Located in the heart of Portugal's Alentejo region, the charming town of Estremoz stands as a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wine production, Estremoz has rightfully earned its reputation as a wine town worth exploring. 

The Alentejo region has earned a reputation for its exceptional wine production, and Estremoz is no exception. The rolling hills surrounding the town are adorned with vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. The region's warm climate, combined with the limestone-rich soils, creates the perfect conditions for grape cultivation. Many wineries in Estremoz offer guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the winemaking process firsthand and sample a variety of local wines, including Alentejo's signature reds made from grapes like Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet.

Estremoz is also famous for its marble production, which has been a significant part of the town's economy for centuries. The marble quarries in the region have provided the material for renowned works of art and architecture worldwide. Interestingly, the unique terroir of the marble-rich soils influences the character of the local wines, imparting distinct minerality and complexity. Exploring the marble industry and its connection to winemaking adds an intriguing layer to the wine experience in Estremoz.

The jewel in the crown of Estremoz is Herdade das Servas,  an impressive winery located just north of the town. The winery has a colorful history dating back to 1667, when it was founded by the Serrano Mira family. The same family oversees it today. 

Over the centuries, the family accompanied the cultivation of grapes and the production of quality wines. Today the Herdade das Servas covers almost 1,000 hectares. The vineyards are grown on clay-limestone soils, which provide unique conditions for growing grapes.

The winery produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites and rosés, which are made from traditional grapes from the Alentejo region, such as Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Antão Vaz and Arinto. Herdade das Servas wines are known for their quality and unique expression, reflecting the terroir of the region.

In addition to its outstanding wine production, Herdade das Servas also offers wine tourism experiences to visitors. That can start with tours of the vineyards, with a visit to the production facilities and elegant  wine tastings, where everyone can appreciate the wines produced on the property.

In 2022 the winery re-launched their Legacy Winery Restaurant, set in the middle of the Herdade das Servas. The modern and elegant dining room has sweeping views of the estate, and offers contemporary Alentejo  cuisine, inspired by the traditions and heritage of the region.  Reservations are recommended, and be ready to try not only the cuisine but the wines that inspired it.

The menu has more than 20 dishes to choose from, including appetizers such as roasted partridge in marinade. Main courses include a rack of grass-fed lamb with roast potatoes, chestnuts, black pork secrets with asparagus and migas, braised octopus with tomato migas and Swiss chard and smoked pea hummus with roasted vegetables, mushrooms and fried chickpeas. All are served by a friendly and professional staff. To go with the cuisine, there is a wine menu too with wines from Herdade das Servas and Casa da Tapada, in the Vinho Verde region.