Stop…
… and observe. You are overwhelmed with sensations when staying at Quinta de Ventozelo. It is not just the view of the River Douro, or the neatly aligned vines, that surprise. It is also the stunning, penetrating silence and the unmistakable richness of scents that fill the lungs with every step. The magnitude of what one feels when visiting the farm inspires you to discover this place in depth.
The Past
Quinta de Ventozelo was once farmed by Cistercian monks who inhabited the region in the Middle Age. The monks transformed local agriculture and began production of port wine. The first historical mention of Ventozelo dates from 1288, but around 1500, by assignment of the Cistercian Monastery of S. Pedro das Águias, the Estate came into the hands of the hidalgos of Casa do Poço from Lamego.
One of the largest and oldest of the Douro estates, it has passed through different hands down the centuries, each moulding and transforming it into what it is today.
The Present
In 2014, Quinta de Ventozelo was acquired by Gran Cruz, the largest port wine exporter in Portugal, which had already been transforming its grapes since 2011.
Gran Cruz’s strategy since then has been to enhance the property’s huge potential. This not only includes developing the richness and diversity of its wines but also focusing on olive oil and wine/nature tourism.
In its total engagement with the Estate and its terroir, the main focus has been to emphasise and preserve its simplicity and authenticity.
The Future
The Ventozelo project is designed to transform the Estate into a unique and model property in the region without losing sight of its history. Affirming the excellence of its wines and other agricultural products, safeguarding the natural wealth of its habitats and fostering biodiversity – these are the key steps to ensure its long-term productive and environmental sustainability.
The challenge involves affirming the prestige and renown of the Ventozelo brand, escaping the routine and exploring new paths. And that implies art. Not just art in the sense of a masterful expertise and brio but art allied to the ability for scientific and technical innovation – an intermingling of areas of knowledge that boosts each one, combining tradition with modernity. We want Quinta de Ventozelo to be a place that is increasingly about offering unique and memorable sensations, be it through experiences of nature, wine, olive oil or even just contemplation.
The Place
Located on the left bank of the River Douro as you arrive at Ervedosa, Quinta de Ventozelo is one of the region’s most beautiful and impressive estates. This vast amphitheatre overlooking the river is “the gateway to the silence of the Douro Valley”, where time seems to flow more slowly. The calmness and close connection to nature are its main intangible value.
The Place
Located on the left bank of the River Douro as you arrive at Ervedosa, Quinta de Ventozelo is one of the region’s most beautiful and impressive estates. This vast amphitheatre overlooking the river is “the gateway to the silence of the Douro Valley”, where time seems to flow more slowly. The calmness and close connection to nature are its main intangible value.
At night, the sky fills with stars.
The nights are extraordinary at Quinta de Ventozelo.
The Diversity
The unique geography of Quinta de Ventozelo provides countless possibilities to explore. A large part is covered with Mediterranean forest that is home to many plant and animal species. Some of the Estate’s land is dedicated to producing olive oil, honey, fruit and cork, but it is grapes that are the main crop. The farm is a genuine biodiversity reserve.
The Vineyard
Ventozelo’s exceptional soil and climate are ideal for winemaking. Of all the species and crops that cohabit here, it is grapes that dominate. The 200 or so hectares, with over a million vines, extend from the banks of the river (at around 130 metres altitude) to the farm’s high point (at above 500 metres) where the grapes achieve a striking freshness.
The aim of the technical team is to enhance what makes this terroir so special, based on its varying altitudes, sun exposure, vine age, planting density, grape variety and conduction systems.
Understanding this complexity and adapting to best winegrowing practices to obtain unique wines is an exciting challenge. Every Ventozelo wine preserves the essence of this place and always with the elegance and balance of the great Douro Valley wines.
The People
If Quinta de Ventozelo today is a genuine Douro sanctuary, it is due to the work of many hands, all striving towards the same goal: to grow, nurture, value and above all honour this great treasure that has been bequeathed to us.
It is the people, after all, who make the difference. It is everyone’s commitment and contented dedication – from growing the grapes to harvesting, transforming, creating batches, marketing and selling the wine – that give this project its body and soul and transport the Douro Valley all around the world.
