Coimbra: Prior Lucas Winery and Vineyard Visit With Tastings

Nestled in the picturesque Souselas region, the Prior Lucas Winery and Vineyard offers an immersive experience into the art of traditional Portuguese winemaking. Visitors can explore the family-owned estate, indulging in expertly-crafted sparkling, white, and red wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Bairrada region. Beyond the wines, guests can also savor artisanal olive oil and locally-sourced appetizers, creating a harmonious gastronomic journey. With flexible scheduling and a convenient booking system, the winery invites wine enthusiasts to uncover the rich heritage and quality that lie within.

Key Points

1. Prior Lucas Winery offers winery, vineyard, and cellar tours showcasing their traditional winemaking techniques and Bairrada terroir.
2. Visitors can enjoy tastings of the winery’s signature sparkling, white, and red wines, paired with locally-sourced appetizers.
3. The winery provides an olive oil tasting experience, allowing guests to learn about the estate’s artisanal olive oil production.
4. The flexible scheduling options and convenient booking system enable visitors to plan their winery visit according to their preferences.
5. The winery’s knowledgeable staff guide visitors through the tasting experience, providing insights into the winemaking process and the unique flavors of the Bairrada region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Winery and Vineyard Overview

Prior Lucas Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned estate located in Souselas, Coimbra.

The winery produces a range of sparkling, white, and red wines using traditional winemaking techniques in the Bairrada region.

Visitors can explore the winery, vineyards, and cellar, learning about the winemaking process and techniques.

The winery offers tastings of their signature wines, including a sparkling wine, a white wine, and a red wine, accompanied by appetizers.

Guests can also sample the estate’s artisanal olive oil.

The visit provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s winemaking heritage and the family’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines.

Winemaking Process and Techniques

The family-owned winery employs traditional winemaking techniques to craft their signature sparkling, white, and red wines. They carefully monitor the fermentation process, controlling factors like temperature and time to bring out the unique flavors and characteristics of the grapes grown in the Bairrada region.

Winemaking Stage	Techniques Employed
Crushing & Pressing	Gentle, whole-cluster pressing to preserve aromatics
Fermentation	Temperature-controlled to promote ideal yeast activity
Aging	Maturation in oak barrels and/or stainless steel tanks
Blending	Careful blending of different grape varieties and batches

This meticulous approach results in wines that beautifully express the terroir of the Bairrada appellation.

Sparkling Wine Tasting

Visitors start their tasting experience with a sparkling wine, a signature offering from the Prior Lucas Winery. This effervescent delight, made using the traditional méthode champenoise, showcases the winery’s dedication to crafting outstanding bubbly in the Bairrada region.

The sparkling wine delights the senses with:

• Fine, persistent bubbles that dance on the tongue.
• Bright acidity that balances the wine’s fruit-forward flavors.
• Subtle notes of citrus and stone fruits.
• A crisp, refreshing finish that leaves you eager for the next sip.

This sparkling introduction sets the stage for the rest of the tasting, whetting the appetite for the delectable white and red wines to come.

White Wine Tasting

After savoring the effervescent sparkling wine, guests move on to sample the winery’s acclaimed white offerings.

These crisp and aromatic whites showcase the Bairrada region’s unique terroir, with flavors that dance across the palate.

The first white wine tasted is a bright, fruit-forward Bical, which displays notes of citrus and green apple.

Next, a more complex Arinto enchants the senses with its vibrant acidity and hints of mineral and herbs.

Guests appreciate how these whites balance freshness and depth, perfectly complementing the appetizers served.

The tasting provides a delightful introduction to the diversity of Bairrada’s white wine portfolio, leaving visitors eager to explore more.

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Red Wine Tasting

Next, guests eagerly explore the winery’s renowned red wine offerings. The Bairrada region’s unique terroir lends itself particularly well to the production of rich, complex red wines, and Prior Lucas showcases this exceptional quality.

Visitors sample a vibrant Baga, the region’s signature grape, which captivates the palate with its bold tannins, dark fruit notes, and spicy undertones. Transitioning to a more elegant Touriga Nacional, guests appreciate the wine’s refined structure and nuanced flavors of ripe berries and subtle oak.

Throughout the tasting, the knowledgeable staff provides insights into the winemaking techniques and influences that shape these distinctive red wines, further enhancing your’ appreciation for the Bairrada terroir.

The tasting includes:

1. Baga
2. Touriga Nacional
3. Insights into Bairrada terroir
4. Knowledgeable staff guidance

Olive Oil Tasting

The tasting now transitions to the winery’s exceptional olive oil, where guests eagerly discover the robust flavors and nuanced complexity that define this Bairrada specialty.

The olive oil is pressed from olives grown on the Prior Lucas estate, and visitors are invited to savor its distinct character. With notes of herbs, fruit, and a slight peppery finish, the olive oil showcases the terroir of the region.

Guests appreciate learning about the careful cultivation and production methods that bring out the best in this versatile ingredient. As they dip fresh bread into the golden elixir, they gain a deeper appreciation for the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition.

Appetizers and Pairings

To complement the wine tasting, the winery proudly serves a selection of appetizers that showcase the local flavors and traditions of the Bairrada region. These bite-sized delights are carefully chosen to accentuate the nuances of the wines:

Locally-cured Presunto ham, sliced thin and paired with the sparkling wine.

Creamy Serra da Estrela cheese, a regional specialty, served with the white wine.

Spicy Chouriço sausage, grilled and drizzled with the estate’s own olive oil, complementing the bold red wine.

Assorted olives and artisanal breads provide the perfect palate cleanser between sips.

The seamless pairing of these appetizers with the winery’s exceptional wines creates a harmonious tasting experience, immersing visitors in the authentic flavors of the Bairrada.

Booking and Availability

Visitors can easily book their winery experience at Prior Lucas Winery through the website, with flexible scheduling options to suit their preferences. Availability can be checked online, with a range of tour times offered throughout the week to accommodate different schedules.

Tour Times	Monday-Friday	Saturday-Sunday
Morning	10:00 AM	11:00 AM
Afternoon	2:00 PM	3:00 PM
Evening	5:00 PM	5:00 PM

The winery offers a convenient booking system, allowing visitors to reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free planning process. Whether you’re looking for a morning, afternoon, or evening visit, Prior Lucas Winery has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Visit?

The dress code is casual. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves walking around the winery and vineyards. No formal attire is required.

Can I Purchase Wine or Olive Oil On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase wine and olive oil on-site. The winery offers a selection of their sparkling, white, and red wines as well as their premium olive oil for purchase during or after the tasting experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tasting?

There are typically no age restrictions for wine tastings, but participants must be of legal drinking age in the country. Children are generally welcome to accompany their parents but won’t be served alcohol.

Is the Winery Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?

The winery offers accessible facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-friendly paths and an elevator provide easy access throughout the property. Visitors with special needs can fully participate in the wine tasting experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food to the Tasting?

No, guests cannot bring their own food to the Prior Lucas Winery tasting. The winery provides a selection of appetizers to complement the wine tastings. Bringing outside food is not permitted.

Recap

The Prior Lucas Winery and Vineyard offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Portuguese winemaking.

Visitors can explore the estate, taste the diverse wine and olive oil offerings, and indulge in local appetizers, creating a harmonious gastronomic experience.

With a convenient booking system, wine enthusiasts can easily discover the rich heritage and quality of the Bairrada region’s viticulture.

You can check availability for your dates here: