The Rota dos Vinhos da Beira Interior presents a unique wine tourism experience, inviting wine lovers to discover one of the highest and most authentic winemaking regions in Portugal. Their participation in the upcoming Valladolid Fair reinforces their commitment to promoting the rich wine and cultural heritage of Beira Interior, bringing their unique offerings to an international audience.

Conditions for a unique wine

Beira Interior, located in the heart of central Portugal and bordering Spain, is a region characterised by its mountainous and rugged terrain. The Marofa, Malcata, and part of the Serra da Estrela mountain ranges dominate the landscape, while the Côa, Mondego, and Zêzere rivers meander through its valleys. This geography, along with altitudes ranging between 400 and 700 metres, has been conducive to vineyard cultivation since ancient times.

The winemaking tradition of Beira Interior dates back more than two millennia, with evidence of wine production enduring through the centuries. The harsh climate, with cold winters and hot summers, along with predominantly granite soils, imparts unique characteristics of freshness and acidity to the region’s wines, especially appreciated in their white wines.

Image: CVR Beira Interior

Experiences for all the senses

The Rota dos Vinhos da Beira Interior encompasses a wide range of experiences designed to immerse visitors in the wine culture and history of the region. This route includes visits to vineyards nestled in majestic landscapes, wine tastings guided by experts, and activities that allow a close-up look at the winemaking process.

The route covers various municipalities, including Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel, Almeida, Guarda, Celorico da Beira, Sabugal, Covilhã, Fundão, Penamacor, Belmonte, and Castelo Branco. Each offers not only wineries and vineyards but also historical monuments, rural accommodations, and a rich and varied gastronomy that complements the wine tourism experience.

The Solar do Vinho da Beira Interior, located in the historic city of Guarda, serves as the headquarters of the route and a starting point for visitors. In addition to providing detailed information about available activities, the solar has a wine shop where it is possible to purchase more than 140 references from the region, facilitating access to local wines both in person and through their online platform.

Wine can also be made at altitude

The Beira Interior region is distinguished by its dedication to producing high-quality wines, resulting from a combination of traditional practices and innovative techniques. The altitude of the vineyards, which in some cases exceeds 750 metres above sea level, along with the thermal variations between day and night, contributes to a slow and even ripening of the grapes. This process results in wines with balanced acidity and complex aromatic profiles.

The predominant grape varieties in the region include, for whites, Síria, Fonte Cal, Malvasia, and Arinto; and for reds, Rufete, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. This varietal diversity, along with unique geoclimatic conditions, allows the production of fresh and aromatic white wines, as well as reds with notes of wild fruits and spices.

The commitment to quality is also reflected in the growing number of producers in the region. While there were approximately 18 producers in the year 2000, by 2018 this number had risen to 60, evidencing significant development in the winemaking production of Beira Interior.

Image: CVR Beira Interior

Discover a hidden corner of Portugal

The participation of the Rota dos Vinhos da Beira Interior in the upcoming edition of FINE represents an exceptional opportunity for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts to discover the uniqueness of this Portuguese region. Its combination of stunning landscapes, historical heritage, and superior quality wines makes Beira Interior a reference wine tourism destination.

All attendees are invited to visit the stand of the Rota dos Vinhos da Beira Interior at the fair, where they can obtain detailed information about the available routes, participating wineries, and offered wine tourism experiences. Additionally, it is recommended to explore their official website to plan future visits and deepen their knowledge of this fascinating wine region.