TAPADA DO CHAVES
A PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY WINES FOR ALMOST 100 YEARS
A HISTORY OF OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY
The history of Tapada do Chaves dates back to the early 20th century when the Chaves family planted the first vines on their small property at the slopes of the São Mamede Mountain Range, beginning a long-lasting relationship of passion and dedication to the land.
Located on the outskirts of Portalegre, in the Alto Alentejo region, Tapada do Chaves is home to two of the oldest vineyards in the Alentejo — planted in 1901 (old red vineyard) and 1903 (old white vineyard) — both still in production today.
With 60 hectares of land and 32 of vineyard heritage — 23 hectares of red varieties and 9 hectares of white — Tapada do Chaves is set in an area deeply shaped by the local landscape and agroforestry cover, which create a distinctive microclimate essential to the quality and typicity of its wines.
Few Alentejo wine estates can claim more than a century of existence. Tapada do Chaves is therefore a unique case in the region. A singular place defined by its heritage and terrain — located atop a granite massif, at an altitude that allows for slow, complete grape maturation, resulting in exceptionally pure aromas and a distinctive freshness in both reds and whites.
From the very beginning of its history, Tapada do Chaves has been recognized with an impressive list of awards and distinctions, which can still be seen today in the various rooms of the estate’s historic winery.
Owning a Tapada do Chaves bottle soon became synonymous with owning the best the Alentejo had to offer. These wines became renowned for their freshness combined with generous, velvety body and remarkable longevity — especially the reds.
IT WAS ALSO THANKS TO THE EXCELLENCE AND RECOGNITION OF TAPADA DO CHAVES WINES THAT THE ALENTEJO ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A REGION OF HIGH-QUALITY WINE PRODUCTION, TODAY DULY REPRESENTED BY ITS CONTROLLED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN STATUS.
In July 2017, a new management team took over Tapada do Chaves with the aim of relaunching the estate’s wines and restoring the fame they once held.
Historically among the most prestigious wines in Portugal — admired for their authenticity and quality — Tapada do Chaves wines developed an almost mythical aura, becoming favourites among wine lovers from Portugal to Brazil.
This authenticity is now being revived under the direction of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation and the estate’s winemaker, Pedro Baptista. The labels have also been redesigned, inspired by the origins of the brand: refined, classic yet contemporary — much like the wines themselves.
