Herdade do Esporão
This time, we finally made it to Herdade do Esporão. As a former athlete, Mike is not that much into wine tasting or any alcoholic beverage. But I convinced him with the promise that we would eat at the restaurant of Herdade do Esporão.
Herdade do Esporão is a very impressive property. You drive through the vineyards until arriving to the reception of the wine tourism and the restaurant. Our guide gave us an introduction about the history of Esporão and then we visited the wine production and the cellars. Afterwards we had the chance to taste three wines and their olive oils with a very tasty bread. We enjoyed the experience but it would have been great to have a bit more time to taste more than three wines.
Our highlight was the lunch at the Herdade do Esporão Restaurant. A ‘terroir’ cuisine, of modern confection and interpretation, where the regional, Portuguese and seasonal product is central. We decided to choose our dishes à la carte but you can also go for the menu with straightforward and tasty dishes to share. They are made with seasonal ingredients, from local and national producers, closely following each of their cycles. Hence, the menu is always changing, with no prior notice. You can also choose the Menu ‘Carte Blanche’, leaving the decisions entirely to the chef, that will define a tasting menu with 5 to 7 moments, accordingly to the visitors wishes.
As we love interior design, we decided to eat at the restaurant but if you want to enjoy a romantic time with your loved one, they also do picnics at the estate. You can choose your favorite lunch spot at the estate and enjoy a picnic consisting of products selected by the Chef.
Overall, visiting Herdade do Esporão was a great idea. If you want to eat at the restaurant, make reservation. They only serve lunches. And make sure you have at least 30 minutes to enjoy drinking a glass of wine in their beautiful terrace. It's actually our favorite place of the estate.
The beautiful terrace of Herdade do Esporão.
Don't miss the historical tower.
About Esporão
Esporão has a great tradition in wine making. Founded in 1973 by José Roquette and Joaquim Bandeira, Esporão is one of the most important wine companies in Portugal. Determinant in the national and international affirmation of Alentejo and Douro, Esporão is also today an ambassador of Portuguese culture, developing its activity within the limits of sustainability and building close relationships with customers and consumers around the world. Esporão is present in the Alentejo region of 1973, where it produces wines as emblematic as Esporão Reserva and Monte Velho, as well as extra virgin olive oils. Opened in 1997, the Herdade do Esporão Wine Tourism was a pioneer in Portugal, having been considered by the Wine Magazine - The Essence of Wine, the 'Best of the Year 2016'. Continuing the Esporão project is Quinta dos Murças, owned in the Douro region, where terroir wines with the Esporão guarantee seal have been produced since 2008. Esporão sells its products in all types of shops and restaurants in more than 50 countries around the world. The holistic approach in adapting a wide range of innovative sustainable practices of Esporão has led to several national and international recognitions, including the prestigious "Sustainability of the year award" in "The Drinks Business Green Awards 2013". In 2014, Esporão won the "European Business Awards for the Environment" in the "Products and Services" category.
More about Esporão
More about Wine tourism at Herdade do Esporã