Soalheiro Oppaco, Vinho Verde Red Wine

Soalheiro is one of Portugal’s pioneering Alvarinho producers and a benchmark for this celebrated grape variety. Its story began in 1974, when João António Cerdeira and his family planted the first continuous vineyard dedicated entirely to Alvarinho in Melgaço. The sunny plot was known locally as Soalheiro - meaning a place blessed with sunshine - and would eventually give its name to the estate. In 1982, the family produced the first Alvarinho bottled under its own brand in Melgaço.

Set in the far north of Portugal, in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço, Soalheiro lies in a spectacular landscape of small vineyard parcels surrounded by mountains. The combination of generous sunshine, Atlantic influence, rainfall and the protection provided by the surrounding mountains creates distinctive conditions for Alvarinho, allowing the variety to develop its intense aromatics while retaining the freshness, acidity and mineral character for which the region is renowned.

Still family-owned, Soalheiro has remained deeply connected to its territory while continually pushing the boundaries of what Alvarinho can achieve. From fresh, vibrant and fruit-driven wines to mineral expressions, barrel-fermented wines, natural wines and traditional-method sparkling wines, the estate explores the remarkable versatility and ageing potential of the variety. In 1995, it produced the region’s first Alvarinho sparkling wine, continuing the pioneering approach that has defined Soalheiro from the beginning.

Sustainability is equally central to the estate. Soalheiro’s own vineyards have been certified organic since 2006, while its viticultural practices encourage biodiversity and protect the surrounding ecosystem. Through its Viticulturists’ Club, Soalheiro also works with more than 200 local families, helping preserve the region’s traditional patchwork of small vineyards and ensuring that viticulture continues to provide an important economic and cultural connection between local families and their land.

Today, the third generation of the Cerdeira family continues the philosophy established more than 50 years ago: combining tradition, experimentation and respect for the landscape to reveal the many different personalities of Alvarinho. The result is a collection of wines distinguished by purity, freshness, precision and a strong sense of place, and an estate that has played a defining role in establishing Melgaço and Alvarinho among the great names of Portuguese wine.