Lavradores de Feitoria with harvest program 

The most anticipated time of the year has opened: the harvest has already begun. In Douro, Lavradores de Feitoria kicked off, or rather, the entry of the grapes into its cellar, on the 17th of August. A start that ensured that everything was in place for the recreational-didactic aspect, with wine tourism promoting the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ programme, already in force. 

 Lavradores de Feitoria has several farms spread across the three sub-regions of the Douro, but the headquarters, winery and wine tourism are located in Quinta do Medronheiro, next to Estrada Nacional 323, in Sabrosa. Thus, this is once again the chosen place to carry out this wine tourism program. As this is a property of 6.5 hectares of vines in organic production, with only white varieties, the harvesting activity involves the cutting and picking of these grapes, which is rare, since they are usually made of cutting and treads and walks red grapes. That is why the holding of the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ has a duration limited to the next days of August and the 1st of September. 

The charismatic Eduardo Ferreira, head of wine tourism at Lavradores de Feitoria, is the host of this and other programs, with the harvest program beginning with a welcome to the enchanted Douro valley and a brief explanation of the activity in question. To this is added the delivery of harvesting material – scissors and basket – and the offer of a straw hat and a t-shirt, so that they can go dressed to the nines to the vineyard, where they will cut and collect grapes. They then proceed for a guided tour of the cellar, bottling line, barrel and finished product rooms, where the wines rest for due aging, storage and history. In the cellar, after the grape reception area, a strategic stop to taste new musts and wines. After a lot of history and some stories, told by Eduardo Ferreira, an excellent spokesperson for the Douro Demarcated Region, the oldest in the world, it’s time to go up to floor 1, for an educational tasting of three wines – from the Terroir range – , accompanied by regional cheeses and sausages. In the end, it’s time to visit the store and choose, if you wish, to extend the Lavradores de Feitoria wine experience to other places, with the purchase of wines – and also some merchandising. 

 Carrying out the ‘Harvest at Lavradores de Feitoria 2023’ program involves the participation of a minimum number of four people, at a cost of €100.00 each, and by prior appointment. From the 21st of August to the 1st of September, it takes place from Monday to Friday, starting at 10:00 am and with an estimated duration of 3:00 am. 

Anyone who wants to visit the Douro Wine Region, especially the Sabrosa area, can discover Quinta do Medronheiro, as well as the history and wines of Lavradores de Feitoria, through various wine tourism programs. There the offer consists of guided tours, solo or with wine tasting; commented evidence; or even a more immersive experience, where you can be ‘Winemaker for a day’. This is in addition to the harvest program, only in season, and tailor made programs, including meals. The Lavradores de Feitoria visitor center and wine store are open from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Regular visits take place from Monday to Friday, at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. In the case of the harvest program, private visits and the ‘Winemaker for a Day’ experience, there is flexible scheduling, always depending on availability. For all programs, advance booking is required, preferably 48 hours in advance. This must be done – and confirmed – via email: winetourism@lavradoresdefeitoria.pt or mobile phone number 968 667 660.