Quinta da Pellada
Historic Legacy: Winemaking at Quinta da Pellada dates back to 1527, with Álvaro Castro revitalizing the estate in 1980.
Unique Terroir: Vineyards located at altitudes of 450-600 meters in granitic soils, benefiting from a climate that promotes slow ripening and complexity in the wines.
Organic Viticulture: Committed to organic practices and minimal intervention winemaking to ensure the true expression of the land.
Field Blends & Single Varietals: Renowned for producing both field blends like “Naked Vine,” which incorporates 48 grape varieties, and single-varietal wines, showcasing the diversity of Dão’s indigenous grape varieties.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Dão region, Quinta da Pellada is a winery with deep historical roots, tracing its origins back to 1527. The estate was revived in 1980 by Álvaro Castro, a civil engineer who, inspired by his family's winemaking legacy, returned to the land to craft wines that reflect the true character of the terroir. Since its revitalization, Quinta da Pellada has earned a reputation as one of the leading wineries in Dão, known for producing wines of exceptional quality and complexity.
The vineyards are located in the Serra da Estrela sub-region, at altitudes ranging from 450 to 600 meters, where the cooler, mountainous climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness and complexity. The soils here are predominantly granitic, imparting a distinct mineral character to the wines. Organic viticulture is practiced across the estate, with minimal intervention winemaking ensuring that the wines reflect their origins with purity and precision.
Quinta da Pellada is particularly renowned for its field blends, such as the acclaimed “Naked Vine,” a unique cuvée that incorporates 48 different grape varieties, including the region's flagship Touriga Nacional. This wine exemplifies the estate’s commitment to preserving the traditional practices of Dão winemaking, while showcasing the diversity of its indigenous grapes. In addition to field blends, Quinta da Pellada also produces a range of single-varietal wines, each a true expression of the Dão’s terroir.
Álvaro Castro’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. His careful attention to detail and respect for the land are evident in every bottle produced at Quinta da Pellada. Over the years, the winery has grown to be a benchmark for quality in the Dão, admired for its wines' depth, elegance, and ability to age gracefully.
Today, Quinta da Pellada continues to be a family-run operation, with Álvaro’s sons, João and Pedro Castro, playing an integral role in the winery’s ongoing success. Their hands-on approach ensures that each vintage continues to uphold the values set forth by their father and grandfather, allowing Quinta da Pellada to maintain its place among Portugal’s finest wine estates.