Grape Harvest Season in Portugal

The Grape Harvest in Portugal started in the last weeks of August and for 2013 it has been a good one since the majority of the wine producers are happy with the overall quality of the grapes.

Usually starting in the Alentejo Wine Region and the Algarve Wine Region were the grape maturations are faster due to the hotter sunny climate.

This year we were at a small family wine estate, the Monte da Casteleja combining great Organic White, Red and Rosé Wines with a small countyside wine guesthouse. An excellent pick since the owners hospitality, Guillaume and Maria, leaved us with a special feeling from the overall experience. A traditional lunch full of great Portuguese specialties like the Portuguese Gaspacho, Fresh Salads, Fava Bean Stew and Great Desserts from the Algarve Region. 

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During September the harvest season moved up to the Tejo Wine Region and Lisboa Wine Region. Once again we did the harvest at Quinta das Carrafouchas, a small family producer set on a XVIII Centruy Manor House few minutes from Lisbon that has been increasing its White and Red wine production every year. Great moments we had with a special harvest day full of activity thanks to António Maria and again a beautifull lunch menu to recover the energies for the foot treading moment in the afternoon.

Late September was also the month for Setúbal Wine Region, Bairrada Wine Region, Dão Wine Region and Douro Wine Region. Hopefully the wines will bring as much fun and pleasure as making them did!