Quinta de Silvares - Organic Farming

In harmony with nature in the Douro Valley.

It is called Quinta de Silvares and it is in the Douro valley, a land of crops, unforgettable landscapes and incomparable products. In an estate of eight hectares, dedicated to the rural tourism and to a fruit-growing of excellence, bought in 1920 by the pharmacist Manuel do Patrocínio, grandfather of the present owner, the family was committed to keep the fifth alive, dedicating itself today, beyond Of the organic production of the best local raw material, Maçã de Montanha, to the production of organic juice that are on sale in the best organic grocery stores in the country. "The true nectar of the gods" has been hailed by many ...

From the thirties to the end of the eighties of the last century, the vineyard predominated as axis of the economy of the Quinta's 8 hectares. In 1992, to replace the vineyard, 4 hectares of apple trees were planted. The Royal Gala, Golden Delicious, Hi-Early and Erovan, the predominant varieties, have also been planted in recent years, experimentally, Fuji, in view of the enlargement and diversification of the orchard.

The current production capacity of the apple farm is around 50 tons per season. Along with the apple, Qta. Of Silvares also has 2 hectares of young olive grove, in early production, and 1 hectare of cherry. On a very small scale, peaches, plums, table grapes, blackberries, elderberries, cloves, apricots are produced.

Driven by consistent environmental concerns, Quinta's managers, based on local technical expertise, began by subordinating the management of orchards to the procedures of so-called integrated protection (1996). In 2001, under the direct guidance of the specialist in fruit growing, Eng. Amado Silva, the integrated production began.

Five years later, in 2006, the conversion to the organic mode of production, fully achieved, without significant productivity breaks began. The conversion period was completed in 2008. As from the 2009 marketing year, the whole of Quinta's production is assigned the name of organic production.

Biotourism appears almost as an imperative, involving visitors in total harmony with nature. Alberto Parente Madureira, responsible for Quinta de Silvares, tells us that this is "much more than a quiet country house, it is a family waiting for you, a lively and welcoming space". In addition to enjoying the serenity and the scenery, guests can also enjoy the private swimming pool in natural amphitheater, or simply walk around the property and surroundings, meditate or be with family and friends.