In the heart of the Alentejo region, Portugal, near the town of Arraiolos, Monte da Ravasqueira is located. A property of 3,000 hectares, populated by cork oaks and holm oaks that extend through gentle hills and sunny terrain. The result is a spectacular landscape, which will not leave anyone who visits it indifferent.
Acquired by the Mello family, in 1943, initially its activity was linked to the breeding of the Lusitanian horse. Currently, it houses an extraordinary museum of carriages, which can be accessed when visiting the winery.
In 1998, the first vines were planted, and in 2001 the first grape harvest was obtained from a harvest that was never commercialized. Currently, it has 45 hectares of its own vineyard, in addition to selected grapes that are bought from local vine growers. From its facilities there are 4, 5 million bottles of Alentejo wine; part of the production, 46% goes to export, while 54% goes to the local market.
The concept of "terroir" is very present in the philosophy of the winery. To enhance it, the most advanced techniques are used, such as the use of drones to control the vineyard, and to optimize the division of plots, which is known as "Precision Viticulture". These techniques are combined with a traditional vintage made by hand, in order to take maximum care of the grape selection process.