Adega José De Sousa

The José de Sousa Winery has existed since 1878 and was acquired by José Maria da Fonseca in 1986, in order to fulfil the long-held dream of producing wine in the Alentejo, on a property steeped in prestige and history. Located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, this is where a tradition started by the Romans over 2,000 years ago is kept alive.

The José de Sousa winery has 114 clay jars, where an ancient and extremely rare fermentation method is carried out. In addition to the traditional cellar, below ground level, with the jars and two presses for treading, it also has a modern cellar, with 44 stainless steel vats and all the technology essential for the vinification of red and white wines. The winery still uses some ancestral winemaking techniques, the most emblematic being the use of the jar to ferment the grapes.

The essence of winemaking in the jar has changed little in over two thousand years. In this process, the grapes, previously crushed by foot, are destemmed on a slatted table. Then, the grape juice, the skins and some of the stems are placed inside clay jars, where fermentation occurs spontaneously. The use of the jars adds spices and a third dimension to the wine. Afterwards, the white wine is removed and placed in a new jar and the red wine is removed from the amphora, with some aged in chestnut barrels and the rest in jars.

After the visit, you can enjoy a wine tasting in the tranquility of our tasting room.