Quinta do Quetzal | Alentejo, Portugal

The origins of Quinta do Quetzal inspirational as the namesake, which means ‘precious’ or ‘sacred’ to both the Aztec’s and Mayan’s, and refers to a colorful South American bird whose feathers are as green as the surrounding hills in springtime. The dream to create the winery began over 20 years ago, by owners Cees and Inge de Bruin, who desired to design a winery, which would add resplendence to the region.

Unlike any other wineries in Vidigueira, the modern architecture of Quetzal is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, and beautifully harmonizes with the environment, with the interior view from the restaurant reaching out into the rolling verdant vineyards.

Beyond impressive wines and savory cuisine, Quetzal has an internationally renowned art collection for visitors to enjoy. In our interview with General Manager, Reto Jörg, we discover more about the inspiration behind Quetzal’s innovative style:

Q. As host to the International Contemporary Art Collection of De Bruin-Heijn, based in Rotterdam, how do you feel art and wine connect at Quetzal?

A. What is interesting about having the Quetzal Art Center here at the winery, is that we are able to provide completely different experiences for those who visit us, and be impactful on people's perceptions when it comes to art and wine.

Q. Although originally from Switzerland, you’ve lived in Portugal for more than 30 years: What do you find to be captivating about this country?

A. I would say the thing I most appreciate about the Portuguese is their general friendliness and affection towards everyone. Also, Portugal has amazing food and wines!

Q. How did winemaking start for you?

A. As an agriculture student in Switzerland, I took an internship at a small farm in France where the world of grape varieties, blends and terroirs was introduced to me. Some years later I was asked to produce wine at Herdade da Calada, also in Alentejo.

Q. How many grape varieties do you work with?

A. Our white blends come essentially from Antão Vaz, a Chardonnay-like indigenous grape variety that grows specifically in the Vidigueira wine region. We also work with Roupeiro, Arinto and Verdelho. For red wines we have Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, and Alfrocheiro, but focus on the latter three varieties due to climate change and increased temperatures.

Q. What is your approach regarding sustainability?

A. All of our agricultural procedures rely on natural fertilization of land and vineyards in order to maintain soil balance and conditions.

Q. What makes your terroir unique?

A. It is no surprise that Romans moved their wine production to this area for the quality of terroir, as we are fortunate to deal with unique geographic conditions. At Quinta do Quetzal we find higher, medium and lower grounds with different soil compositions in which we take full advantage by selecting specific grape varieties for each one of these geographic segments. Adding to that, Quinta do Quetzal is also fortunate to be blessed by winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, which provide for the freshness we find in our wines.

Q. What makes you passionate about winemaking

A. My passion comes from knowing that the story of each year provides different challenges and discoveries. Rain, wind, sun, land, vineyards, and people, all play their part in the story of wine.