On this program, you will be able to visit Quinta Vila Rachel guided by its owner, Tiago Cartageno.
Tiago will present a variety of topics such as natural winemaking, organic and regenerative agriculture techniques, preservation of the region's ecosystem, and observation of wild botany. In addition, he will present the history of his family, renowned artists and wine producers for over 200 years in the Douro region.
Tour Duration: 2:30 h / After finishing, the customer can continue to enjoy the space without the accompaniment of our staff.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Schedule: Wine Tastings + Vineyard Tours are held every day at 4:00 PM from July to September ( the rest of the year we only do the Wine tasting program and the Wine tasting + Tour program with our staff ) . They must be booked in advance on our website.
Group Discounts: For groups of 8 or more people we offer a discount. Contact us for more information.
The tour will include the following steps:
1/ Visit to the Museum Room
Here you can learn about the life and work of the Founders of Quinta Vila Rachel, the Sculptors José Joaquim and António Teixeira Lopes. The latter is considered the most recognized and awarded Portuguese sculptor of all time. Their works will be analyzed in detail, some of which are present in the private collection of Quinta Vila Rachel.
You will learn the story of these distinguished artists through Tiago, their direct descendant, who will share his very personal perspective on his family’s history
2/ Visit to the Winery
Our winery is a century-old building where wine has always been produced. Here in this beautiful space, we will explain how we make our wines. These are artisanal processes carried out with the utmost rigor in order to obtain high-quality natural wines. You will also be able to observe our wines aging in clay amphoras, following the ancient tradition that has been used in the region since the time of the Roman Empire.
3/ Visit to the Vineyards
In this step, we will talk about the method of organic production and regenerative agriculture as opposed to massive industrial agriculture. We will talk about the importance of the ecosystem as a whole for the production of wine and olive oil. We will address concepts of polyculture, agroforestry systems, and wild agriculture. We will address the importance and function of the soil microbiome and wild yeasts for wine production. And we will analyze the importance of schist soil for obtaining high-quality grapes.
4/ Visit to Redondo, the private viewpoint of Quinta Vila Rachel
We will visit the Redondo viewpoint where we can contemplate the beautiful Natural Park of the Tua Valley, with the Douro Valley on its horizon.
5/ Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
We will end the visit with a tasting that includes:
- Five wines ( white / orange, rosé, and red)
- One extra virgin olive oil
- Sourdough bread
- Nuts
- Chocolate with salt flower
An explanation will be given of how each of the wines was produced, along with their sensory characteristics.
The tasting will be held on one of our viewpoints overlooking the Tua Valley.
Possibility in the end to buy wines and other products in our physical store.
Reservation Conditions
Outdoor tastings will be held subject to weather conditions. In the event that there are not ideal conditions for them to be held, it will be possible to hold them indoors at the main house.
Activities may be shared with other people depending on the number of reservations. If you would like a private tour, please send us an email for a quote.
Tickets are only refundable in the event of the visit being impossible due to adverse weather conditions, or if you cancel with at least two weeks' notice.
To make a reservation, the customer must pay 15% of the total reservation amount. The remaining amount will be paid at the end of the visit.
