A half-hour drive from the historic Sintra and nestled between the rolling hills of Colares, lies Mare et Corvus. This small-scale family business combines the art of winemaking with a warm family atmosphere, making it the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic wine experience. We visited this charming winery at the end of October 2024.
A Family Passion by the Atlantic Ocean
Mare et Corvus began in 2011 as a project of the father of owner Anna. Winemaking had always been part of the family, but what started as a hobby grew into a serious winery. “My father always wanted to do more with wine, and in 2011 he decided to pursue that dream,” says Anna, who studied in London and speaks English fluently. She explains that the vineyards, just a stone’s throw from the coast, are influenced by the Atlantic wind and the sandy soil of Colares. This unique terroir produces wines with a distinct character and a subtle saltiness, perfectly complemented by the ocean that is never far away.
A Warm Welcome in an Authentic Atmosphere
Upon arrival, the warm, homely atmosphere immediately stands out. The reception area has been open for just three weeks, and the interior – furnished with antique furniture and family heirlooms – exudes an authentic vibe. Mare et Corvus is not a mass production company; with only 6,000 bottles per year, the winery focuses entirely on quality. This small scale gives the visit an intimate and personal touch often missing in larger wineries.
A Tour with a Family Story
A visit to Mare et Corvus begins with a tour where Anna shares the rich family tradition and unique production process. The walk through the winery leads past old presses and small barrels where bottles of the recent harvest are quietly maturing. The tour, which lasts about twenty minutes, provides a good overview of the craftsmanship and history behind each bottle. The grape varieties used for their white wines – such as Chardonnay and Malvasilla – give their wines a distinctive character, influenced by the local climate and the proximity to the sea.
Tasting: A Sensory Journey
After the tour, the tasting began, with visitors choosing from various options. In October 2024, the prices were as follows: two wines for 12 euros per person, three wines for 14 euros per person, and an additional tasting of the exclusive Ramisco wine for 10 euros per person. A cheese and charcuterie board could be added for another 10 euros per person.
Our private tasting offered generous glasses, accompanied by delicious local cheeses, cold cuts, and homemade jam from Anna’s mother. Fresh pear juice was available for the children – a lovely example of the heartfelt hospitality that characterizes this family business.
We were a group of seven and had ordered a cheese and charcuterie board for five, filled with local delicacies. It turned out to be more than enough.
The 2021 white wine was my favorite: a fresh, salty wine with lively notes of lemon, lime, and green apple. Unfortunately, this wine had already sold out. The 2022 white wine was also delightful, with hints of apricots, white asparagus, citrus zest, and violets – a subtle difference caused by a rainy summer. The red wine surprised with a light salty touch, perfectly fitting the maritime terroir, and formed a fantastic pairing with the cheese board. The highlight was the rare Ramisco wine from 2013, a liquid heritage from a grape variety that survived the European phylloxera plague. For 30 euros per small bottle, this wine offers a tasting experience as unique as its history.
One of the wines we tasted featured a label with the iconic rock at Praia da Adraga, where the grapes grow in the sandy terroir. For us, this wine had extra significance: just a few days earlier, we had walked by that same rock and taken a photo. The combination of taste, history, and personal memories made this an unforgettable experience.
During the tasting at Mare et Corvus, a special red wine, Mare et Anima, stood out, not only for its flavor – a refined balance of red fruit, spicy freshness, and the blend of Tinta Roriz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Castilian castles – but also for its label. It featured the iconic rock at Praia d’Adraga, a place where the grapes for this wine grow in the sandy terroir. For us, it was a moment of recognition: just a few days earlier, we had stood at that same rock for a photo, which gave this wine an extra personal dimension.
Practical Information
Mare et Corvus offers parking directly in front of the winery or higher up the hill. The winery warmly welcomes visitors, whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply looking for an authentic experience in the region. Mare et Corvus is more than a tasting – it is an experience that brings you closer to the family, history, and craftsmanship, and gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Anyone visiting Sintra and the surrounding area and looking for a special, personal wine experience should not miss Mare et Corvus. Here, you not only taste the wine, but also the soul of a family business that pours love and craftsmanship into every bottle.
Booking a wine tasting at Mare et Corvus is easy and can be done via their website or by phone. The winery advises making reservations in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure they can dedicate enough time and attention to each group. Whether you choose an intimate tasting or an extensive arrangement, the Mare et Corvus team ensures that every experience is unique and perfectly tailored to the guests’ wishes.
Accessibility
The visitor address for Mare et Corvus is Estr. dos Capuchos 839, 2705-255 Colares, Portugal. The winery is easily accessible by car and offers a beautiful setting for a wine tasting with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
