Like a Local: The Essence of Grape Harvest

The new bucket list is about fulfillment and authenticity. People use travel as a way to achieve this, create memorable connections between people, identifying with different perspectives, appreciating cultural differences and live experiences through the most authentic way – like a local.

If this is your mindset when traveling, plus you consider yourself a wine lover, then we suggest you adding vindimas – grape harvest - experience to your bucket list. We see it as an opportunity to reconnect with Nature and be part of a culture of hard work, where the sense of community and accomplishment brings people together. Furthermore, by participating in this Portuguese living tradition, you will work hands-on with the grapes and develop relationships with fellow locals, vineyards, and winery owners as you work together to create something. Behold firsthand how much work goes into creating thoughtful wines and expand your wine knowledge by comprehending how the aromatics and different flavors of wine are developed. Altogether, this will be an unforgettable and connective experience.

September is almost there, so we suggest you searching for your stylish rubber boots, and peacefully start planning your harvest experience in Portugal. Here’s some inspiration:

A Holistic Experience in the Vineyards 

Demarcated in 1756, Douro was the first wine-producing region in the world. The scattered terraces of the Alto Douro landscape configure a remarkable beauty to this region, finding a true symbiosis between man and nature. Here, each small parcel of land is treated as a unique and valuable treasure, handed down over the generations – one of the reasons why this region's wines are worldwide renowned.

At Quinta Nova, you may spend a day in the Douro grape harvest and participate in exciting activities, which enable visitors to experience and share their daily life in the vineyard and winery. This special experience includes proper training and provision of bucket and scissors, grape picking in one of Quinta's plots, a guided tour to the Cellar and Wine Museum Centre Fernanda Ramos Amorim followed by a classic wine tasting at Patamar Petiscaria.

At this remarkable Estate, Terraçu’s Restaurante - surrounded by a stunning landscape with terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River - is the ideal place to relax and have a superb meal. All dishes are influenced by Douro’s heritage, portraying its culture and identity.

After a long day at the vineyards, you may take your well-deserved rest, in one of the eleven luxurious rooms of the manor house. All of them offer spectacular views over the centuries-old terraced vineyards. During your stay, it is also possible to take a dip in the small pool or opt for an invigorating walk along the three routes signaled in the Estate.

See the Douro Valley through the Eyes of a Local

It is a popular belief among wine professionals that in order to be a true sommelier, one must participate in at least one harvest, if not more. Mainly because a real wine connoisseur must be aware of the practical knowledge of learning how wine is made and the science that goes into winemaking.

To visit Quinta das Carvalhas is to see the Douro from the inside, within the works of the vineyard - such as pruning, digging, or harvesting. Here, the harvest experience includes a visit to the Quinta and the winery at Quinta do Casal da Granja. Within this activity, you will take part in the grape picking and have lunch in the estate, after which you will have the opportunity to tread the grapes.

If you wish to enrich your knowledge on wine, you may opt for a visit through this wonderful Quinta, accompanied by its own Viticultural Manager: Alvaro Martinho, a passionate man who has dedicated most of his life to its vines and environment, and who will gladly invite to see the Douro through the eyes of a local, offering you a detailed explanation of everything happening at the Quinta. The tour finishes with wine tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas, paired with a platter of local cheeses and charcuterie, finishing with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate - a glass of Port.

Become a Winemaker 

In the Capital, Quinta do Gradil is one precious gem, especially, when it comes to this wine harvest experience: starting with a welcome coffee, you will then take part in the harvest process, picking the grapes yourself, thus experiencing all the processes that give rise to their excellent wines. Enjoy the freedom and fresh hair, in a setting that is absolutely fabulous, with amazing views of the sprawling vineyards, and traditional songs as the soundtrack. You will be taking a tour of the winery with the possibility of treading the grapes by foot in the winery and have a rest at lunch in the estate.

If you wish, you may also add a wine workshop to your experience and become a winemaker for a day - you will have the opportunity to create your own wine blend, by pairing aromas and sensations, in a practical atelier. In the end, you will proudly take home your own creation.

NATURE’ing with WINE

Our last suggestion goes to our calm and heavenly Alentejo. At the João Ramos Portugal, you may live harvesting experience as a true Alentejo. Starting at a perfect viewpoint in Estremoz, you'll then have the chance to harvest along with the workers. Next, is the foot trodding in open marble troughs "Lagares".

This experience could not be fully complete without a gastronomical journey through the flavors of Alentejo. Thus, you will lunch at the Winery where you may select one of two menus – we like to keep a bit of mystery, but what do you think of a regional toasted bread in Oliveira Ramos Premium olive oil, sprinkled with salt and oregano and special regional cheese?