September is harvest month in Portugal, when the grape harvest and wine production takes place. During this season, estates and wineries from north to south of the country open their doors to the public to offer immersive experiences in the Portuguese wine-making tradition. The Douro region, known for its prestigious red wines, is one of the areas that hosts these seasonal initiatives. The Dão, Alentejo and Península de Setúbal are other wine regions that participate in this public opening during September.
Among the available activities, grape picking and stomping stand out, allowing visitors to participate directly in the harvest. Must tastings are also proposed, the fresh juice of the grape before it becomes wine, allowing comparison of flavors before and after fermentation. The experiences also include regional lunches, combining local gastronomy with the wines from the respective estates, and special programs at sunset in the vineyards. The article brings together a set of proposals for those who wish to experience the Portuguese wine-making tradition from the inside, inviting readers to trade the wine glass for the complete experience of producing it.
