Cycling Europe’s Last Wine Frontier in Portugal | Wine Folly’s MAPPED Alentejo (Part 1)

Wine Folly’s MAPPED Alentejo (Part 1) – Don’t miss Europe’s wild wine frontier! This wine-cycling adventure takes wine expert, Madeline Puckette, alongside her teammate (and former pro cyclist) through Portugal’s Alentejo.

See the wines, grapes and wineries featured in this episode on Wine Folly: https://winefolly.com/videos/mapped-alentejo-part-1/

00:59 – The Plan For Today
01:33 – Alentejo’s Grapes
04:55 – On a Vineyard Estate (Esporão)
06:42 – On The Bikes To Artisan Workshops
07:13 – A wool fabric maker (Fabricaal)
08:34 – Portuguese Pottery maker (Rui Patalim)
10:07 – Riding the bikes to Monsaraz

Start in Évora: The Gateway to Alentejo
The journey begins in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, the perfect gateway to Alentejo’s rich winemaking culture. Évora is home to the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo, where you can taste a wide array of wines made with native grapes. Highly recommend.

Discover Alentejo’s Unique Grape Varieties
This is the land of grape varieties like Antão Vaz, a fresh and elegant white made in historic clay amphora (Talha – “tahl-yah”). Then there’s Arinto (“Ah-rin-too”), Portugal’s answer to Chardonnay, which shines with its versatility and age-worthiness.

For red wine lovers, Alentejo offers Syrah with a Portuguese twist—bold, floral, and savory. The “Big Reds” like Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) rival the world’s best Cabernets. Trincadeira and Alfrocheiro add mouthwatering acidity and complexity (and are often blended).

For sommeliers and Burgundy enthusiasts, check out Moreto. It’s elegant with a Pinot Noir-like profile that thrives in the HOT HOT Beja region in Southern Alentejo. This is a grape to keep your eye on.

A Winery Estate: Sustainability and Innovation in action
We checked out Esporão with José the winemaker. They’re a pioneering estate with 2,000 hectares fully certified organic AND sustainable. Here, we explore their ampelographic field, home to 189 grape varieties. We learn how biodiversity and sustainable viticulture are shaping the future of Alentejo wine, making this a must-see for anyone passionate about sustainability.

Cycling Through Culture and Heritage
Cycling through the countryside, we visit artisan workshops in Reguengos de Monsaraz. Watch as 100-year-old looms weave traditional wool and master potters shape clay amphoras under the summer sun. The day ends with a climb to the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz, offering sweeping views and a taste of local heritage.

Why Cycling is the Best Way to Explore Wine Country
Cycling is the best way to experience wine country—feel the breeze, connect with the land, and discover hidden gems you’d miss from a car window. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a travel lover, or a cycling adventurer, this episode is packed with inspiration, insider tips, and unforgettable moments from Portugal’s Alentejo.

Subscribe and Join the Adventure
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