The young, but already well-established Portuguese brand of wine and extra virgin olive oil MAINOVA, which combines innovation, modern methods and the best traditions and tastes of Alentejo land, presents its own, dedicated to wine tourism, Wine Art Gallery.
Directly from Alto Alentejo, MAINOVA was born in 2020 by the Monteiro family.
Herdade da Fonte Santa, acquired by the Monteiro family in 2010, with the combination of shale soils, granite and a unique ecosystem is contributed to the natural creation of high quality raw materials for production of exclusive products.
Bárbara Monteiro, the youngest of three sisters (in Portuguese, “mainova” is a colloquialism for “a mais nova”, meaning “the youngest girl”), idealized MAINOVA after a whole decade of work in the olive grove (90 acres) and vineyard (20 acres).
“Since we acquired the Herdade, we’ve been always very attentive to the field care and sustainability of ecosystems, we have created a very strong connection with nature. Therefore, it made perfect sense to also reflect this environment and care in the transformation process inside the winery”, — explains Bárbara, responsible for choosing all the interior design of the minimalist building that holds the Wine Art Gallery.
Space of Herdade da Fonte Santa has opened its new project Wine Art Gallery MAINOVA, dedicated to wine tourism with visits to the winery, vineyards and olive groves, as well as holding tastings and various events.
When designing the new MAINOVA space, important angle was to create an atmosphere very closely connected to the Earth. The walls are painted in earthy tones, while wood, rope and vines help create a natural landscape in the new Wine Art Gallery.
“We wanted to make an ode to our artists — to those who work in the fields every day and those who make the magic inside the winery, — says Bárbara. — That’s why we called the space a gallery. It’s a tribute to everyone that makes MAINOVA possible.”
The winery has two floors with specialized equipment and large metal vats inscribed with Mainova, Moinante and Milmat wines. Like the Olive oil under the Clássico and Early Harvest brands, all wines are produced under an integrated and organic production regime, resulting wines with low intervention, low sulfur content and vegan certification — a responsible work done by renowned winemakers António Maçanita and Sandra Sarria.
A wine cellar with a huge wall of mirrors is located on the ground floor, next to wooden barrels and a tasting room for groups, where all samples of MAINOVA are displayed, also available for purchase.
The new programs of the Wine Art Gallery are designed for all wine lovers, but without forgetting about another key MAINOVA product — Olive oil.
“We have developed several wine tourism programs, — continues Bárbara. — Mainova Beginner which includes a tour of the winery, a tasting of three wines and a local board of cheeses and meats, Mainova Intermediate — five different wines with the same appetizers and programs dedicated to olive oil, Mainova Extra Virgin with a tasting of four olive oils of the first cold pressing and cheese board and Mainova Extra Virgin Intermediate — six extra-class oils and lunch. The most complete experience is the Mainova Fluente, a guided tour, tasting of six wines, four olive mases and a board of regional products.”
During the degustation the guest has a chance to discover highlights of MAINOVA Wine range and see the difference between different grape varieties, ages and other specific features:
- Mainova White 2021; Varieties: Antão Vaz, Arinto and Verdelh
- Mainova Verdelho 2021; Varieties: 100% Verdelho
- Mainova Tinto 2020; Varieties: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Baga
- Mainada Baga 2020; Varieties: 100% Baga
- Moinante Rosé Castelâo 2021; Varieties: 100% Castelão
In addition, MAINOVA offers individual events for those who want to truly enjoy the most interesting moments — organizing birthdays, corporate parties & team buildings to participation in a harvest program, show-cookings, meal with wine pairing or a picnic under a thousand-year-old olive tree.
Bárbara Monteiro: “All wine tourism programs are available by appointment, we are very happy to organize any event to bring real pleasure to our visitors. But, if the guest is not going to visit the winery, then he can always visit MAINOVA to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful landscapes of Alentejo. From Alentejo to the world, MAINOVA is a brand toasting to the future, without ever forgetting heritage and traditions.”
MAINOVA Wine Art Gallery
Address: Monte Herdade da Fonte Santa, EN 372-1 7040-669 Vimieiro, Arraiolos
Contacts:
geral@mainova.pt
sales@mainova.pt
+351 910 732 526
Instagram: @mainovaalentejo
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
