Is the tour suitable for children?

This experience is recommended for guests 18 years and older due to alcohol tastings and content.

Are reservations required?

Yes, advance booking is recommended to ensure availability for your preferred date and time.

Is parking available on-site?

Yes, there is parking available at Rua da Casa Nova 374 where the meeting point is located.

Are food options included?

Farm-to-table snacks and meals are offered separately and can be enjoyed during your visit.

Can I buy wines on-site?

Yes, wines tasted during the tour are available for purchase directly at Aphros World.

Is the cellar wheelchair accessible?

The medieval amphora cellar involves stairs and manual tools, making full accessibility limited.

Discover Aphros World: Biodynamic Wine Tastings & Vineyard Tours in Portugal’s Vez Valley

Situated in Refóios do Lima within Portugal’s verdant Vez valley, Aphros World offers a distinctive wine experience that merges tradition, innovation, and sustainability. This one-hour-and-thirty-minute journey is much more than a tasting; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the biodynamic practices and rich winemaking heritage flourishing in the heart of the Vinho Verde region. Visitors begin their tour amidst rolling vineyards surrounding the 17th-century Casal do Paço manor, where the insight into aphros' unique approach to viticulture unfolds. Biodynamic agriculture here is not simply organic; it emphasizes harmony with natural cycles through soil enrichment with cover crops and handcrafted preparations rooted in ancient, ecological wisdom. Guests gain firsthand knowledge about these soil works and holistic treatments, which foster biodiversity and resilience. The exploration progresses to the modern cellar, an architectural gem designed by Carvalho Araújo, constructed from cast concrete. Its minimalist austerity contrasts beautifully with the vibrant wines produced here, housing a variety of equipment—from lagares and stainless steel vats to concrete tanks and barriques—that shapes the distinctive Aphros portfolio. Each vessel captures a different facet of the terroir and winemaking philosophy. The highlight awaits in the medieval amphora cellar beneath the stone buildings of the Quinta. Here, traditional Portuguese winemaking persists using primitive, manual tools like artisanal de-stemmers, vertical presses, and wooden hammers—a vivid step back to a time when craftsmanship and patience were paramount. This rare method, utilizing clay amphorae, imparts unique textures and flavors to wines that defy industrial conventions. Tasting sessions unfold in a converted open-space stone house bordering the patio, radiating a relaxed bistro vibe. Here, guests savor six different wines: Aphros Loureiro, Aphros Vinhão, Phaunus Loureiro, Phaunus Palhete, and two sparkling Pet Nat varieties. Each sip reflects the commitment to quality and sustainability that defines Aphros. Beyond the wine, the experience includes farm-to-table meals featuring fresh, organic produce grown in the adjacent vegetable garden and sourced from local artisan growers. This dedication to terroir extends beyond grapes, offering a full sensory encounter with the Vez valley’s landscape and culinary heritage. Aphros World stands out for intertwining historic winemaking techniques with modern sustainable practices, set against a backdrop of natural beauty and architectural innovation. It's a must-visit for wine lovers eager to connect deeply with place, process, and palate in Portugal’s underrated Vinho Verde region.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves gentle walking on uneven terrain.

Wildlife

Common buzzard
Iberian red squirrel

History

The Quinta at Aphros includes historic buildings dating back to the 17th century, highlighting the region's longstanding agricultural traditions.

Conservation

Aphros emphasizes biodynamic viticulture that enhances soil health and biodiversity, reflecting commitment to sustainable practices in winemaking.

Aphros Wine is a winery and tasting destination located in Refóios do Lima, Viana do Castelo, set in the scenic Vez valley. The estate combines historic architecture and contemporary design, with visitors experiencing both a 17th-century manor (Casal do Paço) and a modern cellar. Aphros focuses on biodynamic vineyards and traditional winemaking techniques adapted for the Vinho Verde region. The winery is known for producing **Loureiro** and **Vinhão** wines—styles associated with the Vinho Verde appellation—and for fermenting and ageing wines in clay amphorae alongside modern stainless and wooden vessels. Tastings and tours highlight the medieval amphora cellar, the contemporary cellar, and the surrounding vineyards, offering context on soil, climate, and cultivation choices. Guests frequently encounter curated, farm-to-table meals served in a bistro-style setting that emphasize local ingredients paired with the wines. Sustainability is a consistent theme across tours and production, reflected in vineyard management and a focus on minimal intervention in the cellar. Aphros Wine presents a range of experiences—from amphora-focused tastings and sparkling workshops to broader winery tours—that introduce visitors to biodynamic practices, regional grape varieties, and the landscape of the Lima and Vez valleys. The combination of historic sites, modern architecture, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture positions Aphros as a distinctive stop in the Vinho Verde region.

Base locationRefóios do Lima, Viana do Castelo

Tours offered7+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace