Quinta de Chocapalha
Located in the rolling hills of Alenquer, just a stone's throw from Lisbon, Quinta de Chocapalha is a family-owned estate celebrated for its dedication to sustainability, authenticity, and the preservation of indigenous grape varieties.
At its heart is the Tavares family, whose passion for the land and vineyards drives a harmonious relationship with the unique microclimate shaped by the nearby Serra do Montejunto and the Atlantic Ocean. These natural influences, combined with the estate’s diverse soils, provide ideal conditions for crafting terroir-driven wines that embody the character and spirit of the region.
Sustainability is central to the winery’s vision, with practices such as dry farming, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy initiatives playing a key role in protecting the land for future generations. The estate's efforts have earned recognition, including the prestigious maximum certification from The National Reference for Sustainability Certification in the Wine Sector.
Beyond the vineyards, Quinta de Chocapalha is a place of connection, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience not only its wines but also its warm hospitality. Whether it's a tasting in the heart of the estate or hearing the family’s stories, guests leave with a deeper understanding of the dedication and love that defines this winery.
I spoke with Andrea Tavares about the estate.
What has been your biggest win in the vineyard or cellar this year, and what do you attribute that success to?
The biggest win this year was in the cellar because it was a very challenging vintage with a strong risk of fungus due to high humidity during the cycle.
What steps did you take to ensure the fungus did not attack the grapes?
Minimising the control of the attack is the most important aspect of the growth and development of the vineyards. To achieve this, the optimal conduction of the plants is fundamental, while removing leaves when in excess and complying with the vineyard treatment plan.
What new sustainability initiatives have you implemented in the past year, and what motivated those changes?
Our project has always been rooted in sustainable practices and ensuring we are environmentally friendly. We practice dry farming viticulture with cover crops and have several small forests, wild bushes and olive trees surrounding the vineyards to protect the biodiversity. Additionally, we have a small dam that attracts a lot of wildlife, especially wild birds. Every year we implement new initiatives to maintain a positive environmental impact, from switching to lighter bottles and cardboard boxes and choosing local suppliers to more advanced practices such as implementing a new water treatment system for reusing all our effluents and installing solar panels, amongst others. This year we have obtained the certification by The National Reference for Sustainability Certification in the Wine Sector seal attributed by ViniPortugal and IVV, and Chocapalha obtained the maximum score, level A. This Reference followed Resolution OIV-VITI 641-2020, so we are very proud to have achieved recognition for our approach.
Achieving the maximum score for sustainability certification is impressive. Was there a particular practice or initiative that was the most challenging to implement, and how did you overcome it?
At Quinta De Chocapalha, we treat nature with the utmost respect, it is the foundation of everything we do. Since the beginning, we have practiced sustainable farming, prioritising the vines’ health and longevity alongside the preservation of the ecosystem and biodiversity. Achieving the certification was a proud moment for our entire family and team, as it validated our policies and commitment to a sustainable society.
What’s your long-term vision for sustainability in the winery, and how do you see the industry evolving in this regard?
Sustainable farming is a core commitment for us, especially as Independent Wine Growers. For us, the most important legacy is to preserve our land, soil, water and environment, ensuring they are as healthy as possible for future generations.
Can you share a funny or heartwarming moment that happened in the vineyard or winery this year?
Our parents are amazing, they always leave a strong impression on every visitor. People feel connected with them and this helps us build strong friendships and connections, which is so important in our industry.
How old are your parents and what is their favourite story to tell visitors?
Our parents are both 80 years old. Their favourite story to share is how and why the family moved to Chocapalha – to invest in a property that evolved into their family project, where they could craft high-quality wines. Every family member has played a role in shaping the spirit of this venture, which is firmly grounded in our shared passion.
Have you had a moment where a visitor or customer shared how your wine touched their life in a meaningful way? How did that affect you?
We welcome many visitors, internees and clients during the year, and it’s very rewarding to listen to all the amazing stories and experiences from everyone. For instance, in 2018 we welcomed a young American young couple for a tasting visit. This year, they returned to Portugal to repeat the same programme, but this time, it was to celebrate their wedding anniversary. The proposal was made during their 2018 visit, which was very special!
What wine did the couple open to enjoy their anniversary with you?
The couple asked for Chocapalha Vinha Mãe, a blend of our oldest vineyards. The same wine they had during their first visit to Lisboa.
Have you noticed any shifts in customer preferences or feedback over the last year? How has that influenced your wine production or marketing?
Consumer preferences are always evolving, but we believe we shouldn’t change our style based on trends. We produce wines with our philosophy at heart, terroir-driven, encompassing the identity of our land. It’s encouraging to see a growing appreciation among customers for exploring indigenous grape varieties, and Portugal, with its incredible diversity, offers so much to discover.
Of the indigenous grape varieties you’ve been working with, do you have a personal favourite and why?
Arinto is the queen of white grapes at Chocapalha, showcasing remarkable complexity and purity. We produce several wines with Arinto, sourced from different plots, employing diverse vinification methods and aging techniques. Our aim is to always highlight how impressive this grape is in our work.
How has the story of your winery resonated with customers, and why do you think they connect with your brand?
It is a family estate with a strong connection with our land, and this authenticity resonates strongly with our customers. Being a family-run operation means that every decision is guided by passion and purpose, which customers can sense when they visit us or taste our wines.
Have you introduced any new grape varieties recently? Why did you choose them, and how did they perform?
Recently, we have been working with autochthonous varieties such as Arinto, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet. These are adapted to our climate and soils, helping us to produce wines with a strong identity and deep connection to our region.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year, and how do you plan to apply it in the future?
That every year is unique, with weather forecasts becoming increasingly unpredictable. We anticipate and prepare the vineyard and winery to be able to adapt quickly to changes, so this proactive approach ensures we can manage this better
Which local restaurants/ points of interest do you suggest and why?
We are based in Alenquer, a beautiful and very historic village, with Serra do Montejunto and the Atlantic close by. For local dining, we suggest Páteo Velho, Areias do Seixo and Alta in Areia Branca, all of which are fantastic choices. Being so close to Lisbon, visiting Sintra is also a must.
Quinta de Chocapalha
2580-081 Aldeia Galega da Merceana
Portugal
+ 351 91 769 43 56
andreatavares@chocapalha.com
www.chocapalha.com
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