Herdade da Rocha

Mário Rocha, the CEO of Antarte Mobiliário, embarked on a captivating journey into the world of wine, driven by his profound passion for the enchanting Alentejo region. In 2007, he set the wheels in motion for a remarkable wine project in the picturesque Crato region. It all began with a visit to a property nestled in the idyllic expanse known as Couto Saramago. Instantly smitten by its charm, Mário wasted no time in acquiring this piece of paradise, christening it Herdade da Rocha. The name “Rocha,” signifying “rock” in Portuguese, was no arbitrary choice; it pays homage to the imposing rocky formations that bear witness to centuries of history in this remarkable locale. Adding to the property’s allure, a wild deer herd calls it home.

Nestled in the District of Portalegre, within the pristine Alentejo region, and gracing the vicinity of Serra de Sāo Mamede, Herdade da Rocha gave birth to a new breed of Portuguese wines celebrated for their invigorating freshness and distinctive minerality.

For Mário Rocha, wine isn’t just a beverage; it’s a form of art. With a profound appreciation for artistic expression, he enlisted the talents of various artists to adorn the property with their creations. From captivating outdoor installations to fresco-like paintings adorning the winery walls, from intricately crafted wood structures in the barrel room to grand cellar doors hewn from sustainable wood, every corner of Herdade da Rocha exudes artistic splendor.

The journey towards vinous excellence commenced in 2009 with the planting of the initial 12-acre vineyard. Here, the noble grapes of Alicante Bouschet and Syrah found their terroir. In 2010, a second 10-acre vineyard was established, dedicated to Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s esteemed grape variety, chosen for its remarkable adaptability to evolving climate conditions. In 2012, the inaugural harvest marked a significant milestone, yielding a limited series of 1350 bottles. Today, the vineyards at Herdade da Rocha flourish with Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Arinto, and Alvarinho grapes. At Herdade da Rocha, the enology team is steadfast in their pursuit of crafting wines that exude freshness and a captivating minerality, embodying the very essence of this pristine terroir.

While Herdade Da Rocha became a cherished addition to the Terras e Terroir Group in late 2022, it retains its boutique winery status and intimate lodge experience. This ensures that their exquisite wines, available in limited quantities, continue to be a treasure to savor and relish.