A Family Adventure We’ll Always Remember: A Guest’s Story

When my dad visited from Sweden, I wanted to make this years Swedish Father’s Day extra special. We decided to take our whole family, two kids and three adults, to Quinta das Murgas, a hidden gem in the heart of Portugal’s Bucelas wine region, for a guided tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting. From start to finish, it was a day none of us will ever forget!

An Adventure Begins: Exploring the Estate with Joao

Our guide for the day was none other than the owner himself, Joao França, who was spending the weekend at the vineyard with his family. The adventure kicked off as we hopped into an all-terrain vehicle, with my 5-year-old son absolutely ecstatic to claim a spot on the truck bed in the back. Alongside him were Joao’s daughters, their cousin, and a dog, making the ride lively and full of excitement. Our first stop was at the stables, where we met a retired horse and her best friend, a sheep, roaming freely together. It was such a sweet and unexpected sight!

As we continued our journey through the estate, we drove into a closed pasture where the ground was bumpy and rocky, but not a problem for the all-terrain vehicle! The kids were thrilled as a group of curious donkeys surrounded the car, eager for attention. They got to pet and interact with them up close, which was a highlight of the day. Then, to our delight, Joao’s cow, whom he had lovingly raised by hand as a calf, came over to join the fun. It was such a special moment for everyone!

Learning About Wine and the Bucelas Region

After our animal encounters, we continued the tour and passed a mini horse on the way to the vineyard. Joao shared fascinating insights about the Bucelas region’s winemaking tradition. He explained how the mineral-rich, limestone-filled soil combined with the perfect climate makes Bucelas such a unique and ideal region for growing grapes. He also told us about his journey of inheriting the vineyard from his grandfather and reviving it after many years of disuse. It was evident how much passion he has for his wines, and it was truly inspiring to learn about his personal connection to the estate.

Special Encounters with Animals

On our way back towards the “Quinta”, we made a stop in a lovely field where we met a group of llamas. The kids had a blast observing them up close, and it was another fun moment during our adventure. The tour then led us into a cozy, wooded area, where we discovered an array of animals - pigs, deer, alpacas, chickens, and even a lake with ducks and two elegant swans! The forest area, with its lush grass and tranquil lake, was beautiful and the kids were absolutely delighted by each new discovery. The animal encounters and the peaceful surroundings made this part of the day feel truly magical.

A Cozy Wine Tasting to Wrap Up the Day

After the tour, we returned to the main house where we were welcomed by a wine specialist for our wine tasting. The kids, happily worn out from all the excitement, stayed calm for the tasting. At least for a while! We sampled four wines, three whites from different years and one red, and learned how to distinguish their differences in smell and taste.

We were joined by another group, a lovely pair of Icelandic women, and it made the tasting even more enjoyable, as we all shared our thoughts on the wines and compared notes. Alongside the wines, we enjoyed local Portuguese charcuterie, cheeses, and homemade pumpkin jam, which complemented the flavours perfectly. The tasting room itself was charming, at the end of a large wooden table that Joao’s grandfather had built to gather the whole family. Joao told us he himself has 18 first cousins, and it was easy to see how the tradition of family gatherings has shaped the warm atmosphere of Quinta das Murgas.

A Father’s Day Well Spent

My dad, a lover of history, culture, and new experiences, couldn’t have been happier with this surprise Father’s Day outing. The day offered something for everyone - beautiful scenery, fascinating stories, animal encounters, and, of course, delicious wines! It was the perfect way for our family to spend quality time together, and I can’t wait to go back.

It’s hard to believe such a gem is just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Our new Icelandic friends, who were in town for Web Summit, took an Uber back to Lisbon while we headed home to Ericeira. The takeaway? Quinta das Murgas is a true treasure, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and exceptional wine, all within easy reach of the city!

By Rebecca Jansson