Val das Dúvidas

This huge and historic estate in the heart of the Alentejo, between Portel and Vidigueira is the main office of Sociedade Agrícola Vale das Dúvidas, which makes the best possible use of its almost 500 hectares of extension, always respecting the environmental balance, that doesn’t need any chemical products. All of the products have a biological seal, but, according to Nuno Serra, who manages the production, they are the result of cultivation in small plots, taking into account the biodynamic calendar and some traditional practices that industrial agriculture has forgotten. “We promote crop rotation and mutual assistance between plants” he says. The experience of Sir Joaquim, the gardener, also helps.

The sweetness of the oranges seems to support the methods. Citrus fruits are some of the ex-libris of the estate, but they are far from being the only ones. “We have 150 to 200 fruit trees,” says the official. Due to this holistic approach, the good years of certain products vary according to nature. Nuno gives an example: “I ate the best watermelons ever the year I arrived here. And I was never able to eat watermelons that good.”

In addition to the cultivation plots and fruit trees, at the Estate there is also a significant extension of olive groves, cork oaks, and flocks of sheep. Sheep farming is another of the estate's qualities and integrates it with the same principles: quality food, plenty of space for each animal, and absolute respect for its natural cycle.