About
António Maçanita
António Maçanita, now 41, daring and disruptive oenologist and consultant, made his first wine at the age of 23. Where others prefer not to go, Maçanita sees a challenge. In this 17-year career, he has revived abandoned grape varieties such as Negra Mole in the Algarve and Terrantez do Pico in the Azores. In 2018, Maçanita won both Revista dos Vinhos’ “Oenologist of the Year” and Revista Grandes Escolhas’ “Singularity Prize 2018”. However, he has been collecting awards ever since he produced his first wine – PRETA 2004 – which won the “Trophy Alentejo” at the International Wine Challenge. “Generation 21 Oenologist Trophy”, “Producer Revelation of the Year”, Best Portuguese Wines 2018 are just a few. Also in 2021, Vinha Centenária 2018 from Pico was given 95 Parker Points by Wine Advocate, a historic moment for the archipelago. António Maçanita produces wines in five different regions, has created three of his own winemaking projects, supports 12 producers through his consultancy, and every year brings 50 signature labels to market.
Alentejo is a land of bread and wine, of olive oil, of cork, among other things.
It’s not one of those wine regions where you only see vines! And that is so great! We have sun and soil in abundance, it is water that is lacking and it is water that dictates the occupation of the territory.
The ancient tell us that towns and cities are planted near water, as it is essential for human life and living.
Then, in the first ring next to the cities, are the vegetable gardens and orchards, which nourished the cities by using piped water and, only afterwards, the vineyards and olive groves, planted where water is close by, as it is needed to reach the autumn. It is not surprising that Peramanca, Xarrama, Louredo, ancient names of vineyard areas, are all names of streams. In the last ring, the “bread land”, far from any water source and where rainwater is enough. This land is shared, with grazing cattle and the cork-oak forest that feeds the tasty black pig.
Here everything has its natural place. So, to walk around the region is to feel this alternating landscape, is to taste these flavours on the plate, in the glass and realise that they come from there, from nature. As for the wines, let yourself be seduced by the indigenous and regional grape varieties, which in the red ones are Trincadeira, Castelão, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and, if you are lucky enough to find them, Moreto and Tinta Carvalha. In the white varieties, Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, Arinto and, with luck, Diagalves, Alicante Branco and Tamarez.
Enjoy it and taste it calmly, you can always come back again. That’s my advice.
Explore the region
Alentejo
In Portugal's largest region, where time runs slowly, you can fully discover Portugal's heritage - natural, cultural and gastronomic.
Discover the experiences Alentejo has to offer
Discovery
Yes! I'm a Wine Geek!
100% tailormade, orientated for the wine lovers who want to fulfill their curiosity & learn more about Portuguese wines. After a deep visit to our facilities, the wine tasting will include 7 wines + a barrel/stainless steel tank tasting, and a cheese & presunto board.
Discovery
From Farm to Table
Pairing 2 worlds: the world of wine & the world of gastronomy. They need each other, they are complementary, and they allow us to spread more portuguese traditions & flavors abroad!
Adventure
Outdoor Experience
The best way to enjoy a bottle of wine in the middle of the Alentejo landscape, with no hurry and all the needed comfort to rest & spend a convivial moment.
Discovery
A picnic in the Alentejo
The most pure Alentejo experience. Visit the centenary Herdade Grande and have a picnic in the vineyards, in what is considered one of the best wine tourism regions in the world
Discovery
KITCHEN’ing with the WINE
Discover the secrets of tradicional Alentejo cuisine in an amazing experience and an unforgettable lunch.
Discovery
WINE’making FOR A DAY
A unique experience: crafting your own wine and being a winemaker for a day.
Adventure
Grape harvesting at Barrocal
Dive into the wine traditions of Alentejo, learn about this special terroir and get to know the wines of the 200-year-old São Lourenço do Barrocal estate.
Discovery
Taste the São Lourenço do Barrocal wine
Savour the authentic flavour profiles of the Barrocal wines with a tasting of three or five references
Adventure
Carriage rides with wine tastings
Take a ride in our horse carriage and do a wine tasting in the middle of nature.
Discovery
Visit to Torre de Palma Winery and 3 Wine Tastings
Visit to Torre de Palma Winery and 3 Wine Tastings
Discovery
Barrels Wine Tasting
Try something different, unique, and wonderful like tasting the Wines directly from the Torre de Palma barrels!
Discovery
Wine Blending Workshop
Wine Blending is an experience in which participants are challenged to create a blend of their own with wine from different deposits and barrels from the Torre de Palma winery.
Adventure
Wine Harvest at Torre de Palma
In this special program, we have prepared for you an immersive experience in wine culture with the opportunity to taste the flavors of Alentejo in Basilii.