In the warm lands of the Baixo Alentejo region, just a few kilometres from the city of Beja, there is one of the oldest vineyards in the region. These are decades-old vineyards that Henrique Uva has been preserving and making profitable for years, and which he has always wanted to value as an independent producer.

In 2004 his dream came true, with the project being called Herdade da Mingorra. There are a total of 1,400 ha of a diverse landscape, with 170 ha of vineyards, 110 ha are olive groves, 270 ha are almond groves and the rest are traditional crops and woodland. Hunting is also a very dynamic activity, particularly partridge hunting.

The winery is duly framed within the 1,400 ha of a landscape that becomes exuberant, such is the diversity of cultures and fauna, with various hydrographic basins functioning as authentic oasis. The exterior surprises by the way it fits into the immense plain, and the interior by its modernity and functionality. These were the fundamental principles that guided the development of the project, with the indispensable collaboration of the winemaker Pedro Hipolito. With an area of approximately 4,000 m2, it only vinifies its own grapes and works with multi-level vinification processes. A space where modernity and functionality coexist, indelibly, with the most traditional techniques.

The result could only be wines of great quality, consistent and even innovative for the region, the result of the work of a dynamic, enterprising and creative team led by winemaker Pedro Hipólito. The excellence and constant renewal of the wine-growing culture, as well as the structural and human conditions of the project, have been the secret to its success.

In 2013, the construction of a olive mill completed Henrique Uva's project, which now also involves the production of olive oil under the house brand.

Herdade da Mingorra currently has two main ranges, the Partridge range, which includes the Mingorra Colheita wines, the Sauvignon Blanc, Alvarinho and Touriga Nacional single varietals, the Mingorra Reserva and the top of the range, Vinhas da Ira, the result of a field blend from the estate’s oldest vineyard, which are around 50 years old. In turn, the M range breaks away from the traditional, featuring a Late Harvest Wine, a Fortified Wine, a Sparkling Brut and another Rosé, as well as three still wines that stand out for their originality: Mingorra Grés, Mingorra Black and Mulatto. In addition to these main ranges, Mingorra also produces other brands, such as Imaginem, the first certified low carbon footprint wine in Portugal.

The wines have been unanimously favoured by critics in terms of quality and sales, both nationally and in export markets, which have been increasing. It is therefore with optimism, but also with redoubled responsibility, that we face the future.