Alentejo

• Aragonez (Tempranillo): forms the backbone of many blends, offering ripe red fruit, supple tannins, and a hint of spice.
• Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela): contributes vibrant acidity, floral notes, and flavors of wild herbs and fresh berries.
• Castelão: adds structure and rustic charm, with juicy plum, blackberry, and earthy undertones.
• Alicante Bouschet: signature grape producing deeply colored, full-bodied reds with dark fruit, firm tannins, and age-worthy complexity.
• Syrah: plush and spicy, with ripe blackberry, pepper, and a distinctly sun-kissed Alentejano character.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: brings depth and structure, often blended for added richness and a touch of blackcurrant.
• Antão Vaz: flagship white variety, prized for tropical fruit, citrus, and freshness, even in the heat of Alentejo.
• Arinto: lends lively acidity and green apple notes, balancing richer white blends.
• Roupeiro (Siria): aromatic and fruit-forward, with orchard blossom and stone fruit flavors.
• Vinho de Talha: unique amphora-fermented wines—amber-hued whites or light reds—offering nutty, earthy complexity and a taste of ancient tradition.
• Rosé: crafted from local red grapes, these are fresh, fruity, and vibrant—perfect for warm Alentejo afternoons.

Alentejo's terroir is defined by its diverse soils, ranging from granite and schist to limestone and clay, each contributing unique mineral qualities to its wines. This varied landscape, coupled with the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influence, creates a harmonious climate of hot summers and mild winters, perfect for grape cultivation. The region's abundant sunshine and long growing season are crucial for achieving full ripeness and complexity in its wines, particularly the famed full-bodied reds and crisp whites. The dry climate minimizes disease risk, promoting sustainable viticulture and healthier vines. Alentejo's climate and terroir are instrumental in producing wines with robust structures and vibrant acidity, ensuring their place among the finest in the world.

Alentejo is home to some of Portugal's most notable wineries, blending historical charm with modern innovation.

• Herdade do Esporão (Reguengos de Monsaraz): A vast estate known for its organic vineyards, historic medieval tower, and diverse wine offerings, including the acclaimed Esporão Reserva.
• Adega Cartuxa – Fundação Eugénio de Almeida (Évora): Famous for the revered Pêra-Manca label, this winery combines historic charm with philanthropic efforts in a 16th-century Jesuit monastery setting.
• Herdade do Mouchão (Portalegre/Borba): A legendary estate known for its Alicante Bouschet wines and traditional winemaking methods, offering a glimpse into Alentejo’s rich winemaking heritage.
• Cortes de Cima (Vidigueira): Renowned for its innovative approach, this family-run winery introduced Syrah to the region, resulting in a range of acclaimed wines and influential red blends.

Alentejo has emerged as a leader in sustainable winemaking, thanks to the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP), launched by the regional wine commission in 2015. This initiative has grown into one of Europe's most comprehensive regional sustainability efforts, with 651 producers participating as of 2023. The program emphasizes best practices across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, encouraging efficient water use, energy conservation, and ecosystem protection. As a result, members have achieved significant reductions in water and electricity use, while promoting vineyard biodiversity through cover crops and natural pest control. The introduction of a third-party certification seal in 2020 has further bolstered the region's commitment, earning international recognition and providing Alentejo producers with a competitive edge in the global market. Alentejo winemakers are also adapting creatively to climate change, experimenting with heat-tolerant grape varieties and adjusting vineyard designs to withstand hotter summers. Techniques like wider vine spacing, drought-resistant rootstocks, and night harvesting help maintain grape quality and freshness. Additionally, a cultural shift is evident, with nearly all local growers actively engaging in sustainability discussions. These collaborative efforts have positioned Alentejo as a model for sustainable viticulture, ensuring the region continues to produce the rich, full-bodied wines it is famous for, while safeguarding its future in an era of climate uncertainty.

Alentejo stands out as a premier destination for wine tourism, seamlessly blending its rich tradition with modern comforts. The region, recognized by USA Today as the "Best Wine Region in the World to Visit" in 2014, offers wine enthusiasts a chance to explore its diverse landscape of golden plains and rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cork oak forests. With over a hundred wineries, the Alentejo Wine Route allows visitors to experience a range of tasting experiences, from rustic cellars at historical estates to sleek, modern tasting rooms. The integration of wine and food is central to the Alentejo experience, with local cuisine like lamb stew and aged sheep cheeses complementing the robust red blends and crisp whites that the region is celebrated for. Immersive experiences in Alentejo extend beyond traditional wine tasting. During the fall harvest season, visitors can participate in grape harvesting and traditional foot-treading, providing a hands-on winemaking experience. The region also offers unique activities such as stargazing nights in vineyards, hot-air balloon rides over scenic vineyards, and wine-blending workshops. Many estates provide luxurious accommodations, allowing guests to stay among the vines and enjoy amenities like spa treatments and farm-to-table dining. The warm hospitality and cultural richness, coupled with Alentejo's commitment to sustainability and innovation, make it an unforgettable destination for wine tourism.