VV Winery 8: Quinta de Santa Teresa (A&D Wines)

We made it! It’s the last stop on the most beautiful adventure through Vinho Verde. Nestled on a mountain top in the subregion of Baião, Quinta de Santa Teresa is a sight for sore eyes - and honestly, arriving here at dusk was the icing on the cake and the most perfect way to end the trip! 

With the highest vines located about 350 meters above sea level, this vineyard is actually one of the only certified organic vineyards in all of Vinho Verde. The altitude definitely is a plus here as the vines aren’t as susceptible to fungal growth because there’s less moisture in the air. In fact, building on this fact - the oldest vines on the property are actually over 200 years old - and that, my friends, are some pre-phylloxera vines!

Along with being certified organic, you can tell that this winery is doing what they can to be green. In fact, as we speak, they’re installing about 100 solar panels to help with the energy consumption on the property. 

The tasting room is the most picturesque I’ve ever visited with stunning views over Baião and the Douro river valley, plus it’s essentially a glass box positioned directly in front of the swimming pool (surprise, surprise!). The property makes 4 single varietal wines, and the terroir that these vines grow on are mostly granite; however you can find some schist outcrops as well. One of their more famous native varieties, Avesso, does particularly well on this property - we did get to try it, and I’m sold on it! Wish I could’ve brought a case home with me. 

And that’s it, friends. That’s a wrap on an adventure of a lifetime. Here’s hoping another opportunity like this pops up again :)