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Portugal’s historic Tejo region has been producing some of the most unique wines in Europe since winemaking first began there in 1170. During the Middle Ages, land concessions required trustees to plant both olive trees and vineyards on the land parcels. Before long, villages began springing up along the lengthy and ancient Tejo River, and with this grape cultivation came the beginnings of a local wine culture.

Pulsing with a rich heritage, Tejo still claims a bounty of historical treasures from those medieval moments, with architectural relics and medieval hilltop villages dotting the picturesque landscape. Today, many of Tejo’s historic wineries — bridging tradition and modernity — bear witness to the region’s centuries of quality wine production since medieval times.

To the Portuguese, Tejo is known as the land of vineyards, olive groves, foot-treading, cork forests and the famous Lusitano horses. Visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path wine tourism experience will also find ancient routes leading through medieval villages that offer up sites of historic importance with unique characteristics. The area provides a breathtaking landscape for lovers of nature, culture, and authentic wines. A sampling of Tejo’s villages and monuments of great significance that date back to the Middle Ages include:   Continue reading →