2017, Alentejo Tours
Tuesday October 24th

We pick you up at hotels or airport 9-10 AM and depart in microbus for Vila Nova de Azeitao to visit the world famous Quinta de Bacalhoa and Bacalhoa Wines. The Quinta (estate) of Bacalhoa is one of the most historic (15th century) properties in Portugal and contains the oldest examples of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) in the country.

Once owned by the Scoville family of Washington, D.C., it is now owned by wine magnate Jose Berardo. We will tour the Quinta with a local guide and view the famous tiles then return to the winery for a tasting of Bacalhoa’s finest wines.

We then continue into the Alentejo with a lunch stop at Enoteca Cartuxa in the center of Evora.

After lunch we head to our lodging at Convento do Espinheiro, a converted 15th century monastery with its own attached church! Later in the afternoon we take a two minute ride to Adega Cartuxa, producing fine wines since 1776. The Cartuxa winery, home to one of Portugal’s most famous wines, Pera-Manca, also produces their own olive oil.

Around 6 we attend a Welcome Party hosted by the Alentejo Wine Tour Association in Evora.

Dinner will be at Divinus, Convento do Espinheiro’s gourmet restaurant, located in the convent’s ancient wine cellar.

Wednesday October 25h:

We depart in the morning for a private guided tour of Evora, one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Inside the 14th century walls we will see striking architectural works including a medieval cathedral and cloister and remnants of a Roman temple.

(Note: Convento do Espinheiro boasts about their Diana Spa, offering a wide range of treatments as well as an indoor pool, sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. If you wish to indulge in Spa activities rather than the morning tour of Evora, please let us know. Extra charge)

After our morning tour we travel south to Herdade de Rocim, a modern winery established in 2007 and focused not only on wine but on art and architecture as well. After a short tour we lunch at Rocim.

We next travel to visit Cortes de Cima winery, established in 1988 and owned by a Dutch/American couple, the Jorgensens. The estate has over 1,000 acres of vineyards and olive groves and features wines made of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Verdelho, Tempranillo, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

After our tour and tasting we proceed to Herdade dos Grous, a luxury hotel and organic winery and our hosts for the next two nights. Grous has over 180 acres of vineyards on a 2,000 acre estate. We appreciate a wine dinner this evening, pairing wines of the estate with local organic cuisine.