The house at the center of the Quinta do Pinto estate was built in the 17th century, and functioned then much as it does now, the manor house at the center of a large farm. It was a more diverse estate back then, but even so wine from Alenquer was considered fine enough to cost more Pintos, the historical coin of Portugal. Over centuries the region faded to obscurity, but the Quinta do Pinto remained, until Antonio Cardoso Pinto visited in the 1980s. Charmed by the coincidence of the name and the potential for quality wine, he purchased the property and began reviving the vineyards. 
     Those vineyards were planted over the course of generations to a range of native and imported varieties, each introduced as tastes changed to favor one style or another. The most prominent has always been Portugal’s most important white grape, Arinto. The rolling green hills and deep valleys of Alenquer are just 45 minutes drive north of Lisbon, a cooler microclimate perfect for bringing out Arinto’s trademark savory and mineral scent. Antonio’s daughters run the estate today. Ana Pinto farms the wide range of grapes, all 50 hectares treated organically. Rita handles marketing and operations, and they collaborate on winemaking