This past fall, I got to host Pedro Ribeiro, the co-owner and winemaker at Herdade do Rocim, for a wine tasting. Herdade do Rocim was started by the grandfather of his wife, Caterina Viera. Pedro and Caterina have been a winemaking dream team since he joined Rocim in 2013. Caterina now focuses more on viticulture and Pedro on winemaking. He, and his wife, are some of the most well known and respected winemakers in Portugal. It was such a privilege to meet him.
The focus at Herdade do Rocim is not only about making beautiful wines. They focus on the sustainability of their land, but also the sustainability of the region. Their viticulture and winemaking are focused with a respect for tradition, especially the ancient practices of the Alentejo region. They use modern cellar techniques and work with talha or amphora wines. Using clay amphorae to ferment and age wines is a process that boosts their purity, texture, and gives the wine a strong sense of place. These methods are not about nostalgia or trend chasing. They are part of a long local history, which enables the wines to develop in a natural manner and to clearly and subtly reflect the vineyards and grape varieties.
You may know that I write for the Wine XP blog. Herdade do Rocim is one of their winery partners. I’ve had the privilege of writing about the wines and the winery before. I’ve been able to enjoy a lot of the Rocim portfolio the past few years as well, but meeting Pedro in person changed everything. Hearing his passion, understanding why he chooses certain vineyard sites, and watching him speak with such joy to a room full of strangers made it all click. It was one of my most memorable wine moments of 2025.
For a lot of wine writers reading this, moments like this probably feel routine. For me, they are not. I don’t get to travel to Portugal very often, or really travel much at all. When I do, it is to see my elderly in-laws. Wine doesn’t pay enough to keep me on the road, and for someone with health issues, press trips aren’t realistic for me. Most of the travel I do comes out of my own pocket, so when something like this happens, it means a lot to me. I don’t take it lightly. But enough about me. Let’s talk about Pedro’s wines.
I have to start off by telling you that Ribeiro’s Mariana Rosé was our favorite rosé from this past year. We were able to drink it often as I sold it when I worked at Grapevine Cottage. The rosé is a blend of touriga nacional and aragonez, also known as tempranillo. Touriga nacional makes some of my personal favorite rosé wines. This wine has depth minerality and is bursting with citrus and red fruit flavors. It’s a wine that pairs with so many foods but is wonderful alone, too.
Ribeiro’s white wines are a blast. From an easy-drinking Vinho Verde, light and refreshing, to bold, saline-forward highly acidic varieties. There is something for every palate to enjoy.
Goivo Vinho Verde is a wine you should always have chilled at home. It is easy drinking, low alcohol, perfect for a random work night, to drink while making dinner or to enjoy with friends. It’s got your typical citrus notes along with some riper stone fruit to tip it slightly ahead of other Vinho Verde wines.
Mariana Branco is the wine you have for your friends that prefer sweet wines but want to try a dry wine. There is a sense of sweetness on the palate due to the fruit having very ripe qualities. The pear is more like a pear drop candy. It really is quite lovely. If someone wants to get into white wines in the Alentejo, this is the white wine to start with.
Rocim Verdelho is incredible. It has that silky and slightly oily texture you find in most verdelho wines. It won’t be for everyone, but for people who love tropical fruit notes and a medium to full bodied white wine that works great with food, will fall in love with this wine. It is my favorite verdelho wine that I have had so far.
Oceânico Arinto dos Açores is the quintessential white wine from Pico island. If you want to try a stunner white wine that will leave you wishing it wasn’t so pricey, this is it. For me, it hits all the spots I want in a white wine. Salinity, minerality, crisp fruit bursting on your tongue. It’s a wine that you never forget, you remember what you were wearing, who you were with, what you ate and even what you talked about. It is that good.
Mariana Tinto is a red blend from the Alentejo region. It’s the red wine I would recommend to anyone that wanted an entry red wine into the region. It has a little something for every red wine drinker. It is fruity, smooth and will definitely get someone interested in trying more wines from the region.
Vale de Mata is a red blend from the Lisboa region, bursting with fresh acidity, smooth, silk tannins and loads of red and black fruits. This is a food lovers wine. It pairs with so many types of food, but don’t think you can’t enjoy this on its own either.
Raio de Luz Douro is a red blend from the Douro region. The grapes come from vineyards in each of the sub-regions of the Douro Valley. Lots of dark fruits, spice and earthiness make this a classic Douro red wine, but the fact the fruit comes from all three regions give the wine a little something different than your typical Douro red wine.
Rocim Touriga Nacional shows exactly why this grape gets so much respect. It’s fresh and fragrant, packed with red and dark fruit, with subtle spice and a touch of licorice underneath. It is a perfect example of what this grape can do when you stay true to its nature.
O Estrangeiro is by far the show stopper in this line up. This wine is from the Dão region, south of the Douro Valley, made from a field blend of old vines. It has depth, complexity and is absolutely delicious. I love this wine so much that I now buy it anytime I can find it. This is a wine you bring to birthday parties, anniversaries, you share this with the people you love.
Rocim makes some stunning amphora wines that sadly we didn’t have this time during the tasting. But I have had them before and can say with certainty that they are damn good as well.
If you have the opportunity to grab one of his wines, make sure you do. A lot of these are pretty readily available throughout the United States. In the red and white line up there are wines for every palate. Don’t forget the rosé, it really is my favorite.
If you live in Portugal, or are visiting Portugal, Herdade do Rocim does offer some wonderful tour experiences. I highly recommend booking them through Wine XP, they make it so easy for you to schedule the tour and possible add ons.
Herdade do Rocim offers five unique wine experiences to choose from. Depending on what you are in teh mood to
Visit & Rocim Estate Wine Tasting
Your experience begins with a tour of the winery and wine shop, offering a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process. The visit concludes with a tasting of four wines, white, rosé, red, and reserve red, accompanied by regional cheeses and smoked meats from the Alentejo.
This experience explores the ancient tradition of amphora winemaking, known in the Alentejo as talha wines. Guests visit the historic amphora cellar before enjoying a tasting of several amphora wines paired with regional Alentejo delicacies.
This experience is a journey through the comforting, traditional flavors of the Alentejo, each course thoughtfully paired with wines from Herdade do Rocim. The meal begins with a selection of regional cheeses and cured meats, followed by a warm starter such as bean soup or scrambled eggs with asparagus. The main courses highlight local specialties including black pork cheeks with migas, the beloved Alentejo bread dish, and grilled cod loin with potatoes finished with Rocim’s own olive oil. Dessert brings everything to a sweet close with almond pie, orange, and ice cream.
Bucha from Alentejo served with estate wines
This experience begins in the vineyard, where you will learn about the vines and see the grapes arriving at the winery during harvest, followed by an explanation of the winemaking process. The visit continues with a tasting of the traditional harvest lunch locals enjoy, known as the “bucha.” Served buffet style with Herdade do Rocim wines, the table includes regional favorites such as cheeses, charcuterie, scrambled eggs with asparagus, tomatoes and mushrooms, fresh bread with olive oil, fruit, and a few simple desserts. Available August until September 9th Tues to Sat 11-13h.
Grape Foot Treading & harvest experience -available in September
This experience brings together two deeply rooted Alentejo traditions: the harvest and the music that has long accompanied it. Guests take part in the grape harvest and traditional foot treading while local Alentejo singers fill the winery with song. It is a joyful, hands on celebration of harvest season paired with the wines of Herdade do Rocim. If you are visiting in September, this is an unforgettable way to experience the region.
11:00 Welcome with a glass of Herdade do Rocim wine along with local cheeses and charcuterie from the Alentejo.
11:30 Visit to the “teaching vines” with an explanation of the harvest process.
13:30 Traditional Alentejo barbecue featuring local pork and migas, the classic bread based dish, along with other regional bites.
16:00 Foot treading of grapes.
17:30 End of the experience.
The experience includes guides accompanying the group, a commemorative t-shirt and hat, and a tasting of Rocim amphora wines.
Ribeiro's wines are reason enough to pay attention, but being there, seeing it, and experiencing it firsthand is what stays with you. Herdade do Rocim is one of those places that lingers long after you leave.
