Top 6 Authentic Experiences in Alentejo

With the rise of luxury experiences, luxury has become more subjective. Hence, luxury no longer simply includes extravagant products or stays in luxurious spaces and contexts. Instead, experiences of luxury can include experiences of time, space, authenticity, community, individuality, and well-being - luxury includes experiences and aspirations and it serves self-interests more than status.

For example, if you are a creative wine lover, who privileges learning through a hands-on process, you may consider the opportunity of becoming a winemaker for a day - by creating your own wine and making your own blend, while learning more about different grape varieties - a truly unique and luxurious experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sip of relaxation and clean your mind, receiving a massage followed by a beauty treatment, based on local grapes and other natural products while immersing in an environment of true serenity, might be the definition of luxury for you. What if both of these are? Search no more, as we have selected the Top 6 most authentic experiences in Alentejo. Our main purpose is to give our customers something out of the ordinary, realizing a passion, fulfill each and every smallest detail.

Olive Trees Trail and Olive Oil

Alentejo is the region of vast horizons, plains covered with cork oaks and olive trees as far as the eye can see. You will find that, just like wine, olive oil is a very complex product and a true Portugal ambassador.

At São Lourenço do Barrocal Estate you may enjoy a historic walk through the agricultural landscape of the estate - including its old olive oil mill room, the ancient bee garden, the winery, and the bullring. Discover the ancient Olive Trees Trail and experience the rural rhythms of Alentejo and its agricultural activity, in communion with nature and history. At the end of this activity, you’ll have the opportunity to try the estate’s organic olive oil and hand-harvested olives, together with other regional delicacies.

Equestrian Activities

If you are an enthusiast about horses, or just curious about them, then you probably know that through patience and respect you may conquer the friendship and soul of the Lusitano horse, in an ambiance where no words are needed. 

These loyal friends at Malhadinha Nova Estate can take you galloping through the countryside - if you are an experienced rider - but don't worry, if you are a beginner, they are equally gentle, being perfect companions for a private horseback riding lesson or a sunset tour around the vineyard.

Traditional Alentejo Homebred Workshop

There is no Portuguese food without bread, but it’s in the Alentejo, where bread is such an indispensable element of the local cuisine.  People from Alentejo are definitely not afraid of gluten and so they are very proud of their white, not very heavy, fresh braid.

But as always, what makes it really special is seeing how it’s made! Further, let yourself be guided by the wise hands of the people who have lived here for generations, and take a workshop on the delicious traditional Alentejo homebred.

Bulrush Workshop

The knowledge of craftsmanship rarely starts and ends in the mere creation of an artefact. For those creating original benches and chairs with buinho, this rule is no exception. It is only after harvesting, drying, storing the buinho in a dry place, and molding it to the purpose desired, that the work on the artefact starts. An experienced craftsman can make a buinho set in two or three hours: we will have the fantastic opportunity to experience many of the buinho techniques with Master Pica. Any crafty hands here? Let’s see what you can create!

Winemaker for a day

Did you know that are over 4,000 varieties of grapes identified and cataloged globally? Portugal ranks as the country with the second-largest number of indigenous grape varieties, and many of them may be found in Alentejo. Besides, many new grape varieties have been recently introduced and consequently added widely recognized value, reinforcing Alentejo’s reputation as a leading wine-growing region. Yes, we know our facts matter, but what if you had the chance to actually create your own wine?

You may visit the winery, taste the new vintages and become a winemaker for a day - learn about the different traditional Alentejo grape varieties, creating your own blends. You will be going back home as a true wine connoisseur.

Recreated Traditional Cooking Workshop

Last, but not least, you can´t miss this Recreated Traditional Cooking Workshop and the opportunity to improve and show off your culinary skills with the Michelin star awarded Chef Joachim Koerper, at the Malhadinha Nova Estate. Under the supervision of the chef, you can learn step by step, the genuine recipes of this region and in the end have a wonderful and delectable repast beyond the Tejo.