The Herdade do Portocarro is located south of Lisbon, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, surrounded by olive groves and horse paddocks, in the midst of a fertile and idyllic region where the ancient Romans already grew grapes, as evidenced by the discovery of ancient coins and wine amphorae. Administratively, the estate belongs to the region of the Setúbal Peninsula, but geographically, it is located in the Alentejo.
It enjoys a warm to moderate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, shaped by its proximity to the sea, which is reflected in the exceptional quality of the wines.
The Herdade consists of an 18-hectare vineyard sloping to the south and a rice field directly on the Sado River, where biodynamic rice farming is carried out, which is sold throughout Europe in gourmet shops under the name “Loverice”.
The project was founded in 2003 by José Abreu da Mota Capitão, who, thanks to his visionary work, quickly gained nationwide and increasingly international recognition. In 2016, he was named “Portuguese Wine Producer of the Year” by the renowned Portuguese wine magazine “Wine – Essencia do Vinho”.
José, who is also called Pepe or Capitão (Captain), works with old, almost extinct indigenous varieties as well as classic local grape varieties and also likes to experiment with traditional winemaking methods, such as fermenting the grapes in French oak barrels. In doing so, he follows a philosophy based on the exclusive production of high-quality wines in limited quantities. Integrated pest control without human intervention ensures that the wine can express its full potential.
The result is innovative, balanced, and elegant wines with a completely unique and multifaceted personality, which are taut and earthy, and are also characterized by exceptional freshness. In short: wines that impress and inspire, wines for the cultured and discerning connoisseur who seeks and loves the difference. 
By the way: The name “Portocarro” is composed of “Carro” (Portuguese for “cart”), the name of the highest mountain in the region, and “Porto”, a small boat landing that has marked the landscape for centuries. This dates back to the time when transport was still predominantly carried out by boat.
Address: Herdade do Portocarro, São Romão do Sado, 7595-033 Torrão, Portugal
Website: https://www.portocarro.com/de/
