Herdade do Esporão

Founded in 1267 and recorded in the medieval charters of Reguengos de Monsaraz, Herdade do Esporão is one of the most iconic wine estates in the Alentejo. Acquired in 1973 by Joaquim Bandeira and José Roquette, it became the starting point for an ambitious quality wine project that would redefine the regional style.

Today Herdade do Esporão is internationally recognised for its scale and diversity. The estate covers around 700 hectares, of which 600 are organically farmed vineyards, the largest organic wine-growing area in Portugal. Beyond wine, Esporão also produces olive oil, honey and cheese, each with a strong Alentejo identity.

Among the most renowned wines are Esporão Reserva, Monte Velho, Quatro Castas, Defesa and Esporão Private Selection. The reds are typically blends of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional. The whites are built on Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Arinto.

The wine tourism experience at Esporão is one of the most complete in Portugal. It includes winery and visitor centre tours, vineyard and olive grove walks, wine and olive oil tastings, meals at the award-winning Esporão restaurant (with chef Pedro Pena Bastos at the helm), and seasonal activities such as harvest, olive picking and honey production. The estate also features an exhibition space dedicated to local archaeology and the 15th-century Esporão Tower.