Part of our “Latergram ” series. This trip took place June 2022.
Our first stop of the day is at the historic Palácio da Brejoeira, located in Monção, Portugal.
This is a 19th-century neoclassical monument renowned for its architecture, 18-hectare Alvarinho vineyard, and extensive gardens. Built between 1806 and 1834, this “L-shaped” granite mansion was designed by Carlos Amarante and has been a national monument since 1910.
Key Historical Details
• Construction: Commissioned by Luís Pereira Velho de Moscoso, the palace was constructed on the former Quinta do Vale da Rosa.
• Architecture: It features neoclassical style with baroque influences, featuring three towers, a chapel, a theater, and a winter garden.
• Ownership & Evolution: The estate has changed hands several times. In 1937, it was purchased by Comendador Francisco de Oliveira Paes, whose daughter, Maria Hermínia Silva d’Oliveira Paes, revitalized the property.
• Wine Production: In the 1960s, the estate shifted towards high-quality wine production. Maria Hermínia planted the Alvarinho grape variety, leading to the renowned “Palácio da Brejoeira” wine brand in 1976.
• Public Access: The palace, gardens, and winery opened to the public for tours in 2010, offering a glimpse into its history, art, and viniculture.
Estate Features
• Gardens & Woods: The property includes 7.5 acres of gardens, including a Camellia garden and English-style gardens, as well as 20 acres of woods.
• Winery: The estate houses a modern winery that produces the famed Alvarinho wine and Aguardente.
• Tours: Visitors can tour the mansion’s lavishly decorated interior, including the ballroom, library, and private chapel
WINE TASTING & GROUNDS TOUR
As a aprt of our visit to this historic landmark, we were able to tour the grounds as well as sample some of the delicious wines that are made here. Here are some more pictures of the grounds…
It was also neat to see all the old equipment they used to make their wines.
My favorite space was inside where the barrels and large concrete pit was where they pressed the grapes and aged the juice in the barrels.
This was a really cool tour and if you are in the area, you might want to add this to your list of places to visit.
LUNCH AT DOM JULIO
Since the Palacîo da Brejoeria took most of the morning it was time to laod back o=up on our tour bus and head to lunch.
Dom Júlio in Vila Nova de Cerveira (Northern Portugal) is a highly-rated restaurant, often praised for its excellent picanha, cozy atmosphere with a fireplace, and quality service. It serves traditional European/Portuguese cuisine and is located on Rua da Tomada, near the N13 road
This is Ana and Antonio our trade mission tour hosts along with the Mayor at the time from Vila Nova de Cerveira.
Nothing like getting to have a nice 10 year old tawny port with your afternoon meal.
BACK ON THE BUS
With lunch behind us, it was time to hop on our tour bus and head the afternoon’s tour stop at the Alîança Underground Museum.
In the Alliance it is possible to try a new concept of wine and art by visiting the two attractions simultaneously.
Come visit us to get to know them!
- Archaeological Collection,
- African Ethnographic Collection,
- Zimbabwe Contemporary Sculpture,
- Minerals,
- Fossils,
- Tile shop,
- Ceramics of Caldas,
- India – Myth, Sensuality and Fiction.
There was literally too much to see and take it all in so if you do visit, give yourself some time to wander and read the history.
We closed out our Underground Museum visit with a great wine tasting.
WINDING DOWN THE DAY
With another full day in the books, it was time to head for our accommodations for the next night or two at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort. Talk about quiet, peaceful resort with an amazing sunsets, well here you go.
I’ll post more images in the next post as I’m beat and it’s nice to have a break to rest before our group dinner down in the main dining room.
