Our history

Its history has been documented since 1616 when it was incorporated into the patrimony of the Society of Jesus. However, its origins date back much further. The purchase of the property in 1613 for the price of 2,000 ducats by Gaspar de Sousa, who was then the Governor-General of Brazil, is well-documented. This purchase was made by his brother, the Bailio de Leça, D. Frei Luís Álvares de Távora, who was also knowledgeable about the wine market. It is known that the Quinta’s annual production exceeded 70 barrels of wine, indicating that it had been cultivated prior to Gaspar de Sousa's acquisition.

From 1616 onwards, Quinta da Vacaria was incorporated into the patrimony of the Colégio de S. Lourenço and was only required to pay rent to the local Comenda de Poiares, which belonged to the Order of Malta. From the Jesuit archives, it is known that Friar Luís Álvares de Távora originally built a house with five rooms on the upper floor, along with three wine presses and two cellars on the lower floor.

About 150 years later, the description of the Quinta included vineyards, olive groves, hills, streams, watermills, a house, a cellar, wine and olive oil presses, a cardanho for the workers, and next to it, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Success, featuring a gilded altarpiece.

Next to the Douro Road, there was also a house that served as a salt warehouse and others for the boatmen. The property was purchased in two parcels—Quinta do Corgo and Quinta da Vacaria—at this time, the estate was already unified under the same name, despite being divided by the public road connecting Granja to the River Douro.

The opening of the Hotel da Quinta da Vacaria marks an important milestone in the history of this centuries-old property. Throughout its more than 400 years of existence, Quinta da Vacaria has witnessed historic moments and significant developments. With the hotel’s opening, the Quinta welcomes visitors from around the world, allowing them to enjoy its natural beauty, the richness of its history, and the excellence of its wines.

By combining tradition with modernity, the Hotel da Quinta da Vacaria offers a unique experience where comfort and refinement merge with the authenticity of a centuries-old legacy. This new phase represents a significant step in enhancing and preserving this heritage, ensuring that Quinta da Vacaria continues to be a reference point not only for wine production but also for excellence in hospitality and tourism in the Douro region.