7 Top Experiences to Enjoy in Harvest Season 2020

The harvest is one of the oldest wine activities in Portugal and certainly one of the most genuine and traditional ones. The vineyards, that were empty, come finally alive with a mix of scents and colors. After all, there are grapes ready to be harvested, the workers are exciting for the stomping of the grapes (a process that will transform the grapes into great and delicious wines) and all the involved procedures. It is without a doubt a cheerful time and you can feel it in the atmosphere, after all, the Wineries/Quintas finally get to collect the result of a long year of work and waiting.

Moreover, the harvest process involves a lot of long hours to reach the final result: the wines. Usually, the harvest season starts in the second half of September and continues until October. Sometimes there are estates in certain years that don't provide these experiences because it depends on the weather conditions throughout the year and how the vineyards have reacted to it.

So what type of wine experiences are possible to do during the harvest season? You can participate with the locals, help to produce wine from the grapes by stomping away, and some wineries even allow you to take home with you the “fruits” of your labor. Can you imagine sharing a bottle of wine produced by you to your friends and family? It is fantastic isn't it? 

Quinta da Pacheca

A day during the harvest season at Quinta da Pacheca begins with the cutting of the grape in the middle of the vineyards, with a straw hat, tobacconist scarf around your neck, and scissors in your hand. With the sunshine comes the meal, right in the middle of the vineyard, followed by a wine tasting and guided tour to the estate. In the afternoon comes the fun part, the pressing of the grapes, served with Port wine. Join the joy of the harvest season.

Quinta da Roêda

Quinta da Roêda, in Pinhão, is the property of the visit to the famous Croft. The Visitors Centre occupies the old stables of the Quinta, which have been carefully restored in accordance with the traditional Douro style. This space offers a warm and spacious environment, ideal for tasting the famous Croft Port wines. Moreover, you will have the chance to discover the secrets of the vineyard while taking a guided tour of the estate, stopping at points of interest along the way, and enjoying the magnificent landscape and breathtaking views over the Douro River.
During the harvest season of this estate, you can also enjoy the unforgettable experience of treading the grapes in the Lagares.

Quinta do Gradil

During this wine harvest experience, you will spend a day harvesting at Quinta do Gradil. You will have a welcome coffee and will take part in the harvest process, picking the grapes yourself, thus experiencing all the processes that give rise to their excellent wines. Then enjoy a tour of the winery and have a rest at lunch in the estate. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to tread the grapes and your day will end with a wine tasting with some Portuguese delicacies.

João Portugal Ramos

João Portugal Ramos is a reference of Portuguese wines worldwide, giving identity to different and quality wines. Experience the grape harvest in Alentejo, start with a visit to the viewpoint of the city, where you will have the opportunity to harvest and feel the atmosphere in the vineyards. Next, you will tread the grapes in marble mills and then a visit to the winery and cellars. Finally, enjoy a harvest lunch.

Quinta das Carvalhas

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro Valley. Visit this wonderful Quinta side by side with its own Viticultural Manager: Alvaro Martinho, a passionate man who has dedicated most of his life to its vines and environment. The harvest experience includes a visit to the Quinta and the winery at Quinta do Casal da Granja. You will take part in the grape picking and have lunch in the estate, after which you will have the opportunity to tread the grapes. The experience ends with a wine tasting.

Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House

This unforgettable experience at Quinta Nova starts in the morning and includes training and delivery of material and grape picking in the vineyard. Enjoy a  lunch menu at Conceitus Winery Restaurant and then take a guided tour to the vineyard and winery with wine tasting. 

Adega Mayor

The Adega Mayor extends over 350 hectares of Holm oak forest and agricultural fields. Mayor is an architectural reference at the world level, which distinguishes and elevates the wine heritage of the Alentejo region. The building whose complexity has been whitewashed to elevate simplicity and merge with the landscape is simply stunning. The Adega offers a range harvest programs, that consist of harvest with a picnic, harvest with lunch, or harvest with a stay in the estate.

By booking your 2020 or 2021 tour in Portugal with us you will have flexibility in the future, plus an acquired "Clean and Safe" seal. Through these unique times, we are available to plan, reschedule, and move your trip around your needs, as always. If your new dates may no longer work with your initial travel plan, a dedicated consultant will be available to tailor and reschedule your tour in Portugal according to your needs and preferences, and to assure you that you will have the best and most memorable experiences.