A wine producing region with a long tradition, the Alentejo boasts wines that will surprise you for their excellence, aromas and colours as unique as the landscape and the cuisine.

This region, where the skyline extends as far as the eye can see, on which the cork oaks bestow a sense of strength and durability, was once an expanse of wheat fields. Today, the wheat fields have been replaced by vast vineyards, whose wines take in the power of the landscape and the heat, and can be counted amongst the most celebrated in Portugal.

Besides the Alentejo Regional Wine, which is found all over the region, wine producers are spread across 8 areas bearing a designation of origin - Portalegre, Borba, Redondo, Reguengos, Vidigueira, Évora, Granja/Amareleja and Moura, which allows for a diversity of choice anywhere in Alentejo.

The distinct characteristics of the soils according to area (granite, limestone, Mediterranean or schist), the long hours of exposure to the sun and a group of selected grape varieties enable high quality production, combined with the ability to preserve the tradition of flavour, while innovating in the art of winemaking.

There is a distinction between the white wines, which are aromatic, fresh and balanced, and the red wines, ruby- or garnet-coloured, which are more intense, full-bodied and at the same time smooth and slightly astringent.

To make the right choice and know what is the best pairing for a meal, there’s nothing better than visiting a wine cellar where you will be welcome by the most knowledgeable wine makers who are willing to enlighten you. You can also start at the Tasting Room (Sala de Provas) of the Alentejo Wine Route, in Évora, where several routes around the region will be suggested to you. It also gives you an opportunity to visit the city of Évora, which has World Heritage status.

Other alternative suggestions to get to know the secrets of the wine are to visit the Enoteca (Wine Shop) and the Wine Museum of Redondo or participate in the grape harvesting festivals in late summer, of which Borba is a good example with its Festa da Vinha e do Vinho (Vine and Wine Festival).

And if you add the delicious Alentejo cheeses and the fragrant flavours of the Alentejo cuisine to the wines, your visit will surely be richer and more complete.