Casa Santos Lima, a family-run wine producer, has launched a new wine tourism venture in Tavira, Algarve, aimed at showcasing the region’s unique terroir and traditional grape varieties. This initiative marks a significant step in promoting the Algarve’s wine scene, which has been gaining recognition for its quality and diversity.
The Algarve has long been underestimated in the wine world, often dismissed as a region producing cheap and uninteresting wines. However, recent developments have proven this perception wrong. With over 300 days of sunshine, a cool ocean breeze, and the protective embrace of the Serra do Caldeirão and Monchique mountains, the region’s vineyards are thriving.
Casa Santos Lima has been at the forefront of this transformation. Established over a decade ago, the company has expanded its operations in Tavira and Pedras D’el Rei, now cultivating 58 hectares of vines across 19 grape varieties. The focus is on highlighting the region’s indigenous grapes, particularly the aromatic Negra Mole and the vibrant Arinto.
In July, Casa Santos Lima opened Al-Lagar, a wine tourism center designed to immerse visitors in the Algarve’s wine culture. The rustic venue, housed in a former olive mill, features a tasting room, wine bar, and shop, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Tavira vineyards.
With its new wine tourism venture, Casa Santos Lima is not only enhancing its brand but also contributing to the Algarve’s growing reputation as a wine destination. The region’s mild climate and diverse grape varieties position it well for future success in the wine industry.