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<\/a><\/p>\nOn the left side of the estate is a chapel, where the King would go to give penance for the evil acts he was about to commit (guess that makes it ok?).\u00a0 A secret passageway was built to give access to the house directly from the chapel.\u00a0 Wouldn’t want to have to walk in the rain after saying 20 Hail Mary’s!<\/p>\n
The estate has made wine for 150 years, but it really took off in 1988, when it’s current owner purchased the property and started commerical wine making.\u00a0 They kept some historical items however, and still use them.\u00a0 Here are the vats where the wine is still crushed by foot.<\/p>\n Most of the whites are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, while the reds use a combination old and new of French and American oak (80% French, 20% American).\u00a0 Seems to be a common theme here in Portugal to use 20-30% American oak.<\/p>\n We tried 5 wines, and they were all decent.\u00a0 Well worth the visit!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n