The region, comprising of altitudes between 30m and 200m, is geographically limited by three parishes – Colares, São Martinho and São João das Lampas.
Between the Atlantic and the mountains, a unique terroir is born.
Between the Atlantic and the mountains, a unique terroir is born.
The Colares wine-growing region is nestled between its southern border at Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point in Continental Europe) to its northern border at São Julião Beach, and from the steep cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean on its west, to one of Sintra’s tectonic plates to its east.
Sintra’s hills are responsible for the unique Colares microclimate.
Here, the semi-arid climate of the coast joins the moderate humid climate encompassing Sintra’s hills, blocking northern winds and augmenting the humidity from the sea.
The temperature is mild, with little range. It has an annual average of 15.7ºC and 635mm of rainfall, with average daily humidity levels normally above 75%. This region is very affected by sea winds, mostly north and northwest, and has one of the lowest levels of summer sunshine in Portugal.
The Region boasts a huge diversity of soils
From sedimentary rocks and sandstones from the Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic, mostly limestone, which contrast with the granite massif of the Serra de Sintra, an igneous rock of eruptive origin.
These climatic, orographic and geologic characteristics are worth studying and highlighting, allowing the encounter of different and unique terroirs within the Region.
DOC Colares
Planting vineyards suitable for DOC Colares requires the temporary removal of sand by digging trenches to find fertile soil. This is where the mass selection of the previous year’s long pruning poles is picked.
Largo Comendador Gomes da Silva, 2 e 3
Almoçageme, 2705-041 COLARES
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
