The Winemaker Experience at Quinta dos Vales
The Algarve wine-producing region is coming of age. Often overshadowed by the fine wines in northern Portugal, the quality of Algarve wines has improved in recent years with a steady increase in producers using new methodologies, and the wines are now winning international awards.
For wine lovers, the Algarve offers some new experiences - from learning to blend your own distinctive bottle of wine, tasting on historic scenic estates, enjoying a selection of the finest wines in traditional restaurants with extensive wine cellars, to even owning your own vineyard.
Algarve wines are made from traditional Portuguese white and red grapes, but one red grape in particular - the “Negra Mole” - is indigenous to Algarve and unique in the world. These traditional grapes are now being combined with known international varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, creating some spectacular results.
Need to get away? Why not become a winemaker in Portugal?
We are all asking the same question. “What will be the first thing we’ll do when lockdown ends?” But few of us will answer: “Buy myself a vineyard in Portugal, make myself 288 bottles of wine, and learn how to be a professional goalkeeper.”
But one winery in south Portugal is offering a “Winemaker’s Experience” at which you can do just that. Quinta do Vales near Lagoa has made available twenty plots for you to cultivate, with prices ranging from €30,000 to €60,000, depending on the grape variety and the location of the plot. The additional running costs include everything from the work in the vineyard and the winery, to all the materials used. Quinta dos Vales will then hand the finished product over once it’s been properly aged, bottled, labelled and boxed. The only extra cost is shipping.