Portuguese Quintas

Quinta in Portuguese means - farm, villa, estate.. and once you visit one you will find that it is exactly that - a rural property, often with historic manors and palaces, hidden behind large, impressive gates, high wall. From its Portuguese and Spanish origins - quinta parte, meaning - fifth part, or quintus in Latin - was referring to the amount of a farms's produce paid in rent, hence they became known as quintas. The property itself is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees, flowers, sometimes animals. You may find there a little fountain, a restaurant with a banquet hall, often hired for weddings and special events.

Quintas, are rarely known outside of Portugal. You will find them on the outskirts of towns or in the country. What quinta really stands for is 'quality of living'. Historically, quintas were family owned farms, surrounded by large plots of nutrient rich land for the purpose of family consumption and economic sustenance. Many of Portugal's vineyards and wines are still produced on these farms with well maintained quality land.

Unfortunately, many of the Portugal's traditional quintas were lost due to modern cultivation practices and the changing times. The ones that remained still carry on with the tradition of quality. Most of them grow organic produce, produce their own quality products, host raw, vegan, organic workshops, with specially invited hosts. The owners happily share with family, friends and guests the seasonal harvest. The quinta life is slow and along with the changing season. 

Here we visited the Quinta da Pia, near Barcelos. They kindly let us enjoy the gardens, whilst they were preparing for a wedding.