Exploring the Sintra Wine Region: A Journey Through Colares’ Unique Wineries
Sintra, known for its whimsical palaces and lush landscapes, holds a lesser-known treasure along its Atlantic coastline—the Colares wine region. This unique terroir, shaped by wind, sand, and sea, produces some of Portugal’s most fascinating and historic wines. Colares, one of the country’s smallest and oldest DOC regions, thrives in a rugged yet beautiful setting where vineyards struggle against the coastal elements to create wines of remarkable character. Here, we journey through three wineries that define this distinctive region: Casal Santa Maria, Adega Viúva Gomes, and Adega Regional de Colares.
1. Casal Santa Maria: Where the Atlantic Meets Elegance
Address: Rua Principal 19, Casas Novas, Colares
Website: www.casalsantamaria.com
Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Casal Santa Maria is often referred to as the “westernmost vineyard of continental Europe.” The winery’s spectacular location, combined with the cool maritime climate, lends a fresh and mineral-driven profile to its wines. While relatively young, Casal Santa Maria’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Founded by Baron Bodo von Bruemmer at the remarkable age of 96, this winery has rapidly become one of the region’s rising stars.
The vineyards are nestled between the ocean and the Sintra Mountains, where indigenous grape varieties like Malvasia de Colares and Ramisco are grown in sandy soils, free from phylloxera—an extraordinary feature that allows the vines to grow on their original rootstock. Casal Santa Maria’s whites, particularly the Malvasia, stand out for their lively acidity, citrusy notes, and distinct mineral quality, while their reds, especially the Ramisco, offer structured tannins and a taste of wild herbs and red berries.
Visitors to Casal Santa Maria will be treated not only to exceptional wines but also to breathtaking views and a glimpse of a winery that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Tasting experiences often include a walk through the vineyard’s dramatic slopes, guided tours, and an intimate tasting session at their scenic estate.
2. Adega Viúva Gomes: A Taste of History
Address: Av. Maestro Frederico de Freitas 14, Almoçageme
Website: www.vincolares.pt
In the heart of Colares, Adega Viúva Gomes stands as a testament to the region’s winemaking heritage. Established in 1808, this historic winery is renowned for producing wines that embody the essence of Colares. It’s one of the few places where visitors can truly taste history—many of their wines are aged for decades before release, providing a rare glimpse into how Colares wines develop over time.
Viúva Gomes is particularly known for its Ramisco reds and Malvasia whites, both of which flourish in the sandy soils of Colares. The Ramisco, a varietal indigenous to the region, thrives in the tough coastal environment, producing wines with firm tannins and high acidity, making them ideal for long-term aging. Their Malvasia de Colares, on the other hand, offers an elegant balance of fruit and minerality, capturing the essence of the Atlantic breeze in every sip.
A visit to Adega Viúva Gomes feels like stepping back in time. The winery retains its original charm, with rustic cellars, traditional equipment, and rows of ancient wine barrels. Guided tours offer insight into the historical winemaking techniques that continue to define Colares wine, and tastings of their richly complex, long-aged wines provide a rare opportunity to experience vintages that date back decades.
3. Adega Regional de Colares: Preserving Tradition
Address: Avenida do Atlântico, Colares
Website: www.arcolares.com
No exploration of the Colares wine region is complete without a visit to Adega Regional de Colares, one of the most important institutions safeguarding the region’s unique winemaking traditions. Founded in 1931, this cooperative winery has been a guardian of Colares’ distinctive viticulture, working with small-scale local producers to ensure the survival of indigenous grape varieties like Ramisco and Malvasia de Colares.
The wines here are made from ungrafted vines, thanks to Colares’ phylloxera-resistant sandy soils—a rare find in the global wine world. Adega Regional de Colares is particularly famous for its Ramisco-based reds, which are aged for many years before being released, developing a deep complexity with layers of earthy, herbal notes, red fruit, and a signature briny edge. Their Malvasia de Colares is equally impressive, a white wine with floral aromas, zesty citrus flavors, and a beautiful saline minerality, reflecting the influence of the nearby ocean.
A visit to Adega Regional de Colares offers an authentic deep dive into the region’s winemaking history. Tours typically take guests through their extensive cellars, showcasing massive oak casks where wines age gracefully. The tastings here are a revelation, particularly for those curious to see how the wines evolve over time. Don’t miss the opportunity to try older vintages of their reds—these long-aged wines are a remarkable experience that speaks to the longevity and quality of Colares wines.
A Hidden Gem of Portugal’s Wine World
The Colares wine region is a place where tradition, resilience, and innovation come together in perfect harmony. Though small in size, the region’s contribution to Portugal’s wine identity is vast, offering wines that are both rare and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to the windswept vineyards of Casal Santa Maria, the centuries-old cellars of Adega Viúva Gomes, or the cooperative spirit of Adega Regional de Colares, each visit offers an intimate look into a winemaking legacy that’s survived against all odds.
A journey to Colares is more than just a wine tour—it’s a step into a world where the past is carefully preserved, and where each glass tells a story of survival, passion, and the indomitable spirit of a truly unique wine region.
