Family Adventure in Historic Évora

Farewell, Évora!
As our ten-day adventure in Évora draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared as a family. Today was a perfect culmination of everything we've come to love about this historic region: stunning landscapes, rich history, and, of course, exquisite wine. It's bittersweet knowing that tomorrow we head back to Berlin, but the memories we've made here will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Our final day in Évora began, as many others have, with a delightful breakfast at A Choupana. Lena, Sophia, and I savored the fresh pastries and strong coffee, soaking in the last moments of our familiar morning routine in Portugal. It’s funny how quickly a place can feel like home, even when you know it’s just temporary.

Fueled up for the day, we set off towards Montemor-o-Novo. The drive itself was beautiful, with rolling hills and cork trees dotting the landscape. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment as I watched Sophia gazing out the window, her little face filled with wonder. It reminded me of road trips I took with my own family growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia. Those moments are priceless.

Our first stop was the Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo. The castle stood proudly on a hilltop, a testament to Portugal's long and fascinating history. As we explored the ancient walls and towers, I tried to imagine what life must have been like centuries ago. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the Alentejo plains. I shared with Sophia about the castle possibly being built on the site of a Roman fort, and how it played an important role in defending against invasions. She was particularly fascinated by the Clock Tower and stories of kings and battles.


Explore the historic Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo, a medieval gem offering stunning views and a glimpse into Portugal's fascinating past.

Lena, ever the architect, was captivated by the castle's design and the way it blended into the landscape. She pointed out the various architectural styles, reflecting the different periods of its construction and restoration. I appreciated her insights, as they added another layer to our understanding of this historical site. The Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century. It received charters from Kings Sancho I of Portugal (1203) and D. Manuel (1503) and played a significant role in resisting Castilian occupation and French invasions.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time for a change of pace. We drove to Monte da Ravasqueira, a renowned winery in the Alentejo region. I had booked a wine tour and tasting in advance, knowing that Lena and I would both appreciate the opportunity to sample some of the local wines. Sophia, of course, was more interested in the vineyards and the horses that the estate is also known for.


Discover the exquisite wines and rich heritage of Monte da Ravasqueira in Arraiolos, a perfect blend of culture and nature for every traveler.

The tour began with a visit to the Carriage Museum, one of Europe's largest private collections. It was fascinating to see the different styles and eras of carriages, and to learn about their connection to the Lusitano horses, which are deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. Sophia was thrilled to see the horses up close, and even got to pet one of them. Her eyes lit up with joy, and it was clear that this was a highlight of her day.

Next, we strolled through the vineyards, learning about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wines of Monte da Ravasqueira. I was impressed by the estate's commitment to sustainable practices and their dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Alentejo.

Finally, it was time for the tasting. We sampled four classic Ravasqueira wines, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. Lena and I savored every sip, discussing the aromas and nuances of each wine. I particularly enjoyed the red wines, which were rich and full-bodied, with notes of dark fruit and spice. Lena, on the other hand, preferred the white wines, which were crisp and refreshing, with hints of citrus and floral notes. Sophia enjoyed some grape juice, feeling very grown up as she swirled the glass and sniffed like she saw us doing.

Wine is sunlight, held together by water.

After our delightful wine experience, we headed to Restaurante 1/4 pras 9 for lunch. This charming spot came highly recommended, known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We started with the camarões em potes (shrimp in pots) and açorda (a traditional Alentejo bread soup). The flavors were incredible, a true taste of the region. For our main courses, Lena chose the arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice), while I opted for the sopa de cação (dogfish soup), a local delicacy. Sophia, always a fan of seafood, happily devoured a plate of grilled fish. The restaurant has a charming and authentic atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and efficient. It's clear that this is a local favorite, and we felt lucky to have discovered it.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Restaurante 1/4 pras 9 in Évora - where tradition meets taste.

In the late afternoon, we visited Quinta do Carmo, another esteemed winery in the Alentejo. Quinta do Carmo has a rich history and is known for producing high-quality Alentejo wines. The estate itself is beautiful, with sprawling vineyards and a modern winery. We took a guided tour, learning about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the Quinta do Carmo wines. The tour included a visit to the vineyards and the barrel rooms, where the wines are aged to perfection. It was fascinating to see the blend of traditional and modern techniques used in the winemaking process. The vineyard was previously under the management of Domaine de Rotschild, before being taken over by Bacalhoa- Vinhos de Portugal in 2008.


Explore Quinta do Carmo, a stunning vineyard in Portugal offering exquisite wines, captivating tours, and a rich cultural experience.

Of course, no trip is complete without a final toast to the memories made. We finished our last evening in Évora at Bar A Mandrágora. We enjoyed some expertly crafted cocktails. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, the perfect setting for reminiscing about our adventures. Sophia even stayed up a little later than usual, enjoying the music and the vibrant energy of the bar. It was a fitting end to our time in Évora.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Évora at Bar A Mandrágora, where exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere await you.

As I sit here now, writing this final blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had in Évora. We've explored ancient ruins, wandered through charming streets, and tasted some of the most delicious food and wine in Portugal. But more importantly, we've created memories that will last a lifetime. I am also grateful that I did not forget the essentials for this trip, except for the travel adapter and the extra memory card. I am sure I will remember them next time.

Tomorrow, we head back to Berlin. It's time to return to our everyday lives, to work and school and the familiar routines of home. But I know that a part of us will always remain in Évora, in the Alentejo, in Portugal. And I have a feeling that we'll be back someday soon.

Until then, obrigado, Évora. You've been an incredible host.