8 suggestions for the Tagus grape harvest

In the Tejo Wine Region the grape harvests are already being prepared and the wineries have already launched their wine tourism programme. It will be possible to have guided tours, work in the grape picking, do the treading on foot and taste wines.

This summer, which has already begun, is already in the “painter’s” phase, in which the red berries gain their dark colour and the whites a translucent tone. With the grapes almost ready to be harvested, the Tejo’s wineries have already established their visitation and experience programmes. We leave you 8 suggestions so that you may participate in the harvests in the beginning of September. But you should bear in mind that in some cases the reservations finish soon:

ADEGA DO CARTAXO

Founded in 1954, in Cartaxo, this Winery has two vintage programmes for 2018, which are valid from Monday to Friday, for groups of 4 to 12 people. Booking is mandatory and must be made 48 hours before. Cancellation may occur in case of inclement weather or early harvest.

2018 Harvest Programme

10h00 Reception of the participants with welcome drink and presentation of the winery

10.15am Visit to the winery, the vinification area, the filling lines, the laboratory, the barrel room, the cellar and the finished product warehouse

11.00 Visit to the vineyards with explanation of the different varieties

12:00 commented wine tasting

13:00 Lunch at the restaurant Taberna do Gaio

Option A Includes lunch and a free t-shirt and straw hat

Option B Does not include lunch, t-shirt and straw hat

Price:

Option A €30.00 per person

Option B €5,00 per person

Address: Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo, EN 365-2, 2070-220 Cartaxo

Site: www.adegacartaxo.pt

Contacts: 243 770 987 or marketing@adegacartaxo.pt

Vineyard

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CASAL BRANCO

At Quinta do Casal Branco, one of the centenary family-run agricultural properties in Almeirim, the grape harvest program is held on 24 August and is based on the Fernão Pires grape variety. It is said to be one of the oldest grape varieties in Portugal and the most cultivated white berry in the Tejo region. It gives rise to fruity, aromatic and fresh wines, but also late harvests and old nectars.

The ‘Fernão Pires do Casal Branco – Vindimas 2018’ programme is for a minimum of 30 people (and a maximum of 50). The booking, which can be made by individual participants, groups or companies, must be made by 20 August. Registration is valid after payment of 50% of the programme fee, up to five days before the event. The realisation of the vintage depends on the weather conditions, which is why its cancellation will be made without prejudice to the purchasers.

Programme

09h00 Welcome aperitif (fresh pastries, snacks, juices, mineral water, white and rosé wine and coffee)

09.30 am Departure to the vineyards by tractor and participation in the grape picking

12.30a.m. Return to the winery by tractor

13.30 commented wine tasting and lunch (menu to be confirmed) with a young harvest white wine, a white wine with wood, a young harvest red wine and a late harvest white wine

Price: €65.00 (adults) or €40.00 (children aged 6 to 14 years)

With the offer of a cap and the provision of scissors and a vintage basket.

Address: Quinta do Casal Branco, EN 118 (km 69), 2080-187 Almeirim

Site: www.casalbranco.com

Contacts: 243 592 412; 917 656 683 or info@casalbranco.com; filomenajusto@casalbranco.com

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CASAL DAS FREIRAS

The family-run Casal das Freiras wine company, located in Madalena, a few kilometres from the city of Tomar, invites you to take a walk through some of its vineyards, accompanied by an explanation of the grape-growing process, followed by a visit to the winery and facilities. The participants are challenged to tread the grapes in the press. There is a commented tasting of three wines, accompanied by bread, olives, cheeses, regional smoked meats and jams. The programme takes place in September and/or October, depending on the harvest date, and is designed for a maximum of 12 people and lasts for two and a half hours, between 11am and 6pm.

Price: €22.00 (adults) or €5.00 (children)

Address: Quinta Casal das Freiras, Carvalhal Grande, 2305-409 Madalena, Tomar

Site: www.casadasfreiras.pt

Contacts: 919 998 345 (Rita Vidal) or geral@casaldasfreiras.pt

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COMPANHIA DAS LEZÍRIAS

The immense natural landscape of Companhia das Lezírias is the setting for the grape harvests of this winery, located in the Ribatejo region of Samora Correia. According to the programme stipulated by this wine and agricultural company, there are two proposals.

2018 Harvest Programme

Proposal A

The ‘Companhia das Lezírias Vindimas Piquenique 2018’ initiative is scheduled for 08 September, between 09h30 and 16h00, the day on which Companhia das Lezírias inaugurates its new barrel cellar. The invitation is to join the grape harvest team for a day and ‘put your hand in the dough’, which is like saying, in the bunch, participate in the foot treading and do the grape must to wine tasting, accompanied by a buffet picnic. Registration is mandatory and must be done until August 31st, indicating the names of the participants (first and last) and respective ages.

Proposal B

Walking tour, grape must and wine tasting, with commentary by an oenologist or wine expert, and a picnic lunch with a regional speciality. This programme runs from Monday to Saturday, in the morning or afternoon for groups between 10 and 60 people.

Price:

Proposal A €35,00 (adults); €10,00 (children aged 6 to 12 years); free (children under 5 years)

Offer B €40,00 (adults); €10,00 (children aged 6 to 12); free (children under 5)

The reservation will be formalised after the payment has been made.

Address: Adega do Catapereiro, EN 18 (km 20), 2135-007 Samora Correia

Site: www.cl.pt

Contacts: 212 349 016 (Olena Cherkashyna) or loja.vinhos@cl.pt

Grapes arriving at the winery

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FALUA

Located in Almeirim, Falua – Sociedade de Vinhos was founded in 2004 by the producer and oenologist João Portugal Ramos. About a year ago, it belongs to the French group Roullier. Its aim is to produce high quality wines, mainly from the Tejo region. It has an exemplary winery and filling line, built with the most sophisticated and modern equipment, which allows Falua to produce 6 million bottles of white, rosé and red wine. During the harvest season, it opens its doors to visit and taste wines, in an activity that is only for adults, in groups of at least 10 people.

Price: €30.00 per person

Address: Zona Industrial, lot 56, 2080-221 Almeirim

Site: www.falua.net

Contacts: 243 594 280 (Joana Damião) or falua@falua.net

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FIUZA

Owned by the Mascarenhas Fiuza family and located in Almeirim, Fiuza has been dedicated to the production of wine for almost a century. Wines that embody the essence of tradition, but that please the modern consumer, being characterized by quality, complexity and gastronomy. Fiuza opens the doors of its Adega Gallery, a real showcase of urban art executed by three Portuguese graffiti artists (Francisco Camilo, Ivo Smile and Slap), for a guided tour complemented by a wine or must fermenting tasting. The programme, of approximately two hours, has no set time schedule and takes place on days when there is harvesting. It is designed for a minimum of two people.

Price: €20.00 per person

Address: Travessa do Vareta, nº 11, 2080-184 Almeirim

Site: www.fiuzabright.pt

Contacts: 243 597 491 or 918 906 197 (Cláudia Godinho) or claudia.godinha@fiuzabright.pt

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QUINTA DA ALORNA

At the Alorna Estate you can relive the history of Portugal since 1723, the year it was founded. There are many characters and stories that can be told in this property that is almost 300 years old. Located in Almeirim, on the left bank of the River Tagus, it offers tailor-made programmes for those who wish to visit. During the grape harvest or throughout the year, lovers of wine, nature and Ribatejo culture will have plenty to explore.

Price: On request

Address: Quinta da Alorna, 2080-1987 Almeirim

Site: www.alorna.pt

Contacts: 243 570 700 or geral@alorna.pt

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QUINTA DA LAGOALVA

Quinta da Lagoalva is another historic farmhouse with wine tradition. Located in Alpiarça, it has everything planned for the grape harvest programme, taking place from 3 to 30 September. After the reception, there is a walk through the vineyard and a technical visit to the cellar, where the musts are tasted. This is followed by a visit to the stable/picnicadeiro and to the chapel and, finally, a tasting of three wines. Participating groups should have a maximum of 30 people. The timetable is flexible.

Price: €25.00 per person

Address: Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima, 2090-222 Alpiarça

Website: www.lagoalva.pt

Contacts: 912 021 033 (Vânia Moreno) or turismo@lagoalva.pt