Wine Tasting at Quinta das Corriças in Mirandela

Vale de Salgueiro sits less than ten minutes by car from central Mirandela, but it feels like a different world entirely. The narrow road winds through olive groves and old vines before ending at a farmhouse with three centuries of winemaking behind it. This is Quinta das Corriças, and their Wine House is one of the best ways to understand what makes Trás-os-Montes wines so distinct from everything coming out of the Douro or Alentejo.

What the experience involves

The visit starts in the vineyards, where Telmo Moreira (or whoever is leading that day) walks you through the grape varieties growing in this terroir of schist and sandy soils: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Bastardo, and Touriga Franca. These are varieties you'll find elsewhere in Portugal, but here the extreme Trás-os-Montes climate, with bone-dry summers and harsh winters, gives them a distinct personality. The wines come out full-bodied with serious structure, but there's a freshness that catches you off guard.

After the vineyards, you move through the cellar. This is where things get genuinely interesting. Quinta das Corriças has preserved the character of a traditional agricultural estate as it looked a hundred years ago. There's no gleaming stainless steel here. It's a space where you can feel the weight of time in the barrels and the stone walls, and where you understand that making wine in this corner of Portugal has always been an act of stubbornness.

There's also a small museum displaying traditional farming tools and implements. It's not a slick interactive exhibit. These are real objects that tell the story of how people lived in this region, where wine has always played a central role. For anyone accustomed to the polished experiences of the Douro Valley, this contrast is genuinely refreshing.

The wine tasting

Every visit ends with a tasting of Quinta das Corriças wines paired with regional Trás-os-Montes snacks. This is where you want to take your time. The portfolio ranges from a Rosé to a Grande Reserva, including a Vinhas Velhas Grande Reserva and single-variety bottlings like the Tinta Amarela Reserva and Touriga Nacional Reserva. My recommendation: ask to try the Vinhas Velhas. It's the wine that best expresses what this terroir can achieve.

The snacks change with the season, but expect cured meats, cheese, olives, and bread. If you've read our guide to Mirandela's food culture, you know the cooking here is direct and honest. No frills. And it pairs perfectly with wines that follow the same philosophy.

Staying overnight

A recent addition: the Wine House now has rooms available for guests who want to extend the experience. The house is centuries old, carefully restored, and waking up surrounded by the vineyards of Vale de Salgueiro is a particularly good way to start a day in Trás-os-Montes. Confirm availability and prices directly with the estate.

Practical tips

• Price: From €15 per person for the visit and tasting
• Booking required: Yes. Use the form on their website or call +351 278 711 889. The online form is a pre-booking request, subject to confirmation.
• Address: Rua António José Teixeira, nº 12, 5370-660 Vale de Salgueiro, Mirandela
• Email: [email protected]
• What to wear: Comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards. In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen. In winter, layer up. Trás-os-Montes doesn't go easy on you.
• Best time: Harvest season (September/October) is the most dynamic period, but spring offers beautiful light across the vines. If you enjoy photographing Mirandela, combine the two.
• Getting there: About 8 minutes by car from central Mirandela via the N213 towards Valpaços. There is no direct public transport to Vale de Salgueiro.

What to do before and after

If you schedule a morning visit, you'll have the afternoon free to explore Mirandela itself. The Miradouro de Franco is the best spot for late-afternoon views over the town and the Tua valley. And if you haven't yet had a proper alheira, our complete guide to Mirandela has the right addresses.

For those who want to keep exploring regional wines, Vinho aos Montes in central Mirandela (Avenida Varandas do Tua) opens from 4 PM to 11:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. It's a good spot to sample other Trás-os-Montes labels in a relaxed setting. Contact: +351 910 669 679.

Why this experience matters

Trás-os-Montes is Portugal's most underrated wine region. While the Douro draws the crowds and the Alentejo collects international awards, the estates of Trás-os-Montes keep producing extraordinary wines for those willing to seek them out. Quinta das Corriças isn't a tourism operation designed for social media. It's a family that has been making wine for generations and decided to open the door. You can taste that difference in every glass.