Fitapreta Wines
Honoring tradition with modern innovation.
The entrance to the estate. Photo by Paul Wilcox.

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 Ma?anita 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 Ma?anita, 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, Ma?anita, as winemaker and consultant, produces wines in four different wine regions under different labels.

An ancient Pa?o.

The landscape of Fitapreta. Photo by Paul Wilcox.

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 Ma?anita, which also happens to be an ancient Pa?o.1

Pa?o o Morgado de Oliveira. Photo by Paul Wilcox.

Dating back to the early 1300’s, Pa?o do Morgado de Oliveira is a work-in-progress monitored by archaeologists and Ma?anita 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.

The Pa?o. Photos by Paul Wilcox.

Combining the old with the new.

Modern wine making facility. Photos by Paul Wilcox.

Built in 2017, the wine tasting room and most of the wine production is housed in a modern facility adjacent to the Pa?o. 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.

Fitapreta tasting room. Photos by Paul Wilcox.

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:

Website

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 Pa?o is sometimes available for guided tours but the flooring is uneven and there may be construction equipment to navigate.


1 - The Portuguese word pa?o is a masculine noun that translates to?"palace" or "court" in English.?It comes from the Old Galician-Portuguese word paa?o, which also means "palace", and the Latin word palātium, which also means "palace".?

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