Fitapreta Wines
Honoring tradition with modern innovation.
About a twenty-minute drive from the center of the ancient city of Évora, Portugal, is Fitapreta Vinhos (Wines), a relative newcomer to the Portuguese wine production scene in the Alentejo region of the country.
While many of the vineyards and wineries throughout Portugal have been family owned and operated for generations, Fitapreta was established in 2004 by António Maçanita and his friend, the late David Booth. Since its inception, Fitapreta has embarked on a journey of discovery and exploration, meticulously crafting wines that pay homage to Évora's storied past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
A disruptive nonconformist.
António Maçanita, who is self-described as a disruptive nonconformist, is committed to producing wines that reflect the rich heritage of the Alentejo region while employing new techniques to create bold, fresh wines. He has a deep respect for the culture, history, and the land on which he grows his grapes and produces his wines in a region known for its hot, dry summers and limestone-rich soil. An ambitious man, Maçanita, as winemaker and consultant, produces wines in four different wine regions under different labels.
An ancient Paço.
Passing through the impressive gates, the landscape is dotted with stone walls, old trees, ancient structures, and rows upon rows of grapevines that seem to go on endlessly. Continue driving along the bumpy, narrow, dirt road and approach an imposing stone structure – the home of Fitapreta wines as well as the home of António Maçanita, which also happens to be an ancient Paço.1
Dating back to the early 1300’s, Paço do Morgado de Oliveira is a work-in-progress monitored by archaeologists and Maçanita himself. Once the estate of the Saldanha family, this structure has layers upon layers of historic importance and is one of the oldest structures in Évora. In fact, an area still under excavation within the building indicates that this may be the oldest wine cellar in Évora.
Combining the old with the new.
Built in 2017, the wine tasting room and most of the wine production is housed in a modern facility adjacent to the Paço. Cork was chosen as the material for the walls.
Visitors to Fitapreta Winery are greeted with warm hospitality and a chance to learn more about winemaking. Guided tours offer insight into the winemaking process, from vine to bottle, allowing guests to witness firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into every vintage. Tastings provide an opportunity to savor a selection of Fitapreta's wines, from crisp, aromatic whites to full-bodied, elegant reds, each offering a glimpse into the diversity and complexity of Alentejo wines.
An emphasis on sustainable practices.
The winery places a strong emphasis on sustainability and organic practices, ensuring that each bottle reflects a deep respect for the land and the environment. From hand-harvesting the grapes to employing minimal intervention in the cellar, every step of the winemaking process is carefully executed to preserve the integrity of the fruit and highlight the unique character of the Alentejo terroir.
As a beacon of excellence in the heart of Évora, Fitapreta Winery continues to chart new territories, crafting wines that honor tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation.
If you visit:
Tours and tastings by appointment (English speaking)
Free parking on the premises.
Modern restroom facilities.
The tasting room is accessible for persons with disabilites. The tours require climbing stairs. Part of the Paço is sometimes available for guided tours but the flooring is uneven and there may be construction equipment to navigate.
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Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
(1) The Portuguese word paço is a masculine noun that translates to "palace" or "court" in English. It comes from the Old Galician-Portuguese word paaço, which also means "palace", and the Latin word palātium, which also means "palace".
Carol,
I enjoyed your profile. Would love to visit there. Cheers, Tricia
You present such a compelling story. With the photos you've encouraged us to add another adventure! On a side note, a writing professor friend is asking bloggers how they feel about AI; do you have any thoughts I can pass along to her?