Quinta Do Gradil

Backed by the rolling foothills of the Serra de Montejunto in the Estremadura/Lisboa wine-producing region, the history of the Quinta do Gradil wine estate dates right back to 1492, when it was mentioned in royal documents. By the 18th century it was thriving in the hands of the Marquis of Pombal, who led the rebuilding of Lisbon after the devastating earthquake of 1755 and who also established the Douro as the first official wine-growing region in the world. Today the estate is owned by the wealthy wine-expert Luís Vieira, who produces six top-quality white, rosé and red wines. Sitting among 220 hectares, half of which are planted with the vines of 12 grape varieties – including Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier – the park also includes peach and pear orchards as well as pine and eucalyptus forest; at its heart sits a low-slung, butter-colored 18th-century palace surrounded by modern-day cellars, storage and tasting rooms. Scattered across the grounds are an historic chapel, an aqueduct, mill and granary; as well as tours, tastings, the chance to buy wines and a acclaimed restaurant overlooking the neat ranks of vines, the Quinta do Gradil also offers horseback riding and bird watching.

Practical Info

Estrada Nacional 115 Vilar. Open daily 9am–1pm, 2pm–6pm. 80 km (50 miles) north of Lisbon, best accessed by car along the A8.