Quinta das Ratoeiras.
On the border between the Upper and Lower Alentejo in Vila de Frades - Vidigueira, between the Serra do Mendro and the Alentejo Plain, is the Quinta das Ratoeiras, which owes its name to these artifacts, true traps for hunting the many thrushes existing in the area. Quinta das Ratoeiras with an extension of 44ha (440,000 mt2), has in its interior two natural springs and 6 wells, which provide all the water that the extensive estate needs throughout the year, for the vineyard, olive grove and orange grove. The estate has 21 ha of vineyards in production (with drip irrigation system). In this area we can find several varieties planted, such as the white Antão Vaz and Arinto, or the red Alicante Bouchet, Alfrocheiro, Aragonês, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon... In Quinta das Ratoeiras there is a Winery / Casão Agrícola with 250 m2, where the tractor, trailer and all the implements are stored, for rural work. In the part of the Cellar are produced several wines with the respective Trademarks, either in stainless steel vats, or in centenary Clay Talhas, using the millenary techniques that the Romans left us, especially in the municipality of Vidigueira. Some of the Talha wines produced at the Quinta have obtained several 1st prizes in wine competitions. In addition to the vineyard, the estate also has two olive groves: a traditional one with the Galician variety (and with trees that are more than 1000 years old), and another recent one of the Cobrançosa variety, with drip irrigation. There is also an orange orchard (varieties New Hall and Valencia Late), and another with the autochthonous variety of the region: the Orange-Pear, whose characteristics are the sweetness and amount of juice. Together with the Cellar, Quinta das Ratoeiras promotes Rural Wine Tourism in a modern hotel unit that has 6 double rooms with generous dimensions and where you can wake up to the sound of the chirping of birds, with the aroma of fruit trees in a relaxing landscape to lose sight of... A breakfast room on the top floor of the building completes the rest, and helps to start the day well. There you can delight in fresh laminated fruit, handmade jams, honey obtained from hives in the Quinta, and everything else of these morning meals, especially the famous bread of Vidigueira. The hotel has the potential (with municipal authorization) to increase the number of rooms. The annual occupancy rate is 70% year. The Roman Ruins of São Cucufate (350 m. from Quinta das Ratoeiras) are the largest in Portugal, and were offered by the Senate to a Roman Centurion, for the conquests in the Germania campaign, give a touch of charm to the tourist attraction of the region. The third building of Quinta das Ratoeiras is a large and traditional Alentejo house of housing with 370 m2, which includes four bedrooms (all suites) with central heating, garage and huge attic. There resides the owner family, who enjoy the surrounding natural environment and where they gather for pleasant meals with friends, on the wonderful terrace in the shade of the trees or in winter near the warmth of the large and magnificent fireplace. A homestead for the family, which will pass from generation to generation or an investment with a guaranteed return. Energy Rating: B #ref:HT_10510
