This year, Tapada de Coelheiros, in Arraiolos, once again invites visitors to experience up close two key moments in its agricultural calendar: the grape harvest in August, and the walnut harvest, which may begin from the second week of September, depending on weather conditions. These two experiences celebrate the harmony between nature and human labor, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the life of this unique estate for a day.
During the months of August and September, visitors are invited to participate in the grape harvest, a unique and important moment in the agricultural calendar. The Tapada de Coelheiros grape harvest program includes:
-
Ripeness analysis: Observe and understand the different stages of grape maturation, learning about the ideal properties and levels for beginning the harvest. Gain insights from the experienced Tapada de Coelheiros team into the subtle factors that influence the characteristics of the wine.
-
Jeep tour: Explore the estate while observing some of the local fauna and flora, as well as the methods that promote regenerative, organic, and sustainable agriculture, for which the producer is renowned.
-
Winery visit: Discover the estate’s exceptional wines and learn the secrets behind the winemaking process.
-
Wine tasting: Sample five wines paired with a selection of regional delicacies and snacks.
“The 2025 harvest is progressing with slow and consistent ripening, which allows us to adjust the picking schedule for each plot. So far, the harvest is exceeding expectations, reinforcing optimism about grape quality, especially if weather conditions remain stable without extreme heat waves until the end of the process. Sharing this moment with visitors is also a way to showcase the complexity of the process and the technical precision behind everything we do,” comments Luís Patrão, winemaker at Tapada de Coelheiros.
With the arrival of autumn, the walnut grove takes center stage. One of the oldest in the Alentejo region, it is managed according to regenerative agricultural practices and holds organic certification. The walnut program includes:
-
Jeep tour of the estate and vineyards with stops at the walnut grove: Participants will have the opportunity to handle and crack a walnut in the field (subject to availability), learn about the different varieties, and understand the sustainable practices applied in their cultivation.
-
Visit to the walnut pavilion: Learn about the processes behind walnut production, from harvest to the finished product as we know it.
-
Tasting experience: The program concludes with a tasting of walnuts paired with five Tapada de Coelheiros wines and accompanied by regional products.
“Beyond wine, our approach considers Tapada de Coelheiros as a whole. Everything works better when all the surrounding organisms are in harmony and balance, and the walnut grove is a very important part of this ecosystem,” says João Raposeira, Agricultural and Sustainability Director.
Both programs are available at €75 per person, by prior reservation. Spaces are limited and bookings can be made through the Tapada de Coelheiros website, by email at enoturismo@coelheiros.pt, by phone at +351 266 470 000, or via WhatsApp at +351 927 324 551.
In addition to these seasonal programs, Tapada de Coelheiros offers year-round wine tourism experiences, including guided tours, tastings, and traditional lunches focused on the Alentejo terroir, all rooted in the principles of regenerative agriculture that define the estate’s identity.
