Herdade dos Coelheiros

The Alentejo Wine Region is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered gems of a wine region in Europe, and the Herdade dos Coelheiros estate is one of the most fascinating. Known for their high-end dry reds and whites (their Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay a multiple wine contest winner), the estate is also home to major walnut production (100 hectares), a vast area of Cork forest and hunting grounds. Located nearby the tiny carpet making village of Arraiolos, the distinctive wine labels of Tapada de Coelheiros are actually inspired by the famous decorative rugs.

The estate started making waves when winemaker António Saramago came on board in the early ’90s and has continued to go from strength to strength, now in the hands of Luís Patrão and his team. Production is quite small with only 40 hectares under vine. A variety of both Portuguese indigenous varietals and foreign varietals are grown and used in the blends including Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Artinto, Roupeiro, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Antão Vaz.

A visit to this estate is a real treat, a highlight being a 4×4 tour of the beautiful property with its cork trees, walnut orchards, and vineyards. Then back to the tasting room to sample the range including the distinguished Coelheiros Chardonnay, which despite its immense success is to be no longer, 2016 was their last vintage. We eagerly await the next groundbreaker from this fabulous estate.