João Portugal Ramos and Dona Maria

JOÃO PORTUGAL RAMOS

Designed in accordance with the traditional architecture of the Alentejo region, Vila Santa winery has put Estremoz on the map of the great wines, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

The purpose is to discover the achievements of João Portugal Ramos, and also discover the reasons for his passion for the Alentejo. A tour or a lunch offer the time and tranquility that are perfect for enjoying our wines and the local cuisine.
With its shop, tasting room, lecture room, meeting room and dining room, Vila Santa welcomes those wanting to discover, taste and take home wines representing the perfect memory of Estremoz.

DONA MARIA

For over 150 years wine has been produced in this estate, but it was only in 1988 that its current owner Júlio Bastos started commercializing the wines produced here both nationally and internationally, the famous Garrafeiras of 1985, 1986, 1987, always known for it’s superior quality.

In 1992, Júlio Bastos, wishing to ensure its growth and, at the same time, the distribution of his wine production, sold 50% of the Sociedade Agrícola Quinta do Carmo to the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). ). It was then that the old winery was transferred from Quinta de Dona Maria, or Quinta do Carmo, to the Estate called Herdade das Carvalhas, which belongs since then to that company.

Never having given up on the idea of again producing his own wine, it was at the beginning of the new millennium that the opportunity arose. Júlio Bastos then decided to sell his shares in the Sociedade Agrícola Quinta do Carmo, and started this new project, Dona Maria wines.

In 2003 the first harvest of a new stage in the long life of this estate took place , whereby the concept is the production of quality wines allied with a family project, distinctive feature of this estate throughout the years.

Since the beginning of this project the Dona Maria wines have been recognized, not only by the public but also by opinion leaders. Nationally the situation repeated itself.

At the beginning of this new project, the old winery of the estate was restored and extended and has been equipped with the most modern technology while maintaining the famous marble “lagares”, where the traditional foot treading method is still used nowadays.

The winery has barrels of french and american oak, in a proportion of 80% to 20%, where wine rests until it’s ready to be bottled.

Currently, the vineyards extend throughout 71 ha, of which 12 ha are planted with white grape varieties and 68 ha with red grape varieties.

This vines are planted, in its majority, on clay soils, mildly lime and with a good water retention, no irrigation is needed.