The Alentejo region of Portugal is one of the country’s top wine producing regions, and much of the production is centered around the historic town of Évora. The unique climate is responsible for the high quality of grapes that are grown in the region.

On this 8 hour private tour your guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel to begin your day trip. Your tour can include visits to 1 or 2 of the area’s top wine cellars, including tours of the estates and wine tastings. The wine cellars that can be visited on this tour are the Cartuxa Winery and Herdade do Esperão. The private tour can be customized to meet your specific interests.

The Cartuxa Winery is located just 2 km. outside of Évora.  The winery takes its name from the nearby Cartuxa Monastery, which was built for the Carthusian Order in the late 16th century. It was purchased by the family of Eugénio de Almeida in 1869 as part of the government’s sale of properties that had previously been nationalized. The family planted vineyards and expanded their production of wines. The expansion continues to this day through the introduction of technological innovations and automation. Today the Cartuxa brand is well known for the wines produced under a variety of labels, including the legendary Pêra-Manca wine. They are also well known for the fine quality olive oils produced from the olives grown onsite and sold under the Cartuxa, EA and Álamo brands. The tour includes visits to the Cartuxa’s wine cellars and a tasting of a selection of wines.

Herdade do Esperão is the best known winery in the Alentejo region, and the largest privately held wine company in the country. The history of the estate dates back to the 13th century, and there are 3 historic buildings on the estate that have been designated as national heritage monuments.  The Tower of Esperão was built in 1457 by Morgado Álvaro Mendes de Vasconcelos, and serves as the symbol of Herdade do Esporão wines. The history of the winery is more current, and began in 1973 when José Roquette and Dr. Joaquim Bandeira purchased the estate. Their dream of creating a winery had to be put on hold for a few years as a result of the Portuguese revolution, when the land was nationalized. During this time they continued to plant vineyards as part of a community coop. They eventually regained ownership of their property and the first wine was bottled in 1985 and released in 1987. Today Esperão brands is one of the most respected brands in Portugal and throughout the world, and they are highly regarded for their innovation and sustainability. Like Cartuxa, they also produce a variety of high quality olive oils. The tour includes a visit to the wine cellars and a tasting of a selection of wines.

Herdade do Esperão also has a restaurant that is highly regarded in the region. Under the guidance of chef Pedro Pena Bastos, who has worked at two Michelin star restaurants in Lisbon (Belcanto) and London (the Ledbury), the restaurant serves local food that is the chef’s rustic take on new cuisine. Reservations can be made to have lunch at the restaurant during your tour (subject to availability).

Tours of the wineries are offered in English, but they are limited and subject to availability (depending on the tour date requested). If you want to visit both wineries, there is time for a quick stop for lunch. If you want a more leisurely lunch, like the one offered at Herdade do Esperão, there is only time to visit 1 winery.

2019 Prices and other info:

Tour price for 1-3 People in a Sedan

• US $540 – Daily (start time from 9:00am to 9:30am)

Tour price for 4-7 People in a Minivan

• US $765 – Daily (start time from 9:00am to 9:30am)

All tours

• Price includes a tour with a licensed guide/driver with transportation for 8 hours
• Price does not include meals, wine tasting or entrance fees (if any), which are extra
• Vehicles are insured, as required by Portuguese law
• Common languages available: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German
• Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
• Prices are subject to change

Photo credit: © Herdade do Esperão · All rights reserved.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.