We push for sustainability at Quinta do Tedo - that is not only tied to taking care of the environment, but also to having a positive local economic and social impact.
The fruits of our labor need to have a trickle down effect on our employees and the businesses that we collaborate with, that will in turn make Douro Valley and Portugal a better place to live. Diversification is also a big part of this picture, and that includes offering a variety of cultural stimulation.
Quanta Terra's most iconic label inspired by Douro River, rio Tedo is a tributary.
Quanta Terra is a 20+-year-old wine project by our general manager/winemaker, Jorge Alves, together with lifetime friend and winemaker, Celso Pereira, who renovated and turned a historic distillery into their new tasting room. Here they showcase stunning Douro terroir-driven wines and well-scripted history about Douro Valley and its network of aguardente distilleries which supplied Port houses with neutral grape brandy to fortify their Ports.
Where does this fit into sustainability? Adding to the impressive barrel room and wine storage chambers converted into tasting cubicles are impressive oeuvres by internationally-acclaimed Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Joana is famous for her bold ideas that incorporate Portuguese cultural themes translated into fine lacework and large installations.
"Coracao Independente Vermelho #3", made with red picnic forks, spoons and knives, is serenaded by Amália Rodrigues' "Maldição" Fado music at the entrance.
This is the first of a long line of local and foreign artists’ exhibits to add avant-garde color, shape and theory at Quanta Terra. Quanta Terra is a great example of diversification in Douro Valley building on that more comprehensive vision of sustainability that we support and strive for at Quinta do Tedo. This combination of art, history and wine is absolutely fantastic!
About 40-minutes from Quinta do Tedo, drive to Pinhão, then head north on the windy road offering breathtaking views of Douro Valley’s dramatically terraced vineyards up to Favaios, a more open vineyard landscape famous for sweet, fortified white Moscatel wine. The iconic warm mustard yellow façade of this defunct distillery turned into a modern winery is where Jorge and Celso showcase ART next to their bounty of red, white, rosé and sparkling wine. Bravi!
Book a tour and tasting here - there is seating even inside of what used to be azulejo-lined storage tanks. The ART compliments Quanta Terra’s thought-provoking, aesthetic, quality-driven and COOL spirit!
Thank you, Pedro (Jorge Alves’ son and jack-of-all-trades at Quanta Terra), for being a 5-estrelas super tour guide. Joana Vasconcelos’ art on display until mid-June. We look forward to whoever comes next.
Parabens Jorge and Celso, and their families!
Clinking glasses with our wonderful guide Pedro - jack-of-all-trades at Quanta Terra and son of Jorge Alves.