Alentejo Private Wine Tour

This morning, your chauffeur will pick you up at either Lisbon airport or your hotel in Lisbon, and you will travel to the Alentejo wine country! Your first stop today is the tiny village of Igrejinha to visit the wild Herdade dos Coelheiros estate, relatively recently taken over by Alberto Weisser and Gabriela Mascioli in 2015. This couple fell in love with the gorgeous estate, making it their home and investing considerably in the new era of Coelheiros.

This extensive estate produces wines and farms walnuts and cork trees. Tour the property by Land Rover, taking in the beautiful landscapes, and finish with a tasting of their superb barrel-fermented white wine (an elegant chardonnay) and the powerful Tapada de Coelheiros (made with Cabernet Sauvignon × Alicante Bouschet and aged in new French oak for 18 months).

Next, carry on to the nearby village of Arraiolos, where the famous “Tapetes de Arraiolos” (woven rugs) originated; you will have noticed that the woven designs inspire the Coelheiros bottle labels.

You will enjoy a nice lunch at the Convento de Arraiolos, which may include traditional Portuguese dishes like cod with shellfish and fried breadcrumbs, steamed sea bass, or, for meat lovers, pork tenderloin with an almond crust—all paired, of course, with local Alentejo wines. After lunch, enjoy some free time to visit the tapestry museum and stroll around.

Then carry on to your luxurious hotel near the town of Évora. Check in, relax, walk on the beautiful grounds, or enjoy the spa. You have a welcome dinner at the hotel’s gourmet Divinus restaurant in the ancient wine cellar tonight. Taste refined dishes paired with elegant wines. Welcome to the Alentejo!

Your first stop this morning is only a 10-minute drive away, so you’ll have time for a leisurely breakfast before your chauffeur takes you to the Cartuxa winery, just out of Évora town. The winery is now privately owned by the charity Eugénio de Almeida Foundation. The foundation focuses on the local region’s cultural, educational, social, and spiritual development. When you taste the wines, you will not doubt how Cartuxa has grown to its level of success; even the mid-level table wines EA are notable. But what many will know Cartuxa for is Pera-Manca. The red and white are exquisite wines – pure finesse and harmony in a bottle.

It’s about a 20-minute transfer to São Miguel; proprietor Alexandre Relvas has led this vast estate since 1997. It encompasses 175 hectares of land, of which 35 are dedicated to vines; the rest is cork forest and grazing pastures for sheep and the very adorable ‘Mirandela’ donkeys. Your lovely host, Joana, will lead you through the winery, estate, and tasting (including some of their more recent single varietals) before taking you to Alexandre’s home for a family wine lunch.

Mid-afternoon, you will head back to Évora, where your expert private guide will be waiting to take you on a guided walking tour of the main sights. You will visit the Templo Romano (2nd-century Roman temple), the Igreja de São Francisco, and the Capela dos Ossos (a beautiful 16th-century church with a macabre bone chapel) and stroll through the Jardim Público (the gardens that follow the church’s fortifications).

This evening is free to dine on your own; you may like to check out Fialho in Évora old town, casual yet utterly charming. This restaurant serves authentic Alentejo must-try dishes such as duck rice, cod with shrimp, and grilled pork. For dessert, we highly recommend dessert the delicious ‘Encharcada de Évora,’ all washed down with local wines from their impressive cellar.

After breakfast, your chauffeur will drive southeast for about 45 minutes this morning, reaching the splendid Esporão estate in Reguengos de Monsaraz. Recognized as one of Portugal’s premier wineries, Esporão is celebrated for its exceptional wines and olive oils. Their acclaimed flying winemaker, the Australian David Baverstock, is noted for crafting diverse single-varietal wines from native Portuguese grapes. Your experience will encompass a private guided wine tour, culminating in a tasting of a curated selection of their offerings.

After the tour, settle into their bright, airy restaurant, where a meticulously planned tasting menu has been personalized for your enjoyment. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with wines from your earlier tasting, ensuring a seamless gastronomic journey. On the menu, anticipate delights like the Esporão Patês (olive and tuna) accompanied by their vibrant white Vinha da Defesa, baked stone bass enveloped in a grape sauce, a vegetable crepe paired with apple vichyssoise, and the Esporão Reserva white. Your palate will then be treated to red wine-marinated wild boar and chestnuts, enhanced by their Trincadeira single varietal. To conclude, there’s the potential for the “Sericaia” dessert, a regional specialty crafted from cinnamon, lemon, and eggs, possibly served with a fortified (“Licoroso”) red wine.

Following your delectable meal, venture to the charming, whitewashed, fortified village of Monsaraz. The village is a walled medieval enclave perched atop a hill; this offers panoramic vistas of the river Guadiana and the distant Spanish horizon. Ensure you visit the majestic castle, the evocative Torre das Feiticeiras or ‘Witches Tower,’ and the historic bullring.

As the sun begins its descent, you’ll be welcomed at your next retreat: the tranquil São Lourenço do Barrocal Hotel. Hidden away in the heart of Alentejo, it’s a haven where you can truly unwind. Sit back with a glass of wine in hand and lose yourself in the pristine night sky, untouched by urban light pollution.

After indulging in a hearty breakfast, set your sights on the renowned “Dona Maria” winery, your day’s first enchanting destination. Though meticulously restored, Dona Maria blends rich tradition with cutting-edge wine-making technology. A living testament to its storied past, the winery still showcases features like the marble “lagares,” silent witnesses to the age-old tradition of grape-crushing by foot. Your guide through this immersive journey is the charming Isabel, the wife of the winemaker, Julio. You’ll be captivated as she weaves tales from the winery’s rich history. Under her discerning guidance, savor some of their most exquisite wines.

After the tasting, Isabel will invite you to lunch in her family’s 18th-century dining room, where many of its original features have been immaculately preserved. You’ll savor a typical Alentejo meal featuring a rich tomato soup with a poached egg, cod served over home-grown spinach, and a delightful selection of local desserts to round off the experience.

After lunch, a scenic 30-minute drive will lead you to Redondo, where the majestic Herdade de Maroteira awaits. Spanning an impressive 520 hectares, this estate primarily focuses on cork farming, with a mere 17 hectares dedicated to vines. Despite producing only 95,000-100,000 bottles annually, their emphasis on quality over quantity ensures that new releases are quickly snapped up. Fortunately, they reserve a special stock exclusively for their visitors.

Your enthusiastic host, José, promises an adventurous 4×4 ride through the picturesque cork forest. Along the way, you’ll pause at a vantage point to appreciate the surroundings. From there, your journey continues to the vineyards, culminating in a tasting session at the house. Here, you’ll be introduced to the Dez Tostões White, a pure Antão Vaz, followed by a harmonious red blend of Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. Lastly, savor the Cem Reis White, an unadulterated Viognier. Cheers to an unforgettable experience!

In the late evening, your chauffeur will make a stop in Estremoz, one of Alentejo’s famed white cities, for a brief sightseeing excursion. Here, you can explore the magnificent Pousada of Rainha Santa Isabel. This majestic castle was commissioned by Portuguese King Diniz for his beloved wife, Queen Saint Isabel, in the 13th century. Alternatively, you might enjoy a coffee or leisurely stroll through the medieval center.

By late evening, you’ll arrive at your hotel. With some free time, enjoy your final evening in this enchanting locale. Consider dining on-site for a convenient and delectable experience.

This morning, at a time of your choosing, your driver will transport you to Lisbon’s airport, preparing you for your next adventure or journey home. If the allure of Lisbon tugs at your heartstrings and you’re keen on a private tour of its iconic landmarks, simply let us know. We’re poised to craft an exceptional experience uniquely tailored to your wishes. As we wrap up your wine-tasting expedition through Portugal’s mesmerizing Alentejo region, our heartfelt wish is that you depart with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Safe travels!