Description of Experience
Between the river, the wine, the landscape and the memory
The Lima sub-region is one of the nine that shape the Vinho Verde Region, distinguished by its Atlantic lushness and by the deep-rooted relationship between wine, agriculture and traditional ways of life.
In this valley, the Loureiro grape variety finds particularly favourable conditions to thrive. Ponte de Lima — one of the oldest towns in Portugal — emerges as a historic riverside centre, marked by a rich cultural heritage and a long-standing wine tradition, visible in its many historic estates.
The journey continues towards Sistelo, a village classified as a National Monument and emblematic of rural Alto Minho. Here, a more rustic and ancestral expression of Vinho Verde takes shape, traditionally produced for domestic use and shared with cornbread, the region’s emblematic bread.
Along the way, time is also given to a regional lunch and to a visit to the Aphros Wine project at Quinta do Casal do Paço. Recognised by Jonathan Nossiter as a major reference in contemporary European wine, this sustainable project offers a refined interpretation of Loureiro and of the territory that sustains it.
A day shaped by the quiet interweaving of landscape, wine and memory, at the unhurried rhythm of the Lima Valley.
Experience details
EXPERIENCE DURATION
● Approx. 7–8 hours
WAY OF EXPERIENCING
● Territory mediation, led locally
● Road journey through the landscape between Ponte de Lima and Sistelo
● An integrated reading of the landscape, in dialogue with wine, agriculture, and rural architectur
● Encounter with the diverse expressions of Vinho Verde, from traditional styles to contemporary sustainable projects
● Calm and attentive pace, with time to observe, listen, and understand
DAY UNFOLDING
● Group meeting and introduction to the experience
— Lima Valley, Loureiro grape variety and historical-cultural context
● Journey through the valley landscape
— Ponte de Lima and its wine heritage
● Travel to Sistelo
— Encounter with the deep rural Alto Minho landscape
— Local wine tasting with the accompaniment of traditional cornbread
● Regional lunch
● Visit to the Aphros Wine project (Quinta do Casal do Paço)
— Introduction to the project and an insight into its biodynamic wine production
● Closing and return to the meeting point
EXPERIENCE CONDITIONS
● Experience available from a minimum of 2 participants
VALUE OF THE EXPERIENCE
● €200 per person
● For groups of 5 or more people, the price per person can be adjusted.
— Designed for a minimum of two participants, the experience is attentively guided, allowing time, care, and meaningful engagement
WHAT IS INCLUDED
● Territory mediation, led locally
● Transport
● Regional lunch
● An encounter with a selected wine producer, accompanied by guided tastings
● Experience the rustic essence of Vinho Verde in Sistelo
● A journey between the Lima Valley and Sistelo, and the cultivated landscapes that surround them
● Civil liability and personal accident insurance
● VAT
MEETING POINTS
● Ponte de Lima
● Arcos de Valdevez
● Monção
— Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo: subject to availability and upon request
Gallery
