Culinary Quests

Round out your 4-night retreat with a yoga class led by an English-speaking instructor.  The class will be held at the Herdade and yoga mats are provided.  Minimum of 2 people required.

Alfredo and/or Monica will accompany you to visit the local family-run cheese makers.  The business has been in the family for three generations.  The cheese belongs to the ‘Designation of Origin of Serpa,’ which is amongst the best in Portugal.  The cheese is home-made, according to a very old tradition.  The milk comes from local sheep that are free-range.  Unlike many other cheeses that use rennet to break the milk, this variety uses a wild thistle.  The cheese is then salted and dried on shelves at room temperature.  The result is a full, pure and genuine flavor, with a texture that goes from very soft to very crumbly, depending on the length of the aging process.  On the way, you will see the cork trees that are an integral part of this area’s identity and learn about the cork harvest process.   Minimum of 2 people required.