Alentejo is often overlooked in favor of the coastal resort towns south of Lisbon, but that’s precisely its allure. Come to experience authentic Portugese slow-living. In this regard, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova stands out for its wine, gastronomy and hospitality.

The Soares family has conspired with time, space and nature to create an award-winning organic winery and a DOC appellation for their farm-grown and harvested meats, honey and olive oil. No stranger to the wine business, the Soares family is one of the largest wine distributors with namesake retail locations in southern Portugal.

I first met owner and CEO Rita Soares at ILTM Cannes last December 2021 where she told me about her family’s vision and project. Naturally when I planned my Portugal trip, I wrote to her immediately and requested a visit.

There are four houses, each with its own personality.

Monte da Peceguina

is the original house renovated in 2008 with 7 double rooms and 3 suites. Breakfast is served here and dinner on occasion. The first thing you notice upon entering is the aroma coming from the open-design kitchen. Something delicious is cooking. That’s what makes this place so special. It gives you all the homey feels in a luxury country estate setting. The staff, service, atmosphere, food and wine are exceptional.

Casa das Artes e Oficios - A villa inspired by art

In this two-suite villa, I’ve found my perfect green. The details and installation of arts and crafts throughout are all at once exuberant and harmonious. The cozy bedrooms on the second floor have an outstanding view of the Guadiana river and a even a stork’s nest.

CASA DO ANCORADUORO - Home of Terracotta

Each of the 7 suites have a private terrace and a shared swimming pool, kitchen, library, living area and wine bar. Rooms can be booked separately or the entire house can be booked for a group of friends.

The terracotta floor, made of reddish clay, created from the soil on which the house stands by a master artisan from Beringel, is the trademark feature of this replica of Malhadinha Original. A testament to the marriage between tradition and modernity, the common area has a Bulthaup kitchen, a Steinway & Sons grand piano from 1900, a Living Divani sofa and a lamp designed by Marcel Wanders.

Casa das Pedras - Timeless Suites

Perfect for couples looking for privacy, there are four 100m2 suites, with individual terraces and private pools with views over the Alentejo plains.

The gold-coloured floor extends the colour of the soil inside this refuge immersed in the vines of Peceguina, surrounded by the aromas of wine and with a view of Ribeira de Terges, once a navigable waterway.

More contemporary in approach than the other spaces with a heavy focus on design, the mixture of mortar and wood give the construction and décor a minimalist and individual character.

A Flos Lamp, Carl Hansen & Søn chairs, Alvar Aalto coat rack for Artek, iconic and timeless pieces that are part of the design museum heritage of these houses, combine with the sideboards made in Portugal by Much Wood, Agape bathtub and linen tunics by Harmony Textile, in addition to Bvlgari toiletries, an iPad, a Harman kardon sound system, a television and underfloor heating.