Why are Alentejo Wines
so Compelling
The Alentejo in Portugal is home to two of the world's most remarkable resources flexible, adaptable, highly sustainable, perfect for our modern way of life
Not a place but a region
One that is globally unique
It is a region we have come to respect
- A place where ten years ago in 2015 they put
sustainability to work across the entire region
- Today it is a kind of 'living laboratory' you can visit
- Where being sustainable is not a tax on life
- But a proven tool for prosperity
Many of us fly over this region on our way to the Algarve in Portugal, but more and more people are "discovering" the Alentejo in central southern Portugal. They have heard about how WASP, its sustainability programme has really taken off. But it is the results that people are excited about, how the region, whilst keeping its rural charm has become sophisticated with a definite feel of luxury.
Rural charm employs high tech in a win, win.
It is a hot dry region in summer and water has to be managed and it is expensive.
The vineyards worked out a way to save between 20 and 30% of water consumption using precision irrigation and soil moisture sensors. By working together as a sustainable region they have learned that sustainability offers gains that would have otherwise have been inaccessible. Innovation in the use of drones to monitor soil health, energy savings using solar driven pumps to distribute water to their precision irrigation systems and recycling cork into fashion items are just some of the gains that have, quite simply replaced a lot of pains.
The result is high quality wine, often at a fraction of the price of competitors across Europe. Alentejo wine exports are booming in major global markets, whilst other wine growing regions are suffering from the global downturn in red wine sales.
Evora - A UNESCO CITY
Roughly one third larger than Wales, Alentejo is a sparsely populated region of white washed, red roofed towns and villages scattered around its hilltop castles, huge lakes, rolling hills and plains and within its two national parks.
Everywhere in this huge space are vast rolling plains of cork oaks, vineyards and wheat fields. The region has a sophisticated network of wineries offering vineyard tours with winetasting, a growing number provide restaurant facilities with sommelier expertise matching different wines with food. Several vineyards provide high quality accommodation offering an authentic, soulful experience for those who are seeking how the ancient heritage of Roman times has evolved into the sustainable viticulture of today.
A 'California-esque' Terrior
A region that is fascinating in its rural charm
Alentejo is a sanctuary to over 250 indigenous grape varieties with texture, aroma and flavours that, quite simply, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Leading from the front are a group of three red grapes, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Trincadeira producing sun-drenched full flavour ripe fruits with smooth tannins.
But the twist in the mix is that although this trio form the back bone of the region, Alentejo is so vast and topographically diverse that an Aragonez from the high altitude north tastes almost nothing like its namesake grown in Vidigueira in the sun-drenched south.
The terrior of Portalegre in the 'cool high altitudes' where it is much cooler, wetter features granitic soils creating grapes that retain higher levels of acidity with bright red cherry or wild strawberry flavours.
Vidigueira sits in a unique fault line where cold Atlantic winds become trapped creating significant diurnal swings from very hot days to cold nights. The cool nights preserve acidity, the day time heat ensures a plump, spicy fruit; think black plums or a hint of leather.
Learn more of the Art of Wine here, a truly absorbing opportunity where anyone and everyone has the chance to discover why the Alentejo has become known as the California of Portugal.
There are eight wine regions in Alentejo hosting 245 wine producers offering over 1130 brands, truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Wine has been part of its culture for more than 2000 years, its customs and traditions part of the very fabric of society.
It is remarkable, but fact, that top tier red blends and complex whites are frequently available at a fraction of the price of similar quality wines from more famous wine growing regions of Europe.
Templo do Romano de Evora
Considered the historic capital of the Alentejo, Evora's unique soil and climate was celebrated by the Romans for its rich wines, holding a pride of place in its Empire.
Acclaimed as the one of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula, romantically captioned the Temple of Diane, it is Evora's most iconic monument. The temple was dedicated in the first half of the 1st century in honour of Augustus, the founder of the Roman Empire.
In a fitting tribute, the Corinthian columns form several pillars of wisdom of modern day Portugal. Each one is synonymous with the distinctive properties of the very earth that identify Alentejo as the only region in the world where the subtleties of Roman wine making has been practiced without interruption for millennia.
Photo by Jose Santos on Unsplash
A Special wine from the Alentejo
Wine making is an ancient craft, one that is instinctive, second nature, ingrained through generations in the traditional wine growing regions of Europe. In times past the Romans adopted giant clay amphorae throughout their empire. Made of local clay, lined with 'pes' a natural pine resin with beeswax to age and store wine until ready to drink. In Portugal it was known as Vinho de Talho.
Alentejo was, and still is, an important wine growing centre where the 'Vinho de Talha' is at the heart of wine making. Only a handful of regions in Europe have retained the art. The Alentejo is Western Europe's 'guardian' of the practice, a complex of wine making knowledge that has remained unchanged for over 2000 years.
Vinho de Talha, is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship, of a mastery that permits spontaneous fermentation in traditions that lead to aging of the wine. The pots are sealed with a layer of olive oil and opened only on St Martin's Day, November 11th by inserting a tap from which to pour the wine. Portugal is the only country in the world with a specific regulated Appellation of Origin (DOC or DOP) for Vinho de Talha (Amphora Wine). Vinho de Talha DOC stands testament to the quality, provenance and storytelling of this ancient process.
Giant Talha do Vinho at a winery in Portugal
Photo by Paul La Rosa on Unsplash
Harvested in the Alentejo
Cork has the
master touch
Wine producers can spend a lifetime improving the quality and bouquet of their wine. They fully understand how oxygen is so vitally important to the aroma, to the bouquet to that first 'attack' as the wine touches your tongue and as its sensation spreads across your palate.
From the moment of pressing the grape, during bottling and especially during the aging of wine in the bottle, the right cork will create the desired aroma. Natural cork permits micro oxidation; or the steady transfer of oxygen over time, typically ~1mg per year. However during the first twelve months there will be an initial high release of oxygen from its cellular structure followed by a low steady state thereafter.
The conundrum is different wines need different permeability some need more oxygen, others less. If you have an everlasting memory of a special bottle of wine, thank the
vinicultor for their expertise but thank the cork too, for its amazing properties, matching all that the grape and the wine grower set out to achieve.
This month we highlight Borba one of the eight regions in Alentejo
ADEGA COOPERATIVA
DE BORBA
The oldest cooperative in the Alentejo (1955) is one of the largest producers in Portugal (almost 300 associated winemakers). This vineyard is one of the best known in the region, you will find its wines in all restaurants and many supermarkets. The adega organizes various activities related to the world of wine, such as tasting courses, seminars on wine conservation. The ideal address to buy good bottles of local wines.
Courtesy of Adega Cooperativa de Borba
Adega de Borba is a Sustainability Program for Alentejo Wines (WASP) certified winery. As of 2025 around 80% of their vineyard area is enrolled in the WASP program, reflecting their commitment to sustainable practices.
Riccardo Cotarelle said to be one of the most influential oenologists in the world describes Portugal's natural aptitude for blending of its native grapes as "A rare art in the wine world".
Courtesy of Drink Retailing UK January 2026
Publishing the official announcement of his first professional collaboration in Portugal with Luisa Amorim of Amorim Family Estates.
Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP)
Launched in 2015, although still a voluntary programme it has evolved into a rigorous certification where members must meet at least 86% of 171 criteria across 18 chapters covering environmental, social and economic sustainability. Wine buyers in the UK increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing making Alentejo's certified eco-friendly wines highly attractive. Major markets in Scandinavia, Canada and the USA have established mandatory sustainable certification proofing. WASP Certification meets market standards and just as important consumers, especially GEN Z can see the certification is from the entire region of Alentejo, it is this collective accountability which encourage consumers to believe in the product.
Trinca Bolotas
Red 2023
Herdade do Peso Vineyards
Herdade do Peso, is a leading wine estate in Vidigueira, Alentejo, The wine has an intense ruby color with an aroma of red fruit with a floral side given by Touriga Nacional. On the palate the taste is very balanced, very soft tannins mix well with its refreshing acidity. The taste lingers the in the mouth making it an excellent choice for our classic Portuguese pairing of Octopus prepared by our sommelier. Touriga Nacional provides an aromatic harmony where the floral and dark fruit notes complement the "earthy" marine flavour of the octopus.
Our Sommelier had stored the bottle horizontally as advised by the vineyard, serving it as a two year old wine which the vintage recommends.
Alentejo, a slow, traditional, and welcoming way of life
Occupying one third of Portugal's land, yet sparsely populated, the Alentejo is largely rural, characterized by open plains, cork forests, vineyards and small, scattered villages.
People are self sufficient, rural crafts still an important way of life for many. It is among these artisans we have sought out specialists in wickerwork and woodcrafts to offer our clients a unique collection of wine holders, wine storage and last but not least our cork display barrels and cabinets.
Monsaraz Alentejo Photo by Filipe Nobre on Unsplash
Palm Weaving from the Algarve
Palm has been woven in Loule by local craftspeople for centuries discover a range of carefully selected designs to present wine at the dinner table
We are looking for local agents throughout the UK and Europe to distribute our artisan wine holders, wine storage and our Cork Display Cabinets. Use our contact form below to get in touch
Start saving your wine corks today.
Your cork stopper did a great job for you, maybe you can give it another life. As soon as you begin your collection, cork's natural appeal will start to shine.
Cork stoppers, like the cork oak they come from, naturally retain CO2. A single cork stopper is capable of absorbing up to 56.4 grams of CO2. But for a material as special as cork, this is just the beginning. There are lots of ways to save used cork, they are all pleasing to the eye. Watch this space, coming soon, unique, collectable display cabinets for your cork stoppers.
We can recycle cork stoppers either into granules, or repurpose them into vineyards to enrich the soil. Cork granules provide a valuable, much needed resource for manufacturers in the construction industry. It is one of our most efficient insulation material and creates hardwearing attractive flooring.
Why not consider
Becoming part of our 4Cork network to recycle cork
Contact Us
What is the Difference between Being Eco-Friendly and Being Sustainable
Thankyou for visiting this page, if you have come this far we might between us help to make our world a better place. The activities on this page are eco-friendly, together they help to reduce emission outputs of CO2 by cutting back on waste, reducing energy consumption and by repairing, repurposing items we might otherwise have disposed of.
The next step is to become sustainable and by doing so regenerate nature so that it can continue to both provide and protect, not just ourselves but our children and our grandchildren . Sustainability is the holistic perspective that we all need not just to acknowledge, but wholly buy into. If you are ready to buy in contact us for your next steps.
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Over the coming months we will be expanding our
wine crafted pages to bring you a wealth of information about the Alentejo. A region where life, traditions and customs have endured for over two millennia, where wine making has created a rich tapestry we will have the honour to portray.
