The beauty of the Alentejo plain, the culture, the hunting and the rich gastronomic tradition make Estremoz an exciting region. Founded in 1258 by King Afonso III, also lived here King Dinis and Vasco da Gama, who was invested Commander in the discovery of the sea route to India. In the heart of the Upper Alentejo, the soils derived from schist and clay-limestone, and the climate of continental influence, contribute to reduced qualitative oscillations and harvests without rain, ideal conditions for an exceptional wine culture.
This was the place chosen by João Portugal Ramos to make his first wines, after his long career as a consultant winemaker in the most iconic Portuguese wine regions.
João Portugal Ramos planted his own vineyards in Estremoz in 1989. Since then, the area of vineyards has increased, with the aim of obtaining in each vintage a careful selection of grapes for producing exceptional wines.
Designed in accordance with the traditional architecture of the Alentejo region, the Vila Santa winery, built in 1997 and enlarged in 2000 and in 2017, has put Estremoz on the map of the great Portuguese wines, welcoming visitors from all over the world. Today it is the headquarters of João Portugal Ramos Group.