Arvad: a wine haven in the heart of the Algarve

Located on the banks of the Arade River, overlooking the historic city of Silves, Arvad Winery represents one of the most fascinating wine tourism offerings in the Algarve. Founded in 2016, this winery blends the region’s winemaking tradition with oenological innovation, offering visitors unique experiences in a privileged natural setting.
Its presence at FINE #WineTourism Marketplace is an exceptional opportunity to discover the wine richness of this area of Portugal and the uniqueness of its wines.
The history of this wine haven
The name “Arvad,” meaning “refuge,” evokes the historical connection of this land with the ancient trade routes of the Phoenicians, who introduced vine cultivation to the region. The Algarve, with its Mediterranean climate influenced by the Atlantic and clay-limestone soils, has been a winemaking enclave since time immemorial. Arvad revives this legacy and transforms it into high-quality wines that reflect the identity of their terroir.
The winemaking project began in 2016 with the planting of vineyards on land exposed to northern winds, creating a significant daily temperature range that favours the balanced ripening of the grapes. Since 2019, the winery has been under the oenological direction of Bernardo Cabral, renowned for his expertise in producing exceptional wines.

Image: Arvad
Experience Algarve wine at its best
Arvad is not just a winery but a wine tourism destination designed to immerse visitors in a complete sensory experience. Its wine tourism offerings include:
- Prova da Palavra (Superior Tasting): a guided tour of the vineyards and winery, followed by a tasting of three harvest wines (white, red, and rosé) and a premium wine of choice, accompanied by regional bread, cheese, and olive oil.
- Prova da Troca (Premium Tasting): similar to the previous one, but with a broader selection of premium wines, complemented by regional cured meats, cheeses, and preserves.
- Prova da Descoberta (Discovery Experience): a total immersion in the wine landscape, including a buggy ride through the vineyards and a picnic with views of the Arade River. A basket with local products and a bottle of Arvad harvest wine is provided.
- Picnic nas Vinhas (Picnic in the Vineyards): an exclusive experience allowing visitors to enjoy a picnic among the vineyards, with traditional products and selected wines.
Each of these offerings aims to connect visitors with the history of wine in the Algarve, combining tasting with exploration of the territory.
The perfect place to discover the area
Arvad stands out for its focus on quality and sustainability. The winery works with both indigenous and foreign varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Negra Mole for reds, and Alvarinho, Arinto, and Sauvignon Blanc for whites. The combination of modern techniques and respect for the environment allows for wines with a marked expression of the terroir.

Image: Arvad
Moreover, its privileged location by the Arade River not only influences the profile of its wines but also enriches the wine tourism experience. The winery has designed a space where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, offering a welcoming environment for those seeking to discover the essence of Algarve wine.
Arvad is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking an authentic experience in Portugal. Its combination of history, landscape, quality wines, and carefully designed wine tourism offerings makes it a reference destination in the Algarve. Arvad’s presence at FINE 2025 is an invitation to learn more about this exceptional winery and to be captivated by the flavours of a territory with centuries of winemaking tradition.