A family wine legacy rooted in Alto Ave

At historic Quinta do Couço in Louredo, António Vilela Areias brings together an old family estate, approximately 9.2 hectares of vineyard and an international outlook that stretches back to the 19th century.

Casa do Couço appears in local heritage records associated with the 17th and 18th centuries, while the family’s documented connection with the estate began in April 1864, when it was acquired by António Vilela Areias. The property has remained connected to the family ever since.

A farmer, landowner and entrepreneur, António Vilela Areias believed the wines produced from his land deserved to travel beyond their place of origin. In 1889, he sent a red wine from the 1888 vintage to the Paris Universal Exposition—an ambitious decision that introduced the estate’s production to an international audience more than a century before the modern brand was created.

That pioneering spirit was revived in 2022 by his great-great-grandson, António Abílio Ribeiro de Carvalho. Using grapes grown at Quinta do Couço, he launched the António Vilela Areias wine brand in honour of the ancestor who first carried the estate’s wine beyond Portugal.

The vineyard and its surroundings

Quinta do Couço is situated in Alto Ave, within the Ave sub-region of Portugal’s Vinho Verde Demarcated Region. The vineyard is influenced by the Atlantic climate, with temperate conditions and granite soils helping to produce wines characterised by freshness, balanced acidity and aromatic elegance.

The estate covers approximately 9.2 hectares, planted principally with:

• Loureiro: approximately 7.6 hectares
• Arinto, locally known as Pedernã: approximately 1.2 hectares
• Padeiro: approximately 0.4 hectares

The grapes used for the wines come from Quinta do Couço itself, allowing the family to maintain a close connection between the vineyard, production and the finished bottle.

The vines are managed under Portugal’s Integrated Production system, known as PRODI, alongside additional sustainability measures that include avoiding the use of herbicides. This should not be confused with organic certification, but reflects a considered approach to vineyard management and environmental responsibility.

Wines from Quinta do Couço

António Vilela Areias Loureiro – Vinho Verde DOC

Produced from 100% estate-grown Loureiro, this fresh and vibrant Vinho Verde offers attractive floral and fruity aromas with lively, well-balanced acidity. It is an elegant expression of Alto Ave and pairs particularly well with fish, seafood, salads and lighter dishes.

The Loureiro has received recognition in several international competitions, including:

• Gold – Asia Wine Trophy 2023
• Gold – Challenge International du Vin 2024
• Special White Wine Award – Challenge International du Vin 2024
• Gold – Portugal Wine Trophy 2024
• Silver – Berliner Wine Trophy 2024

António Vilela Areias Arinto Brut – Sparkling Wine IG Minho

Made from Arinto grown at Quinta do Couço, this elegant Brut sparkling wine combines freshness with fine, persistent bubbles. Its delicate aroma presents fresh fruit alongside subtle notes of toasted bread.

It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or served with fish, seafood and lightly sweet desserts.

Wine experiences at Quinta do Couço

A visit to Quinta do Couço offers an opportunity to discover the place where the family’s wine story began. Visitors can explore the connection between the historic estate, the Alto Ave landscape and the wines that now carry António Vilela Areias’s name.

The experience may include an introduction to the estate’s history, the vineyards and current production, followed by a tasting of the Loureiro Vinho Verde and Arinto Brut sparkling wine.

Visits and tastings should be arranged directly with the vineyard in advance.