The origins of wine in Colares goes far back in time. It is known that during the Roman Empire wine was
already being produced in this Region.
In 1230, the King Afonso III used to donate land under the condition of vine plantation.
A winery that survived the challenges of time.
In 1300, besides the parish of Colares, locations such as Galamares, Várzea de Sintra and Fontanelas were highlighted as other relevant terroirs of the Region. The first export of these wines is documented in the14th Century, during the kingdom of D. Fernando I. The native variety Ramisco has been referenced since 1790.
By the end of the 19th century, the Colares wine region gained momentum
In 1865, one of history’s biggest threats to vines engulfed Europe – phylloxera. This miniscule bug, originally from the North American continent, bites the vines’ roots, injecting a poisonous sap into the plants, causing its death over the long term.
Curiously, Colares’ sandy vineyards (appellation Colares) were not affected, resisting entirely to this
plague. The depth of its roots (8 meters deep in some areas), did not allow phylloxera to attack.
In 1908, Colares was granted its appellation– Demarcation of Controlled Origin (DOC), the most western DOC of Continental Europe.
In 1934, 1800 hectares of sand and 150 hectares of other soils were registered in the Colares region. Over the years, the planted area was reduced drastically due to a considerable real estate pressure and change in the wine consumption trends, from fresh and elegant wines, towards heavier and structured. Difficult features to find on a site by the sea.
Viúva Gomes, founded in 1808, is in Almoçageme, a small village in Colares. A winery that survived the challenges of time.
It is fundamental to mention the crucial role of Adega Regional de Colares in the Region. Founded in 1931, became the organism to verify the genuineness and quality of the wines. And later, as a “guaranteed” client for the small grape growers to channel their crops.
Today, the total planted Colares area is comprised of 45 hectares of vine, of which only 20 hectares have the potential to be DOC Colares.
At Viúva Gomes we work almost on a smallholding, with a total area of 5ha. This production is complemented by collaborations and the purchase of grapes from local producers in selected vineyards.
Largo Comendador Gomes da Silva, 2 e 3
Almoçageme, 2705-041 COLARES
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
