Herdade Do Sobroso
In 1519, a historic moment unfolded when King D. Manuel I bestowed upon Vasco da Gama the prestigious title of Count of Vidigueira. It was within the serene embrace of this charming Alentejo town, nestled amidst the sprawling golden plains adorned with cork trees, olive groves, and vineyards, that the illustrious explorer who had discovered the sea route to India chose to reside with his family for a significant period.
Today, Herdade do Sobroso finds its place within this evocative landscape, a terrain steeped in historical echoes and heritage, now uniquely shaped by its proximity to Europe's largest artificial lake, the Alqueva Dam.
The story of Herdade Do Sobroso unfolds against the backdrop of Sofia and Filipe's youthful ambitions. Still college students at the time, their lives were forever changed when Sofia's father acquired the expansive 4,000-acre estate that would become Herdade Do Sobroso. Together, this enterprising young couple embarked on the ambitious task of establishing one of Alentejo's most extensive vineyards. Their dedication and unwavering commitment shine through in every drop of Herdade do Sobroso wine, a testament to their enduring pursuit of quality.
Nestled in the heart of Vidigueira, Alentejo, Herdade do Sobroso is enveloped by the Mendro mountain range to the north, the graceful Guadiana River to the east, and a vast, uninterrupted plain stretching as far as the eye can see to the south. In this harmonious natural setting, the fertile land has found its home, and it is here that the winery stands as a beacon of modernity and functionality, dedicated to the production of wines of unparalleled quality.
From its inception, Herdade do Sobroso has remained steadfast in its commitment to respecting nature, promoting balance, and championing environmental sustainability. The guiding philosophy revolves around sustainable agriculture, where safeguarding the environment takes center stage.
The wines crafted at Herdade do Sobroso are a testament to this commitment—intensely elegant, marked by aromatic complexity, and graced with natural freshness.
Situated within a Single Terroir, along the banks of the Guadiana River, in the esteemed DOC region of Vidigueira, the vineyards thrive with a rich array of grape varieties. Among the reds, you'll find Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro, and Petit Verdot. The white wines, on the other hand, derive from Antão Vaz, Arinto, Alvarinho, Verdelho, and Perrum varieties.
In the realm of Herdade do Sobroso, wine production harmoniously melds with the enchantment of its surroundings and the beauty of nature, giving rise to not just a winery but a leisure center—a place where the confluence of modernity and tradition creates wines that stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Alentejo.
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Filipe Teixeira Pinto - Winemaker
Born in Porto, the city where he studied and lived until he turned 18 years old, he then enrolled in the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in 1993 and graduated in Oenology.
Following numerous wine harvests in Douro and the Vinho Verde Regions, including experiences at Quinta do Cotto and Sandeman, he sought new challenges by heading to Australia where he worked in the prestigious McLaren Vale region. Having been involved at Herdade do Sobroso since 2002, he knows the project that he has accompanied in detail from its genesis to the present day
Luis Duarte - Consultant
A renowned Portuguese wine consultant with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Recognized as one of the country's foremost vignerons, he holds the unique distinction of being named Winemaker of the Year an unprecedented three times (1997, 2007, and 2014) by Portugal's technical press. His expertise is further validated by his nomination for Best Winemaker by Germany's prestigious Der Feinschmecker magazine in 2010.
With a proven track record of success, Luis has played a pivotal role in numerous acclaimed wine projects throughout Portugal. His exceptional contributions were acknowledged in 2015 when he was honored with the Order of Business Merit, Class of Agricultural Merit, by the President of the Republic of Portugal.
Born in Angola in 1966, Luis returned to Portugal at a young age and pursued his passion for winemaking at the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). He subsequently established his career in the Alentejo region where he currently resides with his family.