Quinta do Boição, acquired in 1983 by Caves Velhas, is part of the Enoport Wine Group and is located in Bucelas, the capital of the Arinto grape variety. Bucelas is one of the smallest demarcated regions (since 1911) in Portugal and it is from this white grape variety Arinto that all of its DOC wines are produced. It is also part of the Bucelas, Carcavelos, and Colares wine route, which all have very special characteristics.
It is thought that wine was already made during the Phonecian and Roman times in this area, and Arinto was already cultivated here during those times. However, it is known that wine was very much appreciated by historical figures such as the Duke of Wellington and even Shakespeare, who mentioned them in his play Henry VI.
The estate has a total area of 45 hectares, of which 32 are vineyards. They have planted mostly the Arinto grape variety, as well as some red varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Syrah, Caladoc and Merlot, and have 2.5 hectares of old vines, which are over on average over 50 years old. These old vines produce their Quinta do Boição wine and the renowned Caves Velhas Bucelas, a true ex-libris of this region.
As part of its wine tourism, the estate offers guided visits, wine tastings and gastronomic experiences, and seasonal activities like the harvest and pruning. In addition, visitors can walk through the vineyards, understand the region's terroir, and learn about the famous Arinto grape variety and the estate's still and sparkling wines.
In addition to the winery, visitors will also see the historical building of Caves Velhas, old cellars located in the centre of Bucelas. This building is being recovered to allow visits, tastings and other wine events where visitors can appreciate wines with many stories and memories.
