An Ancient Tradition Reborn: The José de Sousa Winery Tour and Talha Wine Tasting in Reguengos de Monsaraz

Step back in time to the heart of the Alentejo, a landscape steeped in history and defined by its stunning natural beauty. In the picturesque town of Reguengos de Monsaraz, you will find one of the world’s most unusual and fascinating wineries: José de Sousa. This is not merely a visit; it is an immersive journey into Portugal’s winemaking soul, where time-honored traditions are celebrated and brought to life. Here, we invite you to discover the secret of Talha Wines, an ancient Roman vinification technique still in proud use today.

Your unforgettable tour begins in the serene educational vineyard. As you walk among the sun-drenched rows, an expert guide will introduce you to the main grape varieties that thrive in this unique climate. You’ll learn about the terroir that gives our wines their distinctive character and the careful cultivation that goes into every bottle. Feel the warmth of the Alentejo sun and the rich texture of the soil, connecting with the very essence of our wines from the ground up.

From the vineyard, your journey continues into the modern winery. This impressive space showcases a perfect blend of tradition and technology, where the old and new coexist in harmony. Marvel at the precision of the 44 stainless steel tanks, each playing a vital role in our winemaking process. This area represents our commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that every vintage meets the highest standards while honoring our heritage.

Next, you will be transported further back in time in our unique archaeology room. Here, the profound history of the Monte da Ribeira Estate is revealed through a collection of ancient artifacts discovered on the property. The highlight of this room is the magnificent Menhir, an imposing stone monolith standing at nearly 5 meters tall. This astonishing find serves as a powerful reminder that this land has been cherished and cultivated by people for millennia, long before the first grape was pressed. It provides an incredible historical context for the wines you are about to taste.

The culmination of your visit is a truly awe-inspiring experience in the magnificent Adega dos Potes. Stepping into this winery is like entering a sanctuary dedicated to the art of winemaking. Before you, a stunning collection of 114 preserved clay pots, or talhas, stands tall. These aren’t just artifacts; they are still actively used today, creating the winery’s most special and celebrated wines. Witnessing these clay amphorae, which represent a direct link to ancient Roman methods, is a humbling experience. You will learn about the intricate process of fermenting grapes within these pots, a technique that imparts a unique elegance, minerality, and complexity to the final product.

The tour concludes in a magnificent tasting room, where the story of the winery comes full circle. Having seen the vineyards, the technology, the history, and the tradition, you can now choose from several wine tasting options. Savor the distinct flavors and aromas of our Talha wines and other exceptional vintages, each sip a testament to the journey you’ve just taken. This is your moment to fully appreciate the passion, history, and innovation that make José de Sousa a truly singular winemaking destination.

Highlights of Reguengos de Monsaraz: José de Sousa Winery Tour and Tasting

• Discover the main grape varieties used in the production of the winery’s wines
• Learn about the ancient vinification techniques still used at the winery
• Visit the archeology room and see the ancient artifacts found on the estate
• Explore the winery’s modern facilities, including 44 stainless steel tanks
• Taste a selection of wines produced at the winery after the tour

Included

• Complete guided tour of the José de Sousa winery
• Educational vineyard visit
• Access to the modern winery and archeology room
• Visit to the Adega dos Potes
• Wine tasting options

Not Included

• Transportation
• Meals

Meeting point

Meet at R. de Mourão 1 7200, 7200 Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal

Important information

Not suitable for

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Water

Not allowed

• Smoking

Know before you go

• Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.
• The winery is parcially wheelchair accessible. We can adapt the tour route for each case.
• Smoking is not allowed during the tour