Why Algarve Wines Deserve Attention?
When people think of Portuguese wine, the first regions that come to mind are often Douro, Alentejo, or Vinho Verde. Yet in the far south, the Algarve is quietly becoming one of the country’s most exciting regions, one that deserves more attention.
The Algarve is blessed with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, but the vines are kept in balance by cooling Atlantic breezes and the protection of the mountains. This unique microclimate enables grapes to achieve ripeness without sacrificing freshness, resulting in wines that are both vibrant and distinctive. The soils here are varied, ranging from sandy and limestone to clay, and the red barrocal* is typical of the region.
These demanding conditions encourage the vines to grow deep roots and adapt, often resulting in smaller berries with greater concentration.
Today, the Algarve is home to approximately 45 to 50 wineries, ranging from small, family-run projects to larger estates, and production has been steadily increasing. The 2024–2025 harvest reached a milestone, with certified wine output surpassing 2 million litres, the highest volume in the last two decades.
One of the region’s greatest strengths is its grape diversity. More than 70 varieties are authorised here, including 47 native Portuguese grapes and 26 international ones. Among the whites, Arinto, Malvasia Fina, Crato Branco (also known as Síria), and Manteúdo stand out. At the same time, reds such as Negra Mole (an indigenous variety), Castelão, and Trincadeira capture the rustic charm and resilience of the south.
Though winemaking in the Algarve has ancient roots, the region was long overshadowed by Portugal’s more famous wine areas. Today, however, a new wave of winemakers is bringing fresh energy and vision, combining respect for tradition with modern techniques.
For me, the Algarve is not just where I make wine, it is where I am rooted, where I feel at home. Sorvo wines are shaped by this land’s paradoxes: intense sunlight and cooling breezes, sandy/clay soils, and mountain shelter, all combining to create warmth and resilience. To craft wine here is to share a part of Portugal that is still waiting to be discovered, a region full of promise and authenticity.
Savor the sip,
Zeynep / Istanbul
* The “Barrocal” is the inland strip between the coast and the mountains in Algarve, known for its red Mediterranean soils rich in limestone and clay, a terrain that challenges vines and brings intensity to the grapes.