A Different Alentejo

This ecosystem provides refuge for a wide diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including threatened species listed on the IUCN Red List, such as the Iberian lynx, as well as rare and protected birds, among them the Spanish imperial eagle, Bonelli’s eagle and the black stork.

Based on sustainable agroforestry management, oriented towards the medium and long term, the agrosilvopastoral montado system results from a balanced anthropogenic intervention, founded on the coexistence of cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia), alongside other native tree species such as olive trees, strawberry trees and pines. This system plays a fundamental role in soil conservation, water cycle regulation, carbon emission reduction and the maintenance of biodiversity.

On schistous and stony soils, natural habitats of Mediterranean scrub and spontaneous pastures are preserved, favouring a diverse fauna and enabling natural pest control, thereby avoiding the use of pesticides. Native fauna includes, among other species, the Iberian partridge, hare, wild boar, Alentejo black pig and several birds of prey, such as the black vulture and the red kite, ensuring the ecological balance of the territory.

On the higher plateaus, a flock of approximately 1,800 White Merino sheep grazes throughout the year, contributing to soil maintenance, wildfire prevention and biodiversity preservation. Complementarily, the estate promotes beekeeping as an essential activity for ecosystem balance, with 15 apiaries and 359 hives, whose management supports pollination, plant diversity and honey production.

This regenerative management model enables a diversified and sustainable year-round production of forest and agricultural goods — such as cork, acorns, olives, wine, honey, strawberry tree fruit, silarca, and medicinal and aromatic herbs — ensuring soil vitality, ecosystem resilience and the long-term preservation of biodiversity.

Viticulture at Herdade Aldeia de Cima is grounded in a deep understanding of the territory. Climate, soils and rootstocks are carefully studied to define the most suitable micro-terroir for each grape variety. Four distinct zonings have been identified at higher elevations of the Serra and the Mendro Plateau, favouring natural freshness in an increasingly warm Mediterranean climate.

The vineyards cover approximately 20 hectares, planted along the natural contours of the land and divided into 22 small parcels, with different sun exposures and grape varieties adapted to each soil type, promoting resilience and a more precise management of ripening.

In the Serra do Mendro, vines are planted at a spacing of 0.80 m × 2.20 m, while on the Plateau the spacing is 1.00 m × 2.25 m, with a training height of 0.70 m. The predominant training system is unilateral cordon, with the exception of Alvarinho and Arinto, which are trained in Simple Guyot. Traditional vineyard practices, such as cane wrapping instead of topping, are used selectively to protect grapes from sunburn and ensure optimal sanitary conditions.

Soil management is based on preserving natural ground cover, the exclusive use of organic fertilisers and the return of pruning material to the soil as organic matter. Sheep grazing is integrated into the vineyards, contributing to vegetation control, soil fertility and biodiversity.

We work exclusively with Portuguese grape varieties, predominantly indigenous, under organic production. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand by local teams. Water management is highly controlled, relying solely on rainwater collected in small reservoirs, with solar-powered irrigation used only in proven situations of water stress. A pioneering trial using cork granulate at planting has also demonstrated high efficiency in moisture retention and vine adaptation under minimal irrigation.

The traditional Alentejo architecture of the houses and agricultural buildings, originally built in rammed earth and brick, with whitewashed walls and small windows, was restored by Luisa Amorim and Francisco Rêgo, preserving the authenticity of the place and the village’s communal spirit.

The estate maintains an autonomous and sustainable way of life, reflected in a gastronomy based on products from pastoral farming, vegetable gardens and orchards, as well as olive oil, honey and forest nuts, which form the basis of the diet of all those who live and work here.

Herdade Aldeia de Cima actively supports and promotes Cante Alentejano, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, an expression of identity, resilience and a deep connection to the land. The estate also promotes local craftsmanship, particularly traditional Alentejo pottery made from red schist soils.

Each year, in collaboration with the Municipality of Vidigueira, the Escalada do Mendro is held in June, featuring two routes in the Serra do Mendro, open to both running and walking.

Herdade Aldeia de Cima prioritises local employment, working predominantly with people from Santana and neighbouring municipalities, and integrating local suppliers and small farmers into long-term partnerships grounded in sustainability and the preservation of traditions.

In our daily operations, we promote respect for our employees, continuous training, gender equality and social inclusion, ensuring dignified working conditions in the field and encouraging responsible environmental practices.

We provide rules of transparency throughout the entire value chain, not engaging in illegal situations or fraudulent practices in human resources management or business partnerships.

This is the philosophy we seek to reaffirm day after day, strengthening it through experience and available technology, so that we may give back to the land all that we receive from it.