required for booking. Since this is a working vineyard, they need a small group to schedule a tour.




Food and Wine Experience: Light-Bodied Lunchtime
This option gives you a lighter experience. The tasting includes 3 wines and a buffet of regional snacks, which include fresh cheese, sausages, salads, and small seasonal dishes. The experience ends with a trio of regional desserts.1 You can add on a winery tour to this experience which I highly recommend doing.(3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here.
Food and Wine Experience: Medium-Bodied Lunchtime
This experience includes a tasting of 4 wines. It comes with seasonal dishes that pair with each wine. This is followed by a main course, which could be codfish with cornbread or roasted lamb. Finished with a trio of desserts. Again, you can add on a winery tour to this experience. (3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here.
Food and Wine Experience: Full-Bodied Lunchtime
This lunch experience includes a tassting of 4 wines pairs with flavors of the Alentejo. You will get to enjoy seasonal starters and snacks, such as fresh cheese and country bread. Then, choose a main course, which could be something like roasted lamb or black pig pork cheeks. This lunch closes with a trio of desserts. You will want to add on a winery tour, which is available. (3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here.




Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience
If you are a foodie, this tour is designed for you. Start with a cooking class where you learn Alentejo's best cuisine. You'll also get to learn all about FitaPreta's exceptional wines. The winery tour is also an add on which I recommend for any tour you do here. This experience would make a great corporate outing or a family get-together. (3 hours, 6 person minimum). Book here.
Masterclass with António Maçanita
If you're looking for a one of a kind, truly unique winery experience, this is it. One of the FitaPreta's winemaking team will lead you in a masterclass. You will get a firsthand look at the art of winemaking. You'll see their innovative methods that the winemakers use here. After a tour of the property, you will then enjoy a tasting of 12 wines, paired with a cheese board and 100% acorn-fed ham. (3 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here.


Winemaker for a Day
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a winemaker? This hands-on experience lets you create your own wine blend, design its label, and even sell it. You'll learn to spot grape traits by tasting single varietal wines and making your own blend. The day ends with you presenting your wine to the group in a really fun way, and then a winner is crowned. (3 hours, 12 person minimum). Book here.
Visit and Master of Wine Tasting
This is the perfect experience for true wine lovers. It explores Alentejo wines and selections from the Douro and Pico Island in the Azores. You will taste 10 wines of your choice. They will be paired with local tapas, including cheese and acorn-fed black pork ham. (2.5 hours, 4 person minimum). Book here.
Tour and Tasting: Wine Geek
This tour is for those who want to learn about winemaking. It takes you on a tour through the property and cellars. You'll get a unique look at the winemaking process. You'll even taste wines from steel vats or French oak barrels. Then, enjoy 7 wines paired with local cheeses and acorn-fed ham. (2 hours, 2 person minimum). Book here.
Visit and Big Picture Wine Tasting
During this experience, you will take a deeper dive into the history of FitaPreta and its medieval palace. This tour and tasting experience includes 5 wines. The wines will be paired with a selection of three local cheeses. This is the perfect tour if you are traveling alone as the minimum to book is only one person. (1.5 hours, 1 person minimum). Book here
Fitapreta, as you can see, offers a wide range of experiences to choose from. The number of people in your party is important to think about prior to booking. Unlike many wineries throughout Portugal, there is a tour for the solo traveler. This is very uncommon. Usually, you will need a minimum of 2 people to book a winery experience. Many of their tours are geared for groups of 8 or more. So, grab some friends, work colleagues, or family, and book one or more tours here. FitaPreta will not let you down. It is a winery I recommend anyone traveling to the Alentejo region to visit. It also is only about an hour and a half drive from Lisbon, which also makes it a great day trip.
*all photos come from Fitapreta or Wine XP visits to the winery.
There are options that are suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies. They also offer a children's menu.
And this article came out on the same day I called Fitapreta and booked a visit for this Saturday! Our coincidences are crazy!