Be a local, participate in the grape harvest!

If your mindset when traveling is looking for things that are unique, live experiences the most authentic way possible – like a local, plus, you consider yourself a wine lover, then we suggest you add the experience of the “vindimas” (grape harvest) in Portugal to your bucket list.

Harvest in Douro @José Sarmento Matos/Vallado WineFest

Portugal is a country of strong wine tradition, and the excellent quality of its wines is known all over the world, with numerous awards and distinctions won in international competitions. And to appreciate and know them, nothing like visiting the regions where they are produced. Wine is also an excellent excuse to discover the landscapes, the heritage, the culture and the people who live there.

The harvest is one of the most awaited moments in the Portugal´s wine-growing regions, both for the farmers and for the visitors. It is one of the oldest wine activities in Portugal and certainly one of the most genuine and traditional.

Harvest in Douro region @Joao Ferrand/Coleção Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto

The exact day of the harvest is decided each year and depends on the weather, grape species, vineyard location, temperature, humidity, among others, but it usually takes place between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. There are several wineries with special harvest programmeswhere you can participate in the harvest with the locals and help to produce wine from the grapes by stomping, and some wineries even allow you to take home with you the result of your work. Can you imagine sharing a bottle of wine produced by yourself with your friends?

Alentejo vineyards @João Silva/Quetzal/Turismo do Alentejo

The grape harvests take place all over Portugal, both o oldest demarcated wine region in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley landscn the mainland and the islands, but it is in Alentejo and Douro that more wine tourism programs are available, delighting visitors who want to immerse themselves in the ancient traditions of these regions and discover the wine production process. As theape is even more impressive during the harvest time. The terraces turn red and purple, the landscape is clothed in green, red and brown, a truly magical place with pleasantly warm weather. In Alentejo, a region renowned for its high-quality wines and its work in harmony with the environment, the grape harvest season has a special appeal for those who wish to not only taste the region's wines but also participate in various types of experiences.


Douro Valley @Turismo do Porto e Norte

The harvest ritual starts with the picking of the grapes by hand… that is why it is so special and unique. Grapes are hand-picked and groups of “pickers” fill the baskets and carry them on their backs. The grapes are then taken into large stone tanks, called “lagares”, and stomped by a group of workers to crush them and squeeze the liquid out of the skins. The harvest is a festive celebration, so this work is done to the sound of someone marking the rhythm with a song. The workers embrace and stomp in a synchronized and unique way. After the wine is produced, filtered, and fortified with a local spirit, it is stored in wooden barrels. The duration of storage varies depending on the wine.

Harvest in Alentejo @José Sarmento Matos/Herdade do Esporão

You can take part in every of these steps of the grape harvesting process, from picking the grapes to stomping them with your bare feet, and always with a magnificent view of the Douro landscape. Now, pour yourself a glass of Portuguese Wine, pull out your agenda and put the “vindima” season in Portugal on the top of your travel bucket list.


Wine toast @João Silva/Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Come to Portugal and make memories with us! Cheers!