Quinta do Sanguinhal – Lisbon Wine Region
Monica Tindall
Quinta do Sanguinhal, in Bombarral in the Lisbon wine region of Portugal, is an inspiring destination for wine enthusiasts and history lovers alike. This unique estate, owned and operated by the Pereira da Fonseca Family, offers tales and heritage dating back to the 19th century.
We’re fortunate to have a private tour with Ana Pereira da Fonseca Reis, from the fourth generation of The Companhia Agrícola do Sanguinhal. Our tour begins with a walk around beautifully manicured 19th-century gardens separating the buildings from the vines. In the middle, we get a look into the winemaking and old distilling facilities, and the experience ends with a wine tasting.
The story of Companhia Agrícola do Sanguinhal began in the 1920s, when Abel Pereira da Fonseca, a visionary entrepreneur and farmer from Bombarral, established the company to preserve and continue the winemaking traditions of his family. The family-owned company cultivates 95 hectares of vineyards across three estates: Quinta do Sanguinhal, Quinta das Cerejeiras, and Quinta de S. Francisco. These vineyards are located within the renowned Demarcated Region of Óbidos (D.O.C.) in the Lisbon wine region, representing Portuguese winemaking tradition since the early 20th century.
With a focus on wine production, Companhia Agrícola do Sanguinhal yields approximately 700,000 to 750,000 bottles of table wine, spirits, and liqueurs annually. The vineyards showcase an array of grape varieties, including Castelão, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Arinto, Fernão Pires, Vital, Moscatel, Rabo de Ovelha, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. This diverse range of grapes contributes to the creation of an extensive wine portfolio, which includes Quinta do Sanguinhal DOC Óbidos, Sôttal, and Sanguinhal varietals, as well as red, white, rosé, sparkling, dessert, and fortified wines.
In addition to its wines, Quinta do Sanguinhal is also renowned for its production of exquisite liquors and spirits. The winery is a hub for aging these products in wooden barrels and bottles, enhancing their distinct flavours and character. The historic distillery, dating back to 1871, gives insight into the traditional distillation processes once employed to produce brandies and grappa. It makes the mind boggle at the strength and hard work people of the past must have endured.
The tasting is held in the ancient pressing room, adorned with a wood and granite screw press, showcasing the rich heritage of winemaking craftsmanship. Guests can partake in product sampling, and the company has also embraced a wide range of wine-related tourism, offering touristic programs tailored to diverse interests – from vineyard visits and cellar tours to museum explorations and wine events. On the day we visit, the team is readying a room for a 100-person wine dinner due to take place on the same evening.
Whether you’re an oenophile eager to savour the flavours of Portuguese wines or a history enthusiast fascinated by the legacy of winemaking, a visit to Quinta do Sanguinhal promises an enriching experience. Discover the passion, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage embedded within the winery’s walls, and indulge in the delights of Portuguese wine culture.
- Stay tuned for an upcoming article on a wine dinner with Quinta do Sanguinhal, where we taste one of their ranges paired with the cuisine of a top chef in Madeira.
Quinta do Sanguinhal
2540-216 Bombarral, Portugal
+351 262 609 199
enoturismo@sanguinhal.pt
ana.reis@sanguinhal.pt
Quinta do Sanguinhal Wine Tasting Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – Visits at 10:30 am & 3 pm
Find more recommendations for gourmet travel in Portugal here and stay up-to-date with our latest gourmet travel finds here and here.