If you’re planning a Portugal wine tour and fancy discovering one of Portugal’s top wine tourism destinations then look no further than Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in the stunning Alentejo wine region 

Portugal is known for its exceptional variety of wines from its many indigenous grape varieties and it is also known the world over for its exceptional wine tourism. Portugal’s Alentejo wine region is the perfect destination to experience the best of Portugal wine tourism, with its beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, rolling hills, ancient castles and charming white-washed villages - and there’s no better place to experience the stunning Alentejo wine region than top wine hotel and Alentejo estate, ‘Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’.

We had the opportunity to stay at this stunning property - read on to see what we discovered! 

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Portugal wine tourism

For some considerable time, Portugal has been a major destination for wine tourism, a land with a rich wine history, dating back to Roman times. It’s no surprise that wine enthusiasts from all over the world are flocking to Portugal to learn about the unique terroirs and grape varieties that make Portuguese wines so special, to discover the stories behind the renowned wine estates and to discover the people, the history, the hospitality, the gastronomy, the traditions and the amazing landscapes, that make Portugal so special.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing and unique experience, a stay in one of Portugal’s amazing wineries or wine hotels offers an unforgettable and memorable experience. Portugal offers some of the most luxurious wine hotels in the world, where you can immerse yourself in the world of fabulous wine and gastronomy and relax in an exclusive property set amongst stunning vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. This is a world of indulgence, yes, delicious food and wine and luxurious accommodation, but if you have the opportunity to do it, then take it - you won’t regret it!

‘Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’ is amongst the top wine hotels and wine tourism destinations in Portugal and probably the world - so we jumped at the chance to experience it and to discover more about the beautiful Alentejo wine region!

About Malhadinha Nova in Alentejo

Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova could certainly be described as a Alentejo country hotel - and the word ‘Herdade’ stands for relaxed family farmstead, which it is. However, it's so, so much more than that. For a start it is recognised as one of the top Alentejo wineries, it’s a top breeder of purebred Lusitano horses, it’s a beacon for environmental sustainability and organic farming and also a provider of some of Portugal’s best, most luxurious and most engaging wine tourism experiences. 

A family estate, now part of the Relais & Chateaux group

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a 450 hectares estate, located in the heart of Baixo (Lower) Alentejo. A family project for more than 20 years, in 2020 it became part of the Relais & Chateaux group of hotels - one of the most prestigious hotel associations in the world, and a byword for superb hospitality and gastronomy.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is the realisation of a dream of the Soares family. Back in 1998 they purchased the 450 hectares of land in Albernoa, near Beja in Alentejo and set about creating something very special - a place where the wonderful traditions of Alentejo are celebrated alongside modern and contemporary living.

The family had a lot of prior experience in the wine world, but none either in winemaking or the land. On the abandoned land, they set about planting vines and olive groves, breeding local Alentejo cows, sheep and black pigs and purebred Lusitano horses  and reconstructing derelict buildings and farm houses. 

In the centre of the estate, on a typical Alentejo hill, the family built a rural hotel and close by, a winery and a restaurant and slowly over time, they added new accommodation spaces and built up a reputation for excellent quality Alentejo wines.

An incredible new spa has just been completed and a beautiful new reception area where guests can relax and enjoy some wine tasting!

The family set about creating a special place where they could invite people in to relax and unwind, to learn about beautiful Alentejo, to appreciate nature and to sample the best the region has to offer in terms of gastronomy and wine - and I would say they have achieved this!

Malhadinha Nova Wine

Malhadinha Nova is known and respected for its wines today. Many customers enjoy the wines without ever having been to the estate and its reputation is based on the excellence of all of its products, especially its wines. Malhadinha Nova wines can be found all over the world. Wine is at the heart of the estate.

Approximately 80 hectares of the 450 hectares estate are under vine and the first harvest took place in 2003. The vineyards are planted in schist and drained soils on gentle slopes across the estate and organic farming is followed, as it is across the entire estate.

Today there are 2 core brands of red, white and rosé wines, the Monte da Peceguina line, whose name pays homage to “Old Peceguina”, one of the houses on the property and the Malhadinha brand, representing carefully selected grape varieties that form the terroir of Malhadinha Nova.

Malhadinha also produces a range of single varietals, including Aragonês and Touriga Nacional, for reds and Antão Vaz, Verdelho and Arinto for whites, a fabulous traditional method sparkling brut rosé, a delicious dessert wine and various other individual wines.

All of the family are involved in the estate and the wines, including the children, who over the years have designed the wine labels!

The Malhadinha Nova winery

The state-of-the-art winery was built in 2003 and is located at the heart of the estate, next to the restaurant.

Olive groves

Next to the vineyards, olive groves are planted and the estate produces premium olive oil from the Galega olive, one of the main traditional varieties of the Alentejo.

Our stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

We were lucky enough to stay a night at this incredible wine hotel, set in the amazing nature of beautiful Alentejo, to experience its luxurious accommodation, fabulous wine and gastronomy and its unparalleled relaxing atmosphere.

Our arrival

The first thing that struck us was the sheer vastness of the Malhadinha Nova estate. You drive onto the property through acres of Alentejo plain and it seems like miles before you reach the hotel itself.

The reception area and restaurant are laid out together, beautiful single-story, white-washed buildings, which are similar to an Argentinian ranch style, which you quickly come to realise is just typical Alentejo style.

Check-in is in the reception/bar area - and very much an informal, welcoming, relaxed process, as the family is keen for guests not to feel they are in a typical hotel environment. The bar area is a fabulous space, showcasing all of the Malhadinha Nova wines and a great area for the wine-tasting we enjoyed later!

Our accommodation

The accommodation at Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova comprises 6 separate lodges spread out across the estate, offering guests the opportunity to book a single room, a suite or to book an entire lodge to accommodate a family or group of friends. 

Each lodge has its own unique personality and style, but what links them all is under-stated luxury and comfort, contemporary design, Alentejo tradition and outdoor space to appreciate nature and the beautiful views across the Alentejo plains, vineyards and olive trees. 

We stayed in the Terracotta Lodge, which comprises 7 suites, each with a private terrace, a shared swimming pool, a kitchen, wine bar, library, living room and games room. This is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places we have ever stayed in - every possible need is catered for - but the overwhelming experience is the ability to relax and just enjoy and soak up the peace and tranquillity here. It’s almost like time stands still - and that is exactly the experience that the family sought to create when they developed Malhadinha Nova.

We had the opportunity to look round some of the other properties - some more traditional, others more contemporary, but the experience is always the same - peaceful, relaxing, calming, healing.

Equipped with your map, once you leave the reception area and central facilities you drive across the estate to your accommodation lodge and here you are self-contained, with everything you need for a perfect, relaxing, luxury stay.

Note that there is a minimum stay of 2 nights at Malhadinha Nova - because 1 night simply isn’t enough to switch off and truly appreciate what this very special resort has to offer. 

Dining at Malhadinha Nova

Dining in the restaurant at Malhadinha Nova is a very special, gastronomic experience. Under the watchful eye of consultant, renowned Michelin star chef Joachim Koerper and expertly delivered by resident chef Rodrigo Madeira, Malhadinha Nova offers the opportunity to experience the unique gastronomic heritage of Alentejo and the best of contemporary cuisine. All of the dishes incorporate organic products sourced from the estate, including honey, eggs, olives and olive oil, seasonal vegetables and of course wine, as well as the estate’s PDO (protected designation of origin) meat: Merino sheep, Alentejo cow and black pig. 

We enjoyed a sublime dinner in the beautifully designed restaurant, dining on the freshest of organic vegetables, the most delicate slices of tuna fish and a delicious ‘filet mignon’ steak, all paired of course with a selection of delicious Malhadinha Nova wines. The ‘egg’ dessert was just incredible and was paired with a wonderfully sweet, but delicate Late Harvest dessert wine. Coffee and estate made chocolates rounded off the most perfect meal.

Malhadinha Nova ‘experiences’

The family’s aim is to help guests fulfil their dreams - perhaps for a special occasion or just ‘because’....! No wish is too much for the team at Malhadinha Nova to try to make a reality for you. 

To inspire you, there is a range of packaged ‘themed experiences’ you can sign up to, including the ‘radical experiences’ package, ‘adrenaline sport’, ‘health & wellness’ ‘culture’, ‘equestrian’ ‘wine’, ‘cooking’ and ‘the harvest’ - but basically, anything is possible!

How to find Hotel Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Address: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, 7800-601 Albernoa, Beja, Portugal

Visit nearby Beja

The closest town to visit when staying at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, is Beja, where you can visit the ancient Beja Castle and tower - the Torre de Menagem - the scene of many historic battles. Also worth visiting is the Beja Regional Museum.

Summary and highlights of our stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Every minute of our stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova was a complete joy and relaxation. It offers the unique opportunity to experience the real and traditional Alentejo region and also the real, authentic Portugal and what makes Portugal such a top wine tourism destination - the welcome, the hospitality, the traditions, the culture, the scenery, the gastronomy and of course the wines!

If you are seeking an extra special wine experience, combing all of the above then look no further than Malhadinha Nova - we will be back one day! 

Additional information:

More information about Herdade da Malhadinha Nova.

For more information about visiting the Alentejo see:

VisitPortual - Alentejo

‘VisitAlentejo’

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