Introduction

A family business with almost two centuries of history, and one that has known how to stay up-to-date without ever sitting back on its laurels. José Maria da Fonseca has been making wines since 1834, resulting from the shared passion of a family that has known how to preserve and project the memory and the prestige of its founder. Well aware of the responsibility of being the oldest producer of table wine and Setúbal Moscatel in Portugal, José Maria da Fonseca follows a philosophy of permanent development, constantly investing in research and production, combining the latest techniques with traditional know-how. An example of this is the José de Sousa Rosado Fernandes Winery, at Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alentejo, where the Roman tradition of clay pot fermentation is maintained alongside the latest technology.

Continuing to invest in benchmark products at international level, always produced to the highest standard, José Maria da Fonseca has contributed decisively to the promotion and prestige of national wines. The nearly 650 hectares of vineyards and a winery equipped with the latest technology, which competes with the best in the world, produce wines that combine the experience gathered throughout its history with the most advanced winemaking techniques.

In addition to all these resources, what most characterizes the work at José Maria da Fonseca is a great passion for the art of winemaking. It is this passion capable of generating emotions that José Maria da Fonseca shares with consumers every time they try one of the company’s wines.

Manor House

Built in the nineteenth century, the house was restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect, Ernesto Korrodi, and was the Soares Franco family residence until 1974. With its particularly beautiful façade and gardens, it has always been associated with the image of José Maria da Fonseca.

The visit to the Museum House begins with a brief explanation of the company’s history, followed by a tour of the ancient wine cellars: Adega da Mata and Adega dos Teares Novos, where wines such as Periquita mature, and Adega dos Teares Velhos, where the oldest Setúbal Muscatels (Muscats or Moscateis) rest, some of which are true relics over 100 years old. At the end of the tour, the visitor can sample some of the wines produced by José Maria da Fonseca. 

When you visit our Wine Shop, you’ll be spoilt for choice for that special occasion and you can complement the wine with regional gourmet products.

Activities

• Visits
• Wine Tastings