Herdade do Esporão

The boundaries of Herdade do Esporão were established in 1267, making it one of Portugal's most historically rooted estates. The modern winery was founded in 1973 by José Roquette and Joaquim Bandeira, then nationalized following the 1975 Carnation Revolution. The first commercial wine, Esporão Reserva, was produced in 1985. Second-generation leadership under João Roquette began in 2006, and the estate achieved full organic certification in 2019.

• Estate boundaries first recorded in 1267
• Winery established 1973; nationalized 1975 after Portugal's Carnation Revolution
• Esporão Reserva, first wine produced, launched in 1985
• João Roquette took over leadership in 2006, driving the organic transition

Esporão achieved full organic certification in 2019 and holds WASP sustainability accreditation. The estate represents approximately 18-29% of Portugal's total organic wine production, placing it among the largest organic wine producers globally. Sustainable farming practices include natural pest control using bats and sheep to manage the land. An ampelographic field planted in 2010 holds 189 grape varieties, supporting ongoing climate adaptation research.

• Certified organic since 2019; WASP sustainability certified
• Natural pest control using bats and sheep grazing between vine rows
• Ampelographic field with 189 varieties planted 2010 for climate research
• Accounts for an estimated 18-29% of Portugal's organic wine production

Located within the Reguengos de Monsaraz subzone of Alentejo DOC, the estate sits at 200-400 meters elevation and benefits from a Mediterranean climate with a continental microclimate. Summers are extreme, with more than 20 days exceeding 35°C and annual sunshine exceeding 3,000 hours. Rainfall in the wettest months averages below 80mm. Seven soil types are found across the estate, including granite, schist, crystalline limestone-derived soils, Mediterranean brown and red soils, clay, and loam.

• Elevations range from 200 to 400 meters above sea level
• Mediterranean climate with continental influence; over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine
• Fewer than 80mm of rainfall even in the wettest months
• Seven soil types including granite, schist, clay, and loam across one estate

Esporão grows 14 documented varieties across its estate, with a strong focus on native Portuguese grapes. Red plantings include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Bastardo. Whites include Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Arinto, Verdelho, Alvarinho, and Semillon. The estate was a pioneer in introducing Touriga Nacional, Verdelho, and Semillon to Alentejo. Wines are produced as organic red and white blends, with fermentation often in traditional lagares and aging in concrete tanks rather than oak.

• 40 grape varieties in full commercial production across organic vineyards
• Pioneer in planting Touriga Nacional, Verdelho, and Semillon in Alentejo
• Traditional lagar fermentation used alongside concrete tank aging
• Focus on native Portuguese varieties with minimal interventionist winemaking

Esporão was among the first wineries in Alentejo to open its doors to visitors, launching wine tourism in 1997. Today the estate features a Michelin-starred restaurant and holds a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Beyond wine, the estate produces olive oil and craft beer under the Sovina label. The group has expanded geographically, acquiring Quinta dos Murças in the Douro and Quinta do Ameal in Vinho Verde.

• First winery in Alentejo to offer wine tourism, opening in 1997
• On-site Michelin-starred restaurant with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability
• Produces olive oil and Sovina craft beer alongside wine
• Group now includes Douro estate Quinta dos Murças and Vinho Verde's Quinta do Ameal