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Situated along the banks of the Arade river, the vineyards of Arvad Winery benefit from their privileged location and the maritime winds that breeze over them. Their elegant wines reflect the unique landscape and cultural history.
“Arvad is best experienced through a boat ride, which we organise, through the Arade river ending in a guided tour to our winery and a wine tasting. It was on these banks that wine was introduced into Portuguese territory by the Phoenicians, who used to call this area of the river Arvad, meaning refuge.”
Rio Arade, 8400-167, Estombar, Portugal
T : 968494049
W : arvad.pt
Fresh, mineral wines reflecting an extreme terroir. The Azores Wine Company was founded in 2014 in Pico Island. The vineyards are UNESCO-listed and the winery prides itself on reviving the island's nearly-forgotten Terrantez do Pico grape varieties.
“Wine tourism is hospitality. We interpreted the ancient concept of adega in Pico, taking an old stone house close to the ocean where wine is made and recreating it as a place for people to invite their friends, a sharing table, a tasting room, and a place to sleep.”
Rua do Poço Velho, Cais do Mourato 9950-054 Bandeiras, Madalena
T : 918 266 989
E : info@azoreswinecompany.com
Cabrita (little goat) wines are produced on Quinta da Vinha, in the Algarve, a property owned by the Cabrita family for half a century. Jose Andre, the first owner, planted vineyards alongside his fruit trade business resulting in excellent wines for his friends, before his son continued to grow and modernise the business into what it is today.
“In our modern times, we do everything in a rush. Cabrita is a place to sit down and enjoy the moment. The way we host our tastings and experiences are like hosting family, everything is authentic.”
Sitio da Vala, 8300-032 Silves
T : 911113176
W : cabritawines.com
As the westernmost winery in Europe, Casal Santa Maria reflects the mystique of the Sintra mountains, surrounded by and the Atlantic wind that breezes through it. The wines produced here tell a story of resilience and carry a belief that it's never too late to create something beautiful and enduring. WHEREVER chats to Nicholas von Bruemmer, owner and grandson of the founder Baron von Bruemmer about the inspiring story behind the winery.
“It's never too late. If my grandfather could start producing wine at the age of 96, any dream is possible at any age.”
Tell us about the history of Casal Santa Maria?
The original quinta has a remarkable history - the main house, which was built in 1720, managed to survive the great 1755 earthquake which destroyed so much of Lisbon and surrounds. This was due to the underground granite structure of the Serra de Sintra. There was a period in time where wine was produced here but by the time my grandparents bought it in the 60s everything was in ruins.
My grandfather, Baron von Bruemmer, a banker in Switzerland bought Casal Santa Maria when he was in his 50s as a beautiful place to retire to. He and his wife bred Arab horses here and spent many years dedicated to this work. In 2006, at the age of 96, my grandfather awoke after a serious surgery in Switzerland with the crazy idea that he wanted to produce wine. And so, 6 months later, the first vineyards at Casal Santa Maria were planted and the rest, as they say, is history.
What makes Casal Santa Maria unique?
We are a rough diamond, a boutique winery planted in a unique terroir between the Atlantic ocean and the Sintra mountains. The result is wines that are aromatic, mineral and refreshing like the hilltops with the peculiarity of having savoury salty notes like the sea.
Life motto?
It's never too late. If my grandfather could start producing wine at the age of 96, any dream is possible at any age.
Favourite wine?
Mar de Rosas. It was awarded the best rose in Portugal and it is no surprise that it is my passion. It is fresh but complex and sophisticated at the same time, with a refined velvety texture, Ocean flavours and crisp acidity.
How important is enotourism at Casal Santa Maria?
It is everything! We see ourselves as an asset to the Sintra community as we offer visitors a unique and rich experience in this beautiful part of Portugal. We offer guided estate tours through the vineyards and modern cellar, and we curate tasting experiences. Visitors can sample our wines paired with bread and olives or they can become winemakers for a day, blending their own wines and designing a label, or even harvesting grapes if booked in season. We also offer picnics among the vines with local delicacies perfectly paired with amazing wines, and a unique view over vineyards and the sea.
What are you drinking this Xmas?
The Pêndulo. It is a vibrant and enveloping wine, with rich aromas of stone fruits, perfect for sharing at a joyful celebration with a good meal.
Nicholas von Bruemmer
Rua Principal 18 - Casal Sta Maria Sintra 2705-177
T +351 21 929 2117
Where rolling hills meet the Guadiana River in Alentejo, the 1600 hectare family owned estate of Herdade de Sobroso includes vineyards, forests, and a boutique hotel surrounded by vines. Visitors enjoy immersive experiences, exceptional wine tastings, authentic local cuisine, picnics in the vines, horseback riding and starlit evenings.
“Our landscape shapes the freshness that defines every bottle we produce.
Nature is our greatest teacher. Each grape tells its own story — our job is simply to listen and capture it in the wine.”
Apartado 61, 7960-011 Vidigueira
T : 961732958
E : geral@herdadedosobroso.pt
Founded in 1615 and in the same family since 1918, Quinta do Crasto is one of the Douro Valley’s historic wine estates. Now managed by the fourth generation, the quinta produces exceptional wines, ports and olive oil while welcoming thousands of visitors each year. With century-old vineyards, breathtaking river views, and deep family passion, it embodies the spirit of Portuguese winemaking and authentic Douro hospitality.
“For us, wine is about passion and heritage — and life, after all, is too short to drink bad wines.”
Quinta do Crasto, Gouvinhas 5060-063 Sabroso
T : 254920020
Quinta do Canhoto is family-owned with four generations of tradition, located in the stunning Algarve. Specializing in limited-batch wines, they combine modern, bioclimatic design with old-world craftsmanship. Tours and tastings are personalised with warm hospitality.
“We’re a small family winery, and we look after every visitor like family. Whether it’s one person or fifty, we give the same care and attention. People come from all over the world, and when they leave saying it was one of the best visits they’ve ever had, that means everything to us.”
Estrada dos Brejos, 8200 Albufeira
T : 966030875
Família Margaça began in 1973 with a dream by a visionary winemaker to transform local vineyards in Alentejo into a thriving business. As a third generation family winery, they are proud to have persevered through political upheaval and economic challenges in Portugal to become exceptional producers of magnificent wines, olive oils, and almonds.
“We are not a factory — we are subject to the climate, the sun, the rain. Every year is different, and that’s what makes wine so alive. But our promise is consistency — in quality and soul.”
Rua de Santo Antonio 2, 7830-232 Pias
T : 284858222
W : margaca.com
A vineyard estate in the gentle hills of Alenquer, the story of Quinta de Chocapalha unfolds with a whisper of history, family and the rhythmic pulse of the seasons. Andrea Tavares, daughter of the founders of Chocapalha and an integral part of the functioning of the winery chats to Wherever about the history of the estate and the esteemed wines it produces.
Tell us about the history of Chocapalha?
Chocopalha is a very old estate with a long and rich history. Although it only came into the hands of our family in 1987, the land has been entwined with vine growing for centuries with references from the 17th century. My father, a Portuguese naval officer, fell in love with a Swiss girl and they dreamed of a place where all the family would always be involved somehow. It has always been a family project.
So it was a natural step for you and your sister to become involved?
When my parents replanted the vineyards, we were still in high school and we started working even then. My sister Sandra, who is the chief wine maker, did her masters in wine making in Italy, and started working in the Douro Valley where she also has a property but it was inevitable that we all ended up back here. We are farmers and wine growers, and our respect and love for the land keeps us here.
What makes Quinta de Chocapalha unique?
Our way of being is rigorous and demanding. I don't know if it comes from our Swiss mom or our dad being an officer but all of us are super demanding in terms of quality and consistency. We use only our own grapes, grown on the estate’s plots of differing altitude, exposure and soil. Our terroir is unique – clay limestone soil, the refreshing influence of Altlantic Sea breeze, and a climate that allows slow, patient ripening.
What’s it like working with family?
It's magical. Fights are bigger, discussions are bigger, dreams are bigger, because the limits between employee and father and daughter are very small. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing – to show what we can do with this piece of land and for the community.
How do you approach wine tourism?
We have been receiving wine tourists as friends since the beginning. Our mum loves to host and it’s the most effective way to explain who we are. Our guests become our ambassadors so it’s important to us for our visits and tastings to be truly authentic and personal.
Which wine is your favourite?
Our CH White was made as a tribute to my mum with the CH representing our Swiss heritage. It is crafted from old vine Arinto and fermented in French oak at low temperatures, delivering an elegant citrus-mineral aroma with serious aging potential.
What are you drinking this Xmas?
On Christmas Eve the Guarita, a rich, elegant red as a tribute to my father. On Christmas Day, the CH White. One wine for my father and one for my mother, so neither get jealous.
Rua Carles Duff, 2580-081, Aldeia Galega da Merceana
T: 263769317
Priding itself in the cultivation of rare, native grapes in vineyards over 100 years old, we produce boutique, award-winning wines. Committed to sustainability and tradition, we harvest manually and offer exclusive wine experiences, blending heritage, biodiversity, and intimate tastings in a breathtaking setting.
“Our family has been caretakers of this land for over 250 years. Each vine, each olive tree carries the legacy of generations, and our mission is simple: to honor the past while crafting experiences and wines that will be cherished by future generations."
Estrada da Barragem do Catapereiro, 5155-639 Numão
T : 912007287
W : vineadouro.com
For over a century, Quinta do Sanguinhal has crafted wines that embody authenticity and heritage. Founded in 1911, the estate remains 100% family-owned and is now welcoming its fifth generation. Visitors experience more than wine—they share in a living legacy of Portuguese culture.
“When visitors come to our estate, they don’t just taste the wines — they experience our heritage. The tours are led by family members, and we share the stories, secrets, and history that make our wines what they are.”
Largo dos Aviadores, 2540-032 Bombarral
T : 262609190
W : sanguinhal.pt
Founded in 2016, Quinta dos Santos is set in the dos Santos family’s ancestral home in Lagoa, between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo. The eight-hectare estate crafts small-batch wines and craft beers true to the region’s terroir.
“Quinta dos Santos is a taste of the Algarve in every glass. We pride ourselves on our magnificent restaurant which serves Mediterranean inspired dishes made with local ingredients which are enjoyed with our wines and a beautiful view overlooking the vineyards.”
R. do Pestana Golf Resort 1, 8400-049 Estômbar
T : 282 343 264
