Quinta do Piloto

Heir of wine tradition, Quinta do Piloto covers four generations of Cardoso family, who is linked to the Palmela’s History over a century. Its wines are the result of lots chosen from among 200 hectares of vineyards, in the best terroirs of the region.

In the early 20th century, Humberto da Silva Cardoso saw an opportunity in the expansion of viticulture in Palmela. A young and visionary entrepreneur, he had pioneered the automotive industry, creating one of the first transport companies in Portugal, Auto-Cars Palmelense. With the profit from the sale of the company, he bought three large estates and built Quinta do Piloto and Serra wineries, which still remain in the family.

Humberto Cardoso became one of Palmela’s most respected winemakers. But soon he handed the estates to his sons, Rui and Álvaro and set out to travel the world.

Very young, Álvaro Cardoso headed the family business. With nearly 500 hectares of vineyard, it was one of the largest areas in Europe, producing over 4 million litres of wine per year, an extraordinary volume at the time, selling locally in bulk. His nephew, Humberto, educated in agronomy, nurtured the dream of bottling their wines. A dream his son Filipe Cardoso accomplished.

Nowadays, there is a local lodging in Quinta do Piloto, with maximum capacity for five people, where you can spend the night and relax in Palmela.

Quinta do Piloto offers a unique wine tourism experience, in a natural atmosphere with a panoramic view over Lisbon and the Tejo Valley.