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FItaPreta

By Kate
21st November, 2024

Fitapreta Winery, located in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, was founded in 2004 by winemaker António Maçanita and viticulturist David Booth. Sandra Sárria joined the team as a partner in 2008 and now Sandra and Antonio are the winemakers behind the bottles.

In 2010, he helped bring "vinho da talha" back to Portugal with the release of his Branco de Talha. A style of winemaking using amphoras or clay pots. This all falls under the Fitapreta umbrella. In 2016, Fitapreta moved to the Paço do Morgado de Oliveira. There, they began restoring the 14th-century estate. In 2018, António Maçanita launched wines from the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard. It has old, traditional Alentejo grape varieties. He aimed to recover a piece of Alentejo's lost history.

Fitapreta covers approximately 100 hectares, with grape varieties like Arinto, Baga, and Tinta Miúda cultivated on the estate. The vineyards are spread across various regions, including Évora, Redondo, Borba, and Fronteira, with some located near the Serra d’Ossa (Ossa Mountains), where winemaking has been a tradition since the 14th century.

Fitapreta sources its grapes from a variety of carefully selected vineyards across the region. These premium grapes are bought from trusted growers and are managed by Fitapreta's expert viticulture team. Additionally, Fitapreta has acquired a 20-hectare property with an old vineyard, where vines that are about 50 years old produce a mix of grape varieties typical of the Alentejo region.

On Fitapreta’s own estate at Graça do Divor, near Évora, new vines have been planted. These include varieties such as Arinto, Perrum, Folgazão, Baga, Tinta Miúda, Tinta Grossa, Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, and Touriga Nacional. Additionally, 6 hectares have been dedicated to rootstock, which will later be grafted with local varieties.

The winery experiences at Fitapreta are truly exceptional. They offer much more than just a tour and tasting—they provide an immersive experience into the heart of Alentejo’s winemaking.

Wine and food experiences for 8 or more people

Food and Wine Experience: Light-Bodied Lunchtime
This option gives you a lighter experience. The tasting includes 3 wines and a buffet of Alentejo snacks, which include fresh cheese, sausages, salads, and small seasonal dishes. Finish with a trilogy of typical regional desserts. We have options that are suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies. We also offer a children's menu. Add a winery tour for €10. (3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here

Food and Wine Experience: Medium-Bodied Lunchtime
This unique wine experience includes a 4-wine tasting. It comes with seasonal dishes that pair with each wine. Enjoy a selection of small dishes. Then, choose a main course, like codfish with cornbread or roasted lamb. A trilogy of desserts wraps up the meal. We can accommodate vegetarian options and food allergies. For an extra €10, add a tour of the winery. You will not want to miss that. (3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here. 

Food and Wine Experience: Full-Bodied Lunchtime
Indulge in a 4-wine tasting paired with Alentejo’s delicious flavors. Enjoy seasonal starters and snacks like fresh cheese and country bread. Then, choose a main course, such as roasted lamb or black pig pork cheeks. Finish with a trilogy of desserts. Vegetarian options and adaptations for allergies are available, and children's meals are included. You will want to add a winery tour for an extra €10. (3-4 hours, 8 person minimum). Book here.

 

 

Wine and food experiences for 8 or more people
Wine and food experiences for 8 or more people
Wine and food experiences for 8 or more people
Wine and food experiences for 8 or more people

Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience

If you are a foodie, this tour is designed for you. Start with a cooking class on Alentejo's best cuisine. You'll also learn about FitaPreta's exceptional wines. For an extra €10, you can take a tour of the winery, making this experience even more special. Perfect for a corporate outing or a family get-together! (3 hours, 6 person minimum). Book here.

Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience
Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience
Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience
Cooking and Wine Pairing Experience

Masterclass with António Maçanita

If you're looking for a one of a kind, truly unique winery experience, this is for you. FitaPreta's winemaking team leads the class. It will give you a firsthand look at the art of winemaking. You'll see the bold, innovative methods the winemakers use. After a tour of the property, enjoy a tasting of 12 wines, paired with a cheese board and 100% acorn-fed ham. (3 hours, 8 person minimum).

Masterclass with António Maçanita

Winemaker for a Day

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a winemaker? This hands-on experience lets you create your own wine blend, design its label, and even sell it! You'll learn to spot grape traits by tasting single varietal wines and making your own blend. The day ends with you presenting your wine to the group in a fun way, and they crown a winner! (3 hours, 12 person minimum). Book here.

Winemaker for a Day
Winemaker for a Day

Visit and Master of Wine Tasting

This is the perfect experience for true wine lovers. It explores Alentejo wines and selections from the Douro and Pico Island in the Azores. Taste 10 wines of your choice. They will be paired with local tapas, including cheese and acorn-fed black pork ham. (2.5 hours, 4 person minimum). Book here.

Visit and Master of Wine Tasting
Visit and Master of Wine Tasting

Tour and Tasting: Wine Geek

This tour is for those who want to learn about winemaking. It takes you through the property and cellars. You'll get a unique look at the winemaking process. You'll even taste wines from steel vats or French oak barrels. Then, enjoy 7 wines paired with local cheeses and acorn-fed ham. (2 hours, 2 person minimum). Book here. 

Tour and Tasting: Wine Geek
Tour and Tasting: Wine Geek

Visit and Big Picture Wine Tasting

During this curated wine experience, you will take a deeper dive into the history of FitaPreta and its medieval palace. This tour and tasting experience includes 5 wines. They will pair with a selection of three local cheeses. This is the perfect tour if you are traveling alone as the minimum to book is only one person. (1.5 hours, 1 person minimum). Book here.

Visit and Big Picture Wine Tasting
Visit and Big Picture Wine Tasting

Fitapreta, as you can see, offers a wide range of wine experiences to choose from. The number of people in your party is the primary factor that determines the outcome. Unlike many wineries throughout Portugal, there is a tour for the solo traveler. This is very uncommon. Usually, you will need 2 people to book a winery experience. Otherwise, they gear many of their tours for groups of 8 or more. So, grab some friends, work colleagues, or family, and book a few Wine XP customized tours.

 

*all photos come from Fitapreta or Wine XP visits to the winery.

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