Quinta do Piloto: a little afternoon wine tasting
Located on the hillside just outside of the town of Palema Setubal, is one of the first Quinta do Piloto’s establishments. Originally a home given to a former sailor by the Royal family for his service and dedication, it was later bought by Humberto Cardoso. A small bus business owner, who sold out of the automotive industry to divulge into the winery business.
Four generations later and the name became a brand, bottling and curating beautiful vintages in small batches, formulated back in 2008. Today, Filipe Cardoso, the great grandson of Humberto, is continuing his family history as the owner and lead wine producer.
As the world is opening up again, nationals are adapting to their new norms and values after the last few years, many places are altering their rules and restrictions. Keep this in mind wherever you go, especially when visiting other countries. Be respectful to their rules and make sure you’re aware before travelling.
On a short half day visit to Setubal, a winery is always a good idea, especially when the sun is shining and the scenery is mesmerising. We visited the central shop at Quinta do Piloto to take a tour and learn their story in the ever expanding collective of wine producers in Portugal.
Each wine is still crafted in the same traditional methods which started the story back with Humberto. Locals from nearby villages harvest the grapes and transport them into huge tanks which sit for numerous days depending on the what the final product shall be. Then taken through a value in the floor to the barrelling step. Once again they can be stored for weeks or months in various oak cast barrels which have been previously used to store rums or cognacs to give each wine another level of flavour.
Due to the incredible location and structures which have survived over time many of the original features are still dominant to see which are creating positives in the new world of wine making. The main building which house their moscato and red wine vats contains large windows allowing plenty of natural light and due to when it was built the room is always are a cool temperature. These are just a few factors which are helping Quinta do Piloto in the process of becoming an eco-friendly manufacturer in the near future.
Take a slow day out with friends or family to this quaint spot in the hills for a lovely afternoon learning and sampling some great wines. Starting from five euros, for guided tours of the grounds. Or treat yourself to a tasting with local bread, cheese and meats. Additionally stay on the property if there’s a group of you and soak in the nearby town as well.
(This is not advert, after visiting this year feel that others should know about it.)
