A leading architect in the region, Ana Pestana, was appointed in 2001 to design a winery to vinify 70 tonnes of red wine grapes. Enough to produce around 60,000 bottles.

Plans were submitted to the various authorities (local council, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of the Environment) early in 2002. Permissions are expected to be given by mid 2003 after which we will be applying for subsidies (part funded by the Portuguese Government and part by the European Union) for the building construction and winery equipment.

The winery will be located on sloping ground about 200 metres from the house. Grapes will be delivered at the top level of a 10 metre high circular wine production building to the crusher destemmer and then directly to a circular array of open fermentation tanks known as ‘lagares’. Traditionally in stone or concrete, ours will be in stainless steel, but will still enable traditional methods such as treading to take place. Lagares allow a more distinctive wine character to be developed with a deep colour intensity. In a concentric ring around the lagares will be another array of stainless steel maturation tanks.

Joining the production building will be a more traditional Alentejan building set into the granite slope. It will be stone clad to the front with traditional terracotta tiled roof overhanging a first floor terrace on three sides. The lower level will contain the barrel room and bottle store. The first floor will have a central loggia opening on one side to a winery shop, tasting room and offices. To the other side we hope to open a restaurant with tables both inside and on the covered terraces.

Visitors to the winery, vineyard and restaurant will be encouraged, very much in the style of New World wineries.

We had hoped to have the winery ready for the vintage in September 2005, but cost constraints have delayed this. We will, however, be making wine again in 2009 from our estate grapes at our joint venture winery at Paco de Camoes near Azaruja.