Located at the foot of Serra D’Ossa, just 35km north of Évora, Herdade da Maroteira is a 540ha property that has belonged to the same Anglo-Portuguese family for 5 generations since the mid-19th century. At that time Robert Reynolds invested in the Alentejo cork oak forest to meet the needs of the Port industry in northern Portugal.
For about 150 years, apart from cork, the estate produced mainly cattle and some olives. In 2000, Philip Mollet, current owner and manager, revolutionised the farm’s strategy and planted vineyards. The chosen Syrah grape variety proved to be a huge success in the form of the world acclaimed Cem Reis wine. Later, a delightful selection of red, white and rosé wines resulted from planting Alicante Bouschet, Aragonêz and Touriga Nacionalvineyards in an open valley.
In 2004, agro-tourism (rural tourism) was the natural evolution of the farm, ideal for relaxing in a historic area of beautiful landscapes in Alentejo, Portugal. This is the perfect environment to venture quietly through the cork oak forest focusing on the incredible world of cork, on a jeep ride or a walk… and observe birds (Birdwatching) or stars (Stargazing). Typical seasonal agricultural activities can take place around you: manual cork harvesting (May/June), harvesting, lambing and sheep shearing, olive picking. In autumn and winter, black pigs (from which ham is made) come from Spain and roam freely, feeding on acorns.
We are happy to show you our wonderful piece of the world when you come to Herdade da Maroteira. And we will be delighted to spend the night in one of the accommodation options we have created (Cork Lodge, Til’s Cottage, Main Farm), together with nature, to welcome you. Come and visit the Alentejo’s fields. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
