Welcome to a presentation on an exceptional experience in the heart of Portugal’s largest and most tranquil region: the Alentejo. This tour, a visit to Aliestre Vineyards in the picturesque “White City” of Estremoz, offers a deep dive into the area’s rich winemaking heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural identity.

The Winery: Aliestre Vineyards

Aliestre Vineyards is located in Estremoz, a city famous not only for its stunning, marble-white architecture but also for being a pivotal point in the Alentejo’s wine production. The winery itself sits just a 90-minute drive from Lisbon, making it an accessible escape into a world of rolling plains, ancient cork oaks, and vast vineyards. The property is situated at an altitude of approximately 400 meters above sea level.

The facilities at Aliestre have been designed to offer visitors an unforgettable and immersive experience. The property has a modern winery with a large production capacity and an underground cellar with space for 500 barrels, which is where the wines mature and develop their complex flavors and aromas. The tour is a 1.5-hour activity that includes a guided walk through these state-of-the-art facilities, allowing you to see the process of winemaking from grape to bottle. The winery prides itself on offering accessible facilities, including amenities for visitors with reduced mobility, and welcomes private groups.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The visit culminates in a wine tasting at the on-site wine bar. This area features an inviting outdoor space, where you can savor a selection of exceptional wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The tasting is complemented by regional products, offering a perfect pairing of local flavors. For those who do not wish to consume alcohol, or for minors (who are not permitted to drink alcoholic beverages), water and juice are available.

The Aliestre Vineyards tour offers important information for visitors, such as the host or greeter’s availability in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. The property also features a restaurant that can accommodate up to 65 guests for group meetings and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, a panorama of vineyards, olive groves, and cork oaks that define the Alentejo landscape.

The Estremoz and Alentejo Region

The tour at Aliestre Vineyards is a perfect starting point for exploring the wider charms of Estremoz and the Alentejo region. The region, a sprawling landscape covering about a third of Portugal, has a winemaking history that dates back to the Roman Empire. This heritage is preserved in traditions like vinho da talha, a method of fermenting wine in large clay vessels (amphorae) that is still practiced today.

The diverse soils, a mosaic of clay, schist, granite, and the region’s famous marble, contribute to the unique character of the wines. The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, perfect for cultivating robust red grape varieties like Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Trincadeira, as well as distinct whites from grapes like Antão Vaz.

Known as the “White City,” Estremoz’s name is derived from the brilliant white marble that is quarried locally and used throughout the town’s architecture. This marble, often called the “white gold of Alentejo,” has been extracted since Roman times and has been used in famous monuments across the world, including the Palace of Versailles.

Estremoz’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of Portugal. The town’s origins trace back to the Middle Ages when it became a strategic defensive point against Spain. The most prominent landmark is its 13th-century castle, which once served as a residence for Portuguese kings and queens. It was here that Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal passed away in 1336. The castle’s towering white marble keep, the Torre das Três Coroas (Three Crowns Tower), is a defining feature of the skyline and now houses a luxurious Pousada.

Beyond the castle, visitors can explore a number of fascinating sites:

• The Municipal Museum of Estremoz: This museum, housed in a beautiful 18th-century building, showcases the region’s rich history, including its famous traditional painted clay figurines (bonecos), which are recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The Rossio Marquês de Pombal Square: This large, bustling square is the heart of the lower town and hosts vibrant markets.
• The Marble Quarries: The monumental, open-air marble quarries are a must-see, revealing the source of the city’s distinctive character.
• Churches and Chapels: The city is home to several historic religious buildings, such as the Church of São Francisco and the chapel where Queen Isabel’s royal chambers once were.

In summary, a wine tour at Aliestre Vineyards is more than just a tasting; it is a gateway to the soul of Estremoz and the greater Alentejo region. It’s an opportunity to taste world-class wines, meet the passionate people who make them, and immerse yourself in a landscape brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. This is an experience that appeals to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual travelers seeking an authentic taste of Portugal.

Highlights of Aliestre Vineyards wineery visit

• Location overlooking a unique landscape
• Wine bar with outdoor area
• Main road to Lisbon 500 meters away
• Private parking

Included

• Tour of the winery with wine tasting. Wine tasting packs at the wine bar with regional products.

Not Included

• Souvenirs, extra

Meeting point

Entrance to the city of Estremoz. .Quinta da Esperança, 7100-145 Estremoz, Portugal

Important information