Alentejo Wine Region

The Alentejo is Portugal's second-largest wine region and the most dynamic — while the Douro rests on its tradition, the Alentejo is constantly reinventing itself. The region produces about a third of all Portuguese wines and is known for its full-bodied, fruity red wines that immediately appeal to beginners.

The terroir is unique: extreme heat in summer (regularly over 40°C), cold winters, granite soils in the north, slate soils in the south. The main grape varieties are Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet (originally from France, but brought to mastery here), and Antão Vaz (the best white variety in the region).

The wine region is divided into eight sub-regions, the most important for visitors are:

• Évora — most wineries are concentrated here, perfectly combinable with a city visit
• Reguengos de Monsaraz — around the Alqueva reservoir, great cooperative (CARMIM) and innovative winemakers
• Borba, Estremoz, Vila Viçosa — the "Marble Triangle," where the soil is literally made of marble, and the wines have a mineral elegance

Recommended Wineries

Herdade do Esporão near Reguengos de Monsaraz is the most famous winery in the Alentejo — and one of the best. The vast estate (700 hectares of vineyards) offers guided wine tastings (from €15), an excellent restaurant, and even an archaeological trail with megalithic monuments. The premium tasting with 5 wines and cheese costs €35.

Adega da Cartuxa near Évora is legendary — their "Pêra-Manca" is one of the most expensive and sought-after wines in Portugal (a bottle of red wine from €150). However, the standard wines of the Cartuxa line are affordable and excellent (from €8). Visits by appointment only.

Herdade dos Grous near Beja combines winemaking with a boutique hotel and one of the best restaurants in the Alentejo. Here you can stay overnight, lounge by the pool, taste wine, and dine in the star restaurant in the evening — Alentejo perfection.