Historic Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra will celebrate its 700th anniversary with the launch of its first Harvest Party, bringing together regional wines, fire-cooked food and music in the estate’s gardens.
The inaugural event will take place on September 18 from 6.30pm to 10pm and is intended to become an annual celebration marking the end of the grape harvest.
Twelve wine producers from the neighbouring Bairrada and Dão demarcated regions will take part: Adega de Cantanhede, Luís Pato, Messias, Quinta de Carvalhiços, Quinta Dona Sancha, Quinta da Bella, Quinta das Bágeiras, Caves do Solar de São Domingos, Quinta do Ribeiro Santo, Quatro Cravos, Casa do Canto and Principal.
Organisers say the evening will combine wine tasting with food cooked over fire and a DJ set, celebrating the produce and winemaking traditions of central Portugal.
“The Harvest Party was born in a very special year for Quinta das Lágrimas, as we celebrate 700 years of history, but we want this celebration to have a life beyond this anniversary,” said André Vilaça, general manager of Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas.
“The idea is to create a date in the Quinta’s calendar that brings people together around the harvest, the wines and flavours of the region and which, over time, becomes a tradition.”
He added that the event also reflects the estate’s longstanding connection with the surrounding region by bringing together local producers, gastronomy and visitors.
Tickets cost €37.50 per person and €19 for under-16s. Reservations can be made by calling +351 239 802 380 or emailing [email protected]
Overnight package
For visitors wishing to stay overnight, Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas is offering a package for two people from €299.
It includes one night’s accommodation on September 18, breakfast, admission to the Harvest Party, a bottle of Pedro & Inês wine and chocolate truffles in the room, as well as access to the Bamboo Garden Spa and free parking. The offer is subject to availability and advance booking.
The Harvest Party forms part of a wider programme celebrating 700 years of Quinta das Lágrimas. The anniversary refers to the first known documentary record of the property, dating from 1326.
Quinta das Lágrimas is particularly associated with one of Portugal’s best-known love stories, that of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tragic 14th-century romance has become part of Portuguese history and legend.