Harvest of Soalheiro is celebrated with the family and with the help of everyone 

From the 1st to the 15th of September, Soalheiro invites all wine lovers to discover the unique culture of harvesting in the region of Monção and Melgaço. In this territory, the harvest is a traditional, gastronomic and family event, shared and lived in community. Soalheiro wine tourism has prepared a unique opportunity to harvest side by side with the families of winegrowers who help to materialize the Soalheiro project, living with them the culmination of another year dedicated to the culture of Alvarinho. 

The program begins in the vineyard, with the picking of the grapes, where visitors have the opportunity to participate in the harvest in collaboration with the families that make up the Clube de Viticultores do Soalheiro, getting to understand more about the vineyard, the grape, the variety and the process, by the hands of those who care. Afterwards, there is a visit to the cellar and cellar, with an explanation of the winemaking process. At the end of this stage, a special tasting of different Alvarinho musts and the wines they produce is scheduled – Sparkling Brut Alvarinho, Soalheiro Clássico, Soalheiro Granit and Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas – ending with a typical lunch accompanied by Alvarinho and The Pur Terroir infusions, dessert and coffee. 

«The tradition of harvesting in Monção and Melgaço is unique. Families organize themselves, invite neighbors, friends and turn this work day into a day of celebration, a social gathering, a sharing between generations in which everyone is welcome. It is a unique opportunity to feel the Alvarinho culture in our territory, to understand the importance of a good harvest. It is the essence of the Minho spirit: during the lunch break, the table is set up, the pots are served and, of course, wine is drunk. All of this, in a family atmosphere, among friends, as tradition dictates», says Maria João Cerdeira, responsible for wine tourism and manager of Soalheiro. 

The program is available by prior appointment. You can make your reservation in advance by emailing enoturismo@soalheiro.com or by calling + 351 251 416 769. 

Soalheiro, a pioneer in the creation of Alvarinho wine in Melgaço, was distinguished for three consecutive years in the top 100 of the World’s Best Vineyards (2021, 2022 and 2023), a poll of the best wine tourism experiences in the world carried out by around 500 wine enthusiasts which includes press, sommeliers and luxury tourism correspondents. 

HARVEST PROGRAM – from the 1st to the 15th of September: 

 10:00 am – Reception at Soalheiro, distribution of harvesting shears and introduction to the territory with a panoramic view over the Alvarinho valley 

 10:30 am – Participation in the harvest of a family from the Clube de Viticultores do Soalheiro 

 11:30 am – Snack in the vineyard and a glass of Alvarinho 

 12h00 – Visit to the cellar, cellar, tasting of Alvarinho musts and 4 references of wines that they originate 

 13:30 – Typical harvest lunch accompanied by Alvarinho and The Pur Terroir infusions, dessert and coffee 

 3:30 pm – End of program 

 Information also available on the website – Link 

*Offer of a Soalheiro glass and an invitation to come back next year and taste the 2023 harvest already bottled.  

MORE PROGRAMS: 

 For those who prefer other alternatives to get to know the region and its traditions, Soalheiro offers wine tastings and tours of its first vineyards, gastronomic journeys through the Minho cuisine or tastings of infusions, a unique and yet to be discovered part of the local culture. Everything happens in the winery (Soalheiro), in the garden where the plants are used to make the infusions (Casa das Infusões) or in the place where organic vegetables are planted and the traditional smoked meats are produced (Quinta de Folga). It is also possible to make a custom order. Reservations via email enoturismo@soalheiro.com or by telephone through the number + 351 251 416 769. 

All information available here: Link