Esporão – winery from Portugal

Esporão is one of Portugal's most famous wineries and originates from the Alentejo, near Reguengos de Monsaraz. Herdade do Esporão has a history dating back to 1267, when the geographical boundaries of the estate were established. These boundaries have remained virtually unchanged since then.

The winery was founded in 1973 and grew into an internationally renowned producer of Portuguese wines. Although its origins lie in the Alentejo, Esporão now also makes wine in other important Portuguese wine regions, including the Douro and Vinho Verde.

Herdade do Esporão

Herdade do Esporão is located in the Reguengos de Monsaraz sub-region and covers approximately 1,840 hectares. Of this, about 441 hectares consist of vineyards. The area has large temperature differences, various soil types, and enormous biodiversity. The combination of warm, dry conditions and cooling provides ideal conditions for viticulture.

Esporão has also strongly committed to organic viticulture. The vineyards in the Alentejo are now fully organically certified. The winery works with cover crops, composting, natural pest control, and techniques for efficient water use, among other things.

Portuguese grape varieties

An important part of Esporão's style is the use of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties. Dozens of different varieties are planted in the vineyards. These include Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Antão Vaz, and Verdelho.

Esporão also has a so-called ampelographic field of approximately 10 hectares with no less than 189 different grape varieties. This is intended to preserve the Portuguese viticultural tradition while simultaneously investigating which grape varieties are suitable for the future and for changing climate conditions.

Esporão Reserva

One of the most famous wines of the house is Esporão Reserva. The first Reserva was made in 1985 and grew into an icon of Esporão and the Alentejo. It is noteworthy that the labels of the Reserva wines are designed each year by a different Portuguese artist. Thus, each vintage is not only a different wine but also a small work of art.

Esporão and sustainability

Sustainability has become an important part of Esporão's philosophy. The transition to organic farming began in 2007, and Herdade do Esporão was fully organically certified in 2019. The winery combines traditional knowledge with modern techniques to protect soil, water, and biodiversity as effectively as possible.

Fun fact

The boundaries of Herdade do Esporão have remained virtually in the same place since 1267. This means Esporão has a wine estate with almost 760 years of history under the same geographical boundaries. And wine and olive oil are still produced here.

Discover the wines of Esporão

At Vechtstreek Wijnen, you will find various Esporão wines, including the renowned Reserva wines and other distinctive Portuguese wines. Discover the different styles and grape varieties and taste for yourself why Esporão is one of Portugal's leading wine producers.