Espera
Espera, a small family-run winery in Lisbon's Alcobaça region, is a project built on patience. Founded in 2014 by Rodrigo Martins, Espera (meaning "to wait" in Portuguese) embodies this philosophy in every winemaking process step. With just 3 hectares of vines, the winery focuses on quality over quantity, drawing inspiration from the region's rich history—namely, the legacy left by the Cistercian monks who once cultivated these lands.
Espera embraces sustainable practices, adhering to organic and biodynamic principles. This means minimal intervention in the vineyard, allowing nature to take its course. The grapes are indigenous varieties, perfectly suited to the Alcobaça's unique terroir. Clay-limestone soils and eastern exposure contribute to the wines' characteristic freshness and minerality.
The focus on minimal intervention extends beyond the vineyard. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation, ensuring a pure expression of the fruit and the land. Espera doesn't rush the process; the wines are only released after careful consideration, ensuring they reach their full potential before gracing your table. This dedication to quality and respect for tradition positions Espera Wines as a unique producer in the Alcobaça region.
Filters
Portuguese wine
Frequently asked questions
The entire country of Portugal is divided into 14 different wine regions, including in the Azores and Madeira islands. Some of Portugal's most famous winemaking regions include the Douro Valley (known for Port) and Vinho Verde (known for its light, refreshing white wines).
Portugal is becoming more well known for its orange wines, talha wines (traditionally made in clay pots), and palhete (made by blending red and white grapes together).
Portugal is best known for its fortified wine, called Port wine. It is produced in the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as the world's first demarcated wine region, established in 1756.
Vinho Verde in northern Portugal is another popular winemaking region characterized by rolling hills and lush landscapes. It's known around the world for low-alcohol, refreshing white wines, although the region traditionally focused more on red wines made with the fruit-forward vinhão grape.
The Portuguese island of Madeira, with its subtropical climate, is renowned for its fortified wines. Winemaking here dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese
explorers brought grape varieties from around the world.
Our sustainable, natural wine shop is located in the Marquês neighborhood in Porto, Portugal. We also ship to countries around the world, including within Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and more. Review our Shipping Policy to learn more.
In recent years, there has been a notable shift toward sustainable viticulture and the production of natural wine in Portugal. Many winemakers are implementing organic farming practices and embracing biodiversity to maintain soil health and reduce chemical inputs. This commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances the quality of the wines, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to shine through. For example, some winemakers are now utilizing ancient terracotta amphorae for fermentation (called talha in Portuguese). This method preserves regional cultural heritage, enhances the wine's character, and aligns with sustainable practices by reducing reliance on modern materials.