A Morning Visit to Quinta da Aveleda in Vinho Verde 

Having experienced the beauty of Quinta da Aveleda in Vinho Verde twice, I’m ready to return. Another sip of signature wines, a morning walk through the renowned gardens, a stroll through the historic buildings, and a chance to appreciate the stunning vineyards are just a few reasons why I’ll be back as soon as possible. Another reason? I can’t wait to have more conversations with those who are proud to be a part of this winery. Are you ready to visit, too?

Aveleda, founded in 1870, has been owned by the Guedes family for five generations. Now, the company is run by two members of the 5^th generation, António Azevedo Guedes and Martim Guedes who are caretakers of the Aveleda philosophies: maintain the sustainable treatment of the environment, adhere to biodiversity in the vineyards and pay close attention to detail. Under the umbrella of Aveleda S.A are the brands Aveleda, Adega Velha, Quinta Vale D. Maria, Quinta D’Aguieira Follis and Casal Garcia. Three Portuguese wine regions are represented in the wines of the brands: Vinho Verde, Douro and Bairrada. In fact, the company is the biggest producer and exporter of Vinho Verde in Portugal with exports of award-winning wines to over 80 countries around the world.

This month, the #winePW crew are exploring wines, foods for pairing and fascinating talking (or writing!) points about the Vinho Verde region in north Portugal. Please see the introductory overview of the region here, then enjoy my colleagues’ discoveries found at the conclusion of this article.

The Historic Property at Quinta da Aveleda

When you visit (and you will!), stop in the large courtyard, view the old corn hut and reminisce upon the grape growers and workers of long ago. When you set foot in the time-worn kitchen from the 19^th century, think of the scent of freshly baked bread or harvest soup cooked by the Guedes family for the workers. A short walk from the kitchen is the “cradle of wine production at Quinta da Aveleda,” the cellar from 1850 that had the space to keep 300 oak barrels. On the path to the gardens, gaze upon the architecturally significant, ivy covered main house that’s still home to members of the Guedes family.

The lush gardens are stewards of rare species of trees such as the Japanese Cedar, the Swamp Cypress Tree, and the American Sequoia. Of note, are the more than 100 species of camellias that dot the landscape. The central lake, the tea house and the Nossa Senhora da Vandoma fountain are part of the family history that’s now preserved for fortunate visitors to appreciate. For more about the property and experiences that can be enjoyed, please click here.

Wine and Food at Quinta da Aveleda

One of the several experiences at Quinta da Aveleda is their guided wine and cheese pairing in the new hospitality area located in the large, contemporary loft space above the wine shop. Paired with three cheeses from the Quinta da Aveleda brand, founded over 30 years ago, were Casal Garcia, a young and lively sparkling wine, Quinta de Aveleda, a rich and broad wine of Loureiro and Alvarinho cultivated on granite and sand soil and Alvarinho from grapes cultivated in estate vineyards.

The salt, acidity and fat in each cheese complemented the wines… and it was our group’s job to choose our favorite pairing. The Casal Garcia from the vineyard that produced the first wines of that name 80 years ago, burst with citrus and salinity. The bubbles were a beautiful counterpoint to the creaminess and acidity of the cheeses and upon my return home, I purchased a few (incredibly affordable) bottles for more refreshing sips. The Quinta da Aveleda boasted notes of tropical fruit and intense lemon and the fruit-forward, mineral-driven Alvarinho was perfection with each cheese.

After a morning of exploration and learning about the property and wines of Aveleda, lunch on the terrace was served. Proving yet again that refreshing wines from Vinho Verde pair with a plethora of dishes, we dined on bacalhau, pasta, charcuterie, sandwiches, sardines, roasted vegetables, desserts and more. The crisp, intense, flavorful wines of Vinho Verde complemented the diverse meal from the first sip to the last bite. Of course, sweeping vineyard views added an extra “wow” factor to the gathering!

When considering your trip to the Vinho Verde region, Quinta da Aveleda is a must-visit. In preparation, though, find a bottle from the winery and pair with your favorite foods or their own recipe for Shrimp Crostini (click here) as you enjoy their detailed website. It’s never too soon to plan your next wine adventure!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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Ready to learn more about Vinho Verde? Enjoy the following articles from my #WinePW colleagues.

Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Cam shares Foods from Around the World Paired with Pink Wines from Portugal

Liz Barret of What’s In That Bottle? is thrilled with Va Va Va Vinho Verde: the Portuguese White That Wows

Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles answers What is Vinho Verde?  5 things I didn’t know about this perfect summer wine

Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm savors Tomato Poached Cod with Vinho Verde Wine.

Linda at My Full Wine Glass realizes that Distinctively ‘laurel” Vinho Verde Delivers with Seafood and Salad

Nicole at SommsTable is loving Vinho Verde and Simple Seafood Feast

Payal at Keep the Peas is pairing Sem Igual Vinho Verde with Peixe Caldine

Gwendolyn at Wine Predator says Vinho Verde: A Green Wine That’s White from Portugal Paired with Tuna, Tomato, Basil, Orzo #WinePW

Martin at Enofylz is Pairing Maria Papoila Vinho Verde with Summer Pizza

Susannah at Avvinare explains how Vinho Verde Meets Homemade Sushi

Terri at Our Good Life savors Scallops, Smashed Peas and a Great Vinho Verde

Pinny at Chinese Food and Wine Pairing achieves A Successful Hunt Down of a Red Vinhao Escolha from Vinho Verde DOC #WinePW