How long is the visit?

The guided visit runs about 30 minutes, and you can stay up to an hour to enjoy the terrace.

Is there an age limit for the tasting?

Yes, tastings are restricted to guests 18 years and older in line with festival rules.

Do I need to book in advance?

Reservations are recommended during Festas do Povo when slots fill quickly; use the provided booking link.

Is there parking at Herdade das Argamassas?

There is limited on-site parking; arrive early during festival days to secure a spot or carpool.

Are tours available in languages other than Portuguese?

Language availability varies by guide and date; check booking details for offered languages.

Can I buy bottles on site?

Yes, bottles are often available for purchase after the tasting; card payments are commonly accepted though occasional cash-only sales may occur.

Adega Mayor: Festas do Povo Wine Tasting and Siza Vieira Architecture in Alentejo

Adega Mayor at Herdade das Argamassas perches on a low rise outside Campo Maior in Portugal’s Alentejo, where pale sunlight flattens the plains and the horizon stretches in long, agricultural bands. During the Festas do Povo de Campo Maior (8–16 August 2026) the winery opens a concise guided experience that pairs a short documentary, an introduction to the production process, and a tasting of two festival-designated wines. The visit lasts thirty minutes in its tightest form but allow up to an hour to linger on the terrace and absorb the view. Architect Álvaro Siza Vieira’s treatment of the building is the first surprise: concrete planes and subtle cutaways frame views rather than block them, and interior light brings attention to stainless steel tanks and coopered barrels as if they were exhibits. The tour’s narrative moves from that architecture to the vineyard: scent, soil and local practice. Outside the terrace looks over the Alentejo plain—cork-oak montado, olive groves and broad cereal fields—that provide a visible, living context for the wines in your glass. The two official festival wines, offered in white and red, showcase regional grape expression with a clean, direct style built for outdoor eating and local cuisine. What sets this stop apart is the combination of modern design and plainspoken winemaking: Siza Vieira’s building is not a theatrical vineyard folly but a quietly exact structure that honors function and landscape. During the Festas do Povo the connection between town traditions and place-based flavor becomes obvious; visitors tasting the wines are tasting local history as well as terroir. Group size is limited—up to 30 people—and tastings are restricted to adults 18 and older, aligning the experience with festival regulations and safety. For practical planning arrive with sunscreen and a refillable water bottle; the terrace is exposed in summer and the Alentejo sun is generous. Photography is welcome—late afternoon and golden-hour light give the concrete surfaces warmth while sunrise offers crisp shadow lines. If you have a half day, pair the visit with a walk through nearby country lanes, a stop in Campo Maior to view handcrafted festival decorations, or a drive to explore surrounding estates. Adega Mayor’s tour is compact, educational and remarkably photogenic: a short cultural immersion that links contemporary architecture, local viticulture and the rhythms of the Alentejo plains. It’s ideal for travelers who want an efficient, well-curated taste of regional wine culture without a full-day commitment. Reservations are recommended during festival dates, and you can use the booking link to reserve a slot; expect friendly staff and short waits. Bring cash only if you want to purchase bottles on site, though card payments are often accepted. Allow time to sit and watch the light slowly unfold nearby.

About Adega Mayor

Adega Mayor is a winery located in Nossa Senhora da Graça dos Degolados, Portalegre, in the Alentejo region. The estate offers guided visits that combine a short film, a cellar tour, and panoramic terrace views to illustrate the winery’s history and winemaking methods. Experiences range from a non-tasting visit suitable for visitors under 17 to multiple tasting formats that showcase local wines paired with regional cheeses, cured meats, artisanal chocolates, or tapas.

Visitors can choose from concise 1.5-hour tours focused on tasting and food pairings, to two-hour experiences that include a picnic in the vineyard or an interactive aroma workshop. The programs emphasize sensory education, with structured tastings of two to six wines depending on the option selected. The vineyard setting and terrace viewpoints provide a scenic backdrop that complements each tasting and food pairing.

Adega Mayor’s offerings appeal to families, small groups, and couples seeking a blend of education and leisure in the Alentejo countryside. Each tour begins with an audiovisual presentation that contextualizes the wines, followed by an on-site walkthrough that explains production and aging. Pairing options highlight local gastronomy and regional ingredients, reinforcing the terroir-driven character of the wines.

By combining informative presentation, multiple tasting formats, and outdoor experiences among the vines, Adega Mayor provides a clear, structured way for visitors to learn about Alentejo winemaking while enjoying authentic regional flavors. A dedicated non-tasting visit allows under-17 visitors to participate in the educational film and tour while adults choose tasting and pairing options across the available experiences.