Discovery
By Isabelle Escande – Photographs: courtesy of the estates, posted on 13 January 2025
In less than two decades, Terras & Terroir, which has a presence in five regions, has become a formidable standard-bearer for Portuguese viticultural heritage. As a staunch advocate of the variety and quality of the country’s wine proposition, the company continues to aim for a very specific goal, which is to show the world that Portugal is the home of excellent wines. And if the country’s bottlings are increasingly gaining exposure, it might just have something to do with that…
The story began in 1999, not with a winery but with a distribution company. Agribéria was founded in France by two Portuguese entrepreneurs, Maria do Céu Gonçalves and Paulo Pereira, who were already aware of the potential of products from their home country. In 2012, they were given the opportunity to invest in an iconic winery in the Douro region – Quinta da Pacheca – before taking on full ownership the following year. 2013 was also the year Alvaro Lopes joined them as the company’s third partner. Since then the firm has continually expanded and their focus on producing quality wines has developed considerably.
The group now has a presence in five Portuguese wine regions – Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Alentejo and Trás-os-Montes – and it does not intend to stop there. It already has the Vinhos Verdes and Algarve regions in its sights. In just a few years, the three inspired partners have built up nothing short of an empire which boasts over 200 employees in Portugal, 300 hectares under vine and production totalling millions of bottles. At Pacheca alone, around 1.7 million bottles are sold, compared with just 80,000 when the three entrepreneurs arrived. Revenue is in excess of 20 million euros. Growth across-the-board has always gone hand in hand with “a desire de promote the finest that Portugal’s wine regions can offer”, explains Susana Marinho, the company’s head of communications.
Ribafreixo Wine boasts 114 hectares under vine in Alentejo, the famous Portuguese wine region.
The aim is not to mass produce wine but to craft excellent pours that encapsulate the unique characters of their homeland. “Our ethos is simple – to show respect for and honour terroir by producing wines that reflect the essence of the land, the climate and local traditions. Each of our properties uses sustainable winegrowing techniques with a commitment to the environment and biodiversity. We want our wines to tell the story of the soil where they are grown, whilst preserving the authenticity of native Portuguese varieties”.
Herdade da Rocha is located in Crato, Portalegre.
Every wine in the Terras & Terroir portfolio – from the dark-hued Port to the Bairrada sparkling wines the company has pioneered, elegant Dão whites and Alentejo reds – is made primarily from endemic varieties. For Douro wines, this means Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Viosinho, Gouveio, Cerceal and Moscatel Galego, and for their Dão counterparts, Encruzado and Alfrocheiro. Portugal is home to an incredible varietal treasure trove, with over 250 autochthonous cultivars and the group has made it its mission to showcase them.
This is indeed Terras & Terroir’s overriding objective: to reveal the excellence of Portuguese wines and move them upmarket. Although Portuguese wines are often sold at prices lower than their quality should command, the group refuses to follow this tack. From the care taken at every stage of production and the diligence of the staff to the choice of sustainable farming methods, all of this has a price and that cannot be sold at a discount. In fact, very few of the company’s wines sell for under 10 euros.
The new winery at Quinta da Pacheca.
Following the arrival of hospitality expert Álvaro Lopes, the company set its sights on wine tourism. The decision proved to be spot on, offering Portuguese wines the chance to secure much-needed recognition. “Wine tourism is a powerful way of promoting our wines”, admits Marinho. “It not only offers an immersive and educational experience, it also allows us to create an emotional connection with visitors who often become our brand ambassadors in their home countries. By providing unique occasions, we can create a point of difference which helps us stand out in the very competitive global market”.
Over the years, the group has therefore expanded its wine tourism solutions significantly, investing in many establishments where tourism and viticulture join seamlessly to promote the premium image of Portuguese wines. Its latest acquisition is the Douro Wine Hotel & Spa, an amazing 5-star hotel surrounded by vineyards in the storied wine region. For those looking for unique experiences, they can go take a look at Quinta da Pacheca’s former barrels that have been converted into welcoming accommodation for the winery’s visitors.
Vila Marim Country Houses, in the heart of the Douro wine region.
The group currently exports around 35% of its wines, and counting, comments Marinho. The metrics offer undeniable proof of the successful strategic choices executed by the group which, despite its growth, has retained its family spirit. In addition to its wine tourism offerings, it boasts a well-structured, consolidated distribution network, both domestically and overseas. Clearly, its initial experience with distribution has reaped rewards.
From the vineyards to the winery which is fitted with the latest equipment, quality is the norm within the group.
The company has also successfully leveraged changes in consumer trends, both in export markets and nationwide. “There is growing awareness among consumers of responsible consumption patterns, along with increased interest in better quality wines”. And when demand aligns with a company’s objectives, success is the only possible outcome…
Barrels converted into accommodation at Quinta da Pacheca.
Discovery
Discovery
Discovery