It began in 1974, when João António Cerdeira and his parents broke with local tradition. Rather than training vines along the edges of maize fields, as was customary in the Minho, they planted a single sun-drenched parcel entirely to Alvarinho. Soalheiro, “sunny place,” was born.

By the early 80’s they converted the small garage into a winery and started crafting pure expressions of Alvarinho. These humble beginnings speak wonderfully to how the project has grown. Today Soalheiro is committed to organic and sustainable viticulture, including solar power, lighter bottles and much more. That commitment reaches beyond their own vines to the growers they work with, helping build a region of quality rooted in tradition.

That commitment to exploration has been lead by many hands of the family, Luís Cerdeira for some time and now by third-generation, Maria João and her mother Palmira. They continue to innovate with micro-cuvées, pushing Alvarinho into new and exciting territories.