When thinking about the Algarve, most people think about sprawling white sand beaches and high cliffs but beyond all that white sand, walking towards inland you will find rows and rows of luscious vineyards.
Nestled in the intersection between the rolling Algarvian Barrocal, the Monchique mountains and the unmissable beaches sits a winery true to the Algarve’s authentic wine culture. It’s located just 2 hours and half from Lisbon’s airport and 50 minutes away from Faro’s.
Morgado do Quintão was one of the first vineyards in the Algarve to export to the US and one of the most impressive in the region. Their motto is all about staying true to tradition and heritage while maintaining a creative and innovative spirit.
They manage to do this by reviving old grape varieties like Negra Mole and Crato Branco and producing with low intervention, chemical-free, organic methods to protect their natural environment.
To top things off, I must add that they are working with winemaker Joana Maçanita, one of Portugal’s most innovative and well-renowned vintners.
By now, I’m sure you don’t need any more reasons to visit this magical place but I’m still going to list out five:
Book a fantastic Wine Tasting
Picture this: it is a delicious warm day, you’re wearing nice comfortable clothes and sitting down under a 2.000 year-old tree that overlooks old Negra Mole vines while tasting a flight of award winning Algarve wines.
But there's more: you could also enjoy walking said vineyards while holding a glass and eating some regional delicacies as someone from the estate tells you all about the winery’s history and fantastic details.
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Saturday » 4:00pm
Taste Algarve through a Gastronomy Tour
For Morgado’s people, food is as important as the wine. It’s part of the culture and the heritage of the space and the region. That's why they partnered with local businesses to provide you a more in-depth dive on the gastronomical culture.
On this tour you can visit an Algarvian orange producer, an olive oil farm, the salt fields or explore the Medronho distilleries of nearby Monchique hills.
Relax with some Yoga and a Massage
At Quinta do Morgado they take relaxation very seriously and that’s why they found a fantastic wellness partner, Jade Jasmin Well-Being. This way you can enjoy a massage or a yoga class at the estate, either inside the cottages or outside in nature.
Please note that this should be booked 48 hours in advance.
Indulge in an unforgettable lunch at their vineyard
Lunch in a vineyard sounds beyond exciting, if you ask me. But this is more than a casual lunch on a wine estate. Morgado presents you with an invitation to sit at their table just like you would invite a guest to your own home.
You’ll have lunch underneath a 2000 year old olive tree, surrounded by Negra Mole vines (which are the Algarve most notable red grape varieties).
OPENING HOURS
Monday, Wednesday and Friday » 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Stay for a few nights to explore the region
Their stay is designed as close to the terroir as possible as they truly want you to feel connected to the land and the heritage.
You can stay in one of their three houses: the caretaker’s lodgings, the cereal stores and even the main house.
Each and every one of these is located between the vines and the trees that make this a special place. To top things off, each cottage has its own swimming pool, kitchen and breathtaking views of the Monchique hills.
Please note: 3 night minimum stay in low season and 7 nights in high season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joana Rute Carmo
Hello, My Name is Joana Rute Carmo
