Quinta das Ratoeiras

Patricia was a lovely host, and she speaks fluent English. The breakfast was extraordinary for Portugal, and the clean rooms had new furniture and a small terrace. There aren't any signs pointing to the Quinta, so it can be a little hard to find. Still, if you're after somewhere remote and quiet for a night or a few days, this could be a good fit.

The local breakfast is wonderful, and each of the six rooms at Quinta das Ratoeiras has its own patio hammock. Try the tomatillo jam and grapes from the surrounding vineyards. You can also walk through the vineyards and ask about the 1000 year old olive trees. It's a peaceful bit of rural charm, about two hours from the bustle of Lisbon.

Our two nights at Quinta das Ratoeira were one of the highlights of our trip, as we traveled from Seville to Lisbon. We were looking for an Alentejo base to visit wineries, and it worked really well. Patricia and Pedro showed us around the property, including inside their home. Pedro explained the tahla winemaking method, which accounts for about 10% of his production. He also showed us the 1200 year old olive tree and the springs that fed the neighboring Roman Villa. We visited Quinta do Quetzal, Herdade do Rocim, and Ribafreixo Wineries, and had great lunches at QdQ and Ribafreixo. The wine and food were excellent value. We also saw the St. Cucufate Roman Ruins next door and the old church of St Antonio, which has a great view of the surrounding area. Fascinating stuff.

A really quiet spot among the vineyards, with stars all around at night and Roman history nearby. The bed was big, the shower was lovely, and breakfast was very nice. Obrigada!