Between Roman Presses and a Castanheira Barrel Walk: Guided Tasting at Quinta da Taboadella

SILVÃ DE CIMA WINERY FIELD GUIDE

Between Roman Presses and a Castanheira Barrel Walk: Guided Tasting at Quinta da Taboadella

A 1h30 guided visit that leads from an ancient Roman lagar through forest and vineyards to a Carlos Castanheira–designed adega, finishing with an on-site wine and cheese tasting.

Between Roman Presses and a Castanheira Barrel Walk: Guided Tasting at Quinta da Taboadella.

Duration
1h 30m
Location
Silvã de Cima
Operator
Quinta da Taboadella
Category
Winery
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At Quinta da Taboadella, history and architecture converge: visitors move from one of the Dão’s oldest Roman presses through the estate’s woodland and vineyards, enter an adega by architect Carlos Castanheira and cross the elevated Barrel Top Walk above the resting casks before concluding with a tasting in the intimate Wine House or, for larger groups, in the adega’s tasting room with balcony.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GATHERING PLACE

Wine House: the starting point

The Wine House at Taboadella sits beside the main house garden, close to the Roman lagar and the lake; it is the estate’s welcoming hub for registering visits, sampling Taboadella wines and buying Serra da Estrela cheeses and regional crafts.

THE ANCIENT PRESS

Lagar Romano — a trace of early winemaking

One of the property’s essential stops is the Roman lagar, presented as one of the oldest vinification vestiges in the Dão, anchoring the visit in centuries of local winemaking.

THE ARCHITECTURE

Castanheira’s adega and the Barrel Top Walk

The guided route includes the modern adega designed by Carlos Castanheira and culminates on the Barrel Top Walk, a raised wooden passadiço above the barrel room where the estate’s wines age.

What the day feels like

What the visit feels like

The 1h30 guided experience moves at an unhurried, explanatory pace: beginning at the Wine House by the main garden and lake, the group visits a Roman lagar and the surrounding forest, then proceeds to the vineyards either on foot or aboard the estate’s traditional 1964 Bedford van. The route continues into the Castanheira-designed adega and onto the Barrel Top Walk before the visit concludes with a wine tasting accompanied by local Serra da Estrela cheese in the Wine House or, for larger groups, in the adega tasting room with balcony.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits—and the one firm restriction to note.

1
FamiliesThe guided visit is offered for all ages, making it suitable for family groups; however, wine tastings are limited to participants aged 18 and older.
2
Wine Enthusiasts & CouplesA concise guided tasting framed by estate history and architecture, ending with exclusive Taboadella wines and local Serra da Estrela cheese—tastings available only to those 18+.
3
Architecture & History BuffsVisitors interested in architectural design and vinicultural history will find the Castanheira adega and the Roman lagar of particular interest; note the tasting age restriction of 18+.
4
Active Walkers / Mobility-Conscious TravelersThe visit includes walking sections through forest and vineyard but also offers transport by the estate’s Bedford van for part of the route—plan accordingly and remember tasting access is restricted to 18+.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The guided visit runs approximately 1h30m.

Meeting Point

Meet at Quinta Da Taboadella, beginning at the Wine House beside the main garden and lake.

On the Route

The itinerary includes the Roman lagar, a walk through forest and vineyards (or travel by the estate’s 1964 Bedford van), the Castanheira adega and the Barrel Top Walk.

Tasting & Purchases

The visit ends with a wine tasting in the Wine House or, for larger groups, in the adega tasting room with balcony; Serra da Estrela cheeses and local crafts are available for sale.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the Visita Guiada com Prova Villae last?

The guided visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Quinta Da Taboadella, at the Wine House next to the main house garden and lake.

Are children allowed on the visit?

The visit is offered for all ages, but wine tastings are restricted to participants aged 18 and over.

What will we see during the tour?

The route includes the Roman lagar, the estate forest and vineyards (walked or accessed by the 1964 Bedford van), the Carlos Castanheira–designed adega and the Barrel Top Walk, concluding with a wine tasting.

Where does the tasting take place?

Tastings take place in the Wine House; for larger groups the tasting is held in the adega’s tasting room with access to a balcony.

Can I buy local food and crafts on site?

Yes. The Wine House offers Taboadella wines, Serra da Estrela cheeses and select pieces from local artisans for sale.