The story begins with Horst Lieberwirth, who arrived in Portugal in 2012 and quickly fell in love with his neighbour’s daughter, Inês Capinha. Together, their passion for country life, fine food, and outstanding wines is woven into their love of the land.

In 2013, they revived the centuries-old terraced vineyards, which now yields roughly 35,000 bottles per year.

Today, their vines – stretching across eight hectares – include eleven grape varieties: Arinto, Verdelho, Antão Vaz, Touriga Nacional, Moscatel, Alfrocheiro, Negra Mole, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, and notably Pinot Noir which is a rarity in the Algarve.

In 2025, the estate will celebrate its first official vintage of both Pinot Noir and Negra Mole wines.

Visitors can discover Quinta dos Capinhas by appointment, where wine tastings, guided tours, and seasonal vineyard dinners (from May to October) invite guests to slow down and experience the finest in Algarve hospitality. There are also romantic picnics, intimate celebrations, and even buggy safaris where each stop is paired with a sip of something special.

A classic tasting begins with a stroll through the scenic vineyard, where guests learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle, before settling in for a curated tasting of five wines – three current releases and two premium selections – paired with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board. Fresh bread and easy conversation complete the experience, leaving guests with a lingering sense of warmth and connection.

For those who wish to stay longer and enjoy more, Quinta dos Capinhas offers three villas that capture the essence of Portuguese living. Plans are underway to expand the estate with a 600m² guesthouse, a 500m² Adega, and a restored farmhouse that will serve as a gourmet restaurant. When finished, the venue will welcome up to 120 guests.

Beyond the beauty of its wines, Quinta dos Capinhas stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The estate follows organic principles, eschewing chemicals in favour of natural soil enrichment and cover crops that protect biodiversity. The surrounding landscape hums with life: olive, almond, cork oak, and carob trees frame the vineyards, while wild vegetation and small wildlife thrive undisturbed in the 30-hectare estate. The estate’s chameleon emblem perfectly captures this spirit, and every bottle reflects this ethos: wines born from the land, shaped by the sea, and crafted with care.

Being only two kilometres from the Atlantic gives Quinta dos Capinhas an enviable edge. The ocean’s influence moderates grape temperatures, preserving acidity, while mineral-rich soils add a subtle, signature salinity. The result is wine that’s fresh, aromatic, and elegantly vibrant – a true expression of coastal Portugal.

For a truly memorable Christmas gift, look to the estate’s forthcoming fortified wine. Discovered in historic barrels at Adega Única in Lagoa, and estimated to be around 40 years old, this rare, limited-edition treasure showcases the pinnacle of Portuguese winemaking – a collector’s dream and a perfect Christmas gift for those who appreciate the rare and the refined. Its packaging is being perfected and the wine will soon be available for purchase.

Whether you’re visiting for a tasting or staying among the vines, Quinta dos Capinhas invites you to experience the Algarve. It’s more than a vineyard – it’s a love story, sanctuary, and a celebration of the land itself. So, sip, savour and discover your perfect bottle – at the estate, online, or through local retailers (visit quintadoscapinhas.com for a retailer list).