Quinta da Aldeia Nova

The Quinta, as it is known by the locals, has been in the family’s possession since probably the 1920s. After the great fire of October 2017, it was completely rebuilt, and on its approximately 3.5 hectares, 2.5 hectares were planted with vineyards, using grape varieties authorized in the Dão Wine Region, Sub-Region of Alva, where it is located. This area, being the southernmost part of the region, has a continental climate with Atlantic influence, receiving 50% less rainfall than the heart of the Dão Demarcated Region. The considerable thermal amplitudes result in humidity and freshness, which are ideal for the poor clay-limestone soils, with little drainage, predominantly composed of ferruginous quartz, sandstone, and rolled pebbles.

In the remaining area, several olive trees and fruit trees were replanted, and the vegetable garden and garden are maintained.

The Main House was rebuilt and expanded, and a small Winery was constructed amidst the vineyard. Additionally, two small houses were built, inspired by the old and typical veranas of the Serra do Açor, which are part of the four accommodation units designed for wine tourism/rural tourism.

It should be noted that hospitality, tourism, and wine marketing are at the core of the professional activities of the current owners of the Quinta, the couple Ana Paula Lopes and Inácio Luís Loureiro, who for many years were based in the Lisbon region.

Ana Paula dos Prazeres Ferreira Lopes received her foundational training at the Algarve Hotel School and later at the Lisbon and Estoril Hotel and Tourism School, where she completed the Sommelier course. In 2007, she was named the best Portuguese sommelier of the year by Revista de Vinhos, having served as a sommelier in various five-star hotels' restaurants, such as Penha Longa and Pestana Palace in Lisbon.

Inácio Luís Forte de Sousa Loureiro has over 25 years of experience as a Head Sommelier, first at the Penha Longa Hotel followed by the restaurant at the Fortaleza do Guincho Hotel, which holds a Michelin star. More recently, he opened and managed the Epur and Fifty Seconds Martin Berasategui restaurants in Lisbon, both of which also earned one Michelin star.

These recent years of acclaim as a Sommelier, during which he received several awards, add to more than thirty years of experience in hospitality and tourism.

In 2010, he was considered the best Portuguese Sommelier by the most prestigious wine magazines in Portugal, earning the Prix du Sommelier from the International Academy of Gastronomy in 2011, and was nominated for Sommelier of the Year 2016 by Paixão Pelo Vinho magazine.