September holds a special significance for immersing oneself in the essence of the Douro region. It is during this time that the grape harvest unfolds, heralding an elaborate pagan festival and marking the culmination of a year-long dedication in the vineyards. This significant event ultimately gives rise to a libation known as Bacus, as per the ancient Greeks.
Within the awe-inspiring landscapes, intricately shaped by human hands, both men and women devote themselves to the laborious task of handpicking grapes from daybreak to dusk. This meticulous process, reliant solely on manual efforts, demands unwavering exertion. Yet, it is precisely through this painstaking work that the exceptional quality of the region's vines is preserved. Under the celestial canopy, once the grape clusters have been carefully selected, a rhythmic ritual commences as they are gently trodden in traditional stone “lagares”. Voices intertwine in melodious harmony, recounting timeless customs, accompanied by the mellifluous tones of guitars and accordions. The atmosphere is infused with a spirit of revelry, though the toil persists until our Bacus finds repose within those vast fermentation vessels.