Beautiful poppies growing wild around the winery
Today we were off to Herdade do Esporao a beautiful winery in the Alentejo. It was going to be an amazing day of learning, laughing, eating and drinking.
A little bit of history – The winery was first established back in 1267. We were told that no wine was produced until the 1990’s. They export 60% of wines produced. 80% by hand to harvest the grapes from August to October. Their olive oil is 100% hand harvested. They do export around the world and even for us Aussies however not yet in large quantities.
As we approached the winery you could see off to the right a Medieval Tower, this is where the historic centre of the winery is. We didn’t have time to visit however I would encourage you to put it on your list if you do visit the winery. This tower was used for as a model for other towers. I was on the left side of the bus so as we were leaving I managed to get this photo. I know its not that good but at least you can see it.
The Historic Centre and Tower (raindrops on the bus window)
We were first taken to where the grapes are processed once picked. All different sorts of barrels depending on what type of wine it is. On the first day of Fermentation foot stomping is done. How much fun that would be! The stomping is done in the marble vats.
Feel like a bit of foot stomping – Marble Vats where its done.
Our guide was amazing and went through all the process of grapes to wine. So much work and time before you get that bottle of wine on your table.
In the marble tanks 5 wines are made. 1 top quality red wine and 4 single varieties. Any leftovers then go into the presses.
Bottled wine will age for another 2-3 years and the wine can keep for 15-20 years.
Then there are the Tulip Barrels – concrete tanks. These produce organic wine – Colheiea and also a single variety.
We then went down into the storage area. 30 meters underground. Row upon row of barrels of wines. They have the date stamped when the wine was placed in the barrels and what type of wine.
Row upon row of barrels of wine
We were taken into an area where we learnt to smell the aroma of the wines.
Learning the aromas of the wine.
Our next stop was a class in making wine. We all went into groups and then the fun started. A bit of this and a bit of that. We were given percentages of what goes into what. Free for all! It was so much fun I highly recommend doing this when you visit the winery.
Our wine making class.
Of course we had to taste the wine along the way of making it.
We named our red Voluptuous Red!
After all that wine we were then ushered into a private room where we would be having lunch.
Being gluten free, fish free and peanut free can cause issues when dining out. At Esporao Restaurant this was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. We all had amazing food and wine.
We enjoyed the oils they produce with our bread.
Pork Belly with potato galette and salad. Gluten free
My amazing dessert Chocolate mouse and pear sorbet
Here is the link for the winery if you wish to know more Esporao Winery
What an amazing day we had. Most wineries you go in sample some wine, maybe buy some then leave. Today we learnt the history of the winery and how wines are made. We had hands on with the wine and not just drinking it! Im sure if you visit when the stomping of the grapes is done you could get your feet dirty!
Some of us were dropped off so we could visit Cappella Dos Ossos – Chapel of the Bones. You can read about it here Chapel of the Bones
Of course more photos will be on Instagram at 3sistersabroad
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
Oh, I would hit that vineyard, I just love going on different kind of tastings, both drink, and foodstuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like so much fun Bree! And those food pics–beautiful and delicious!
LikeLike
This looks like a great tour Bree! Yummy food, interesting things to do and a fun day- what more could you want? #mlstl
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the poppies and that pork belly looks delicious. Unfortunately, hubby and I don’t drink alcohol now but I always enjoyed a winery tour. We went to a winery on tour we were taking in Canada last year and it wasn’t quite the same because we weren’t sampling the produce. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pork belly was delicious. The poppies are everywhere in Europe, just gorgeous
LikeLike
Reply sent to early. Unless a meal is had at a winery it certainly wouldn’t be the same. We had a few on our cruise who didn’t drink at all. I don’t think they went to any wineries. Thank you again for another wonderful #mlstl
LikeLike
Great food and wine
What’s not to love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Win Win
LikeLike
Nice to see a winery tour that involved more than just wine tasting and wine sales – I’m not a wine drinker and found the wine tours the most boring part of our European trip – this sort of tour would have made it more interesting I’m sure.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, that is a beautiful winery. Thanks for sharing it with us. #MLSTL
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like a fun and interesting excursion. The food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing your trip and photos with us. #MLSTL
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly was and it was so much better than just taste a wine. Thank you for stopping by
LikeLike
That lunch looks amazing – especially the oils. I also like the idea of making – and tasting…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those oils were so delicious! Thank you for stopping by
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, this looks fantastic! It’s interesting to learn more about how it’s produced, whether you’re a wine lover or not. I hadn’t known there was a different in barrel types, like marble vs ‘Tulip Barrels’, for the organic wine to be made. It does sound more interesting than I would have thought too – you seemed to learn more of the history and be more hands on and involved. Love the photos! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many times we visit a winery and you taste the wine and go. This really got into the nitty gritty of wine. The meal was outstanding. Such a great day.
LikeLike
🍷 🍷, YAAY! 😄
Pork…belly? 😳😕
Looks like a fun day! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes my favourite bit of pork
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was a fun day
LikeLiked by 1 person