Quinta de Soalheiro
(Winery in Vinho Verde, Monção, Melgaço)
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About Winery and Wines
Quinta de Soalheiro, located in Melgaço, has a long and innovative history tied to the cultivation of the Alvarinho grape. In 1974, João António Cerdeira and his parents decided to break from the traditional method of planting grapevines around the outskirts of a parcel and instead planted an entire vineyard dedicated to Alvarinho. This pioneering move established the family as a key contributor to the development of Alvarinho wine in the region.
Today, the third generation of the family — siblings Maria João and António Luís — continues to embrace this spirit of innovation. Maria João, a veterinarian, has successfully introduced organic farming practices, while António Luís, an oenologist, has further developed the family's deep understanding of the Alvarinho grape. The family’s commitment to sustainability also includes the revitalization of the surrounding rural area, with investments in wine tourism and the recent addition of herbal tea production to their offerings.
Quinta de Soalheiro remains a leading example of innovation in viticulture, blending tradition with forward-thinking approaches.
Quinta de Soalheiro is located in the Monção and Melgaço region, the northernmost subregion of Vinho Verde DOC in Portugal. This area is renowned for its distinct microclimate, which is ideal for growing Alvarinho, a grape variety that originated and evolved here. The region’s climate benefits from the protective influence of the surrounding mountains, creating a significant difference between warm days and cool nights, which is crucial for preserving the grape's aromas and freshness.
The name Soalheiro, meaning "sunny," reflects the excellent sun exposure of the estate's vineyards. Since 2006, the winery has practiced organic agriculture, producing wines like Soalheiro Terramatter and Soalheiro Nature from exclusively organic vines. Committed to environmental sustainability, the estate has taken steps to support biodiversity and promote sustainable practices throughout the region.
Soalheiro continues to evolve with its recently upgraded winery, which enhances winemaking processes while respecting tradition. A special section within the winery is dedicated to innovation, where new wines and techniques are explored. Alvarinho remains at the heart of Soalheiro’s diverse wine range, which is categorized into families: fruity, mineral, natural, sparkling, and a special category of innovative partnerships.
Services
Parking Free
Pet Friendly