Casa de Vila Nova is owned by the Lencastre family, of aristocratic Portuguese lineage (one of their ancestors became the first Baron of Varzea do Douro in the 1800s). This land has been in their family since the 12th century - the ivy clad tower that still remains from that time is now surrounded by Vila Nova (new house) that was built in the 1700s, and the property was gradually extended over the centuries.

The estate is near the town of Penafiel, close to the eastern border of Portugal's vinho verde wine region, around a 30 minute drive east from Oporto. In the late 1970s the family planted vines over 12 hectares - mainly local Portuguese varieties. In 2008 Bernardo Lencastre and his brothers took over the running of the property, revitalised the vineyards and began making vinho verde and bottling their own wines - the first generation to do so. They now have around 42 hectares of vineyard.

Here, in the Entre-Douro-e-Minho sub-region of Sousa, their vineyards are influenced by winds from the Atlantic Ocean - creating the perfect climate to ripen varieties such as Avesso, Loureiro and Alvarinho.

The Minho wine region, located in the verdant northwest of Portugal, is best known as the home of Vinho Verde – the country’s famous light, fresh, and often slightly spritzy white wine. Bordering Spain’s Galicia region, Minho benefits from a cool, Atlantic-influenced climate, with high rainfall and mild temperatures that support lush vegetation and a long growing season.

This maritime climate, while beneficial for retaining acidity and producing aromatic wines, also presents viticultural challenges such as fungal diseases and uneven ripening, making vineyard management essential. Traditional pergola training systems have historically been used to combat humidity, though modern trellising is increasingly common.

Minho comprises nine sub-regions, including Monção e Melgaço, which is particularly noted for high-quality Alvarinho (Albariño), producing wines with greater structure and ageing potential. Other key sub-regions include Lima, Cávado, and Basto.

The region’s most important grape varieties are white, with Alvarinho and Loureiro leading the way. Trajadura, Arinto, Avesso, and Azal are also widely planted, often blended to create the signature style of Vinho Verde – light-bodied, zesty, and low in alcohol. Red grapes such as Vinhão and Espadeiro are also grown, producing deeply coloured, rustic wines, though they are less commonly exported.

Arinto is one of Portugal’s most important and versatile white grape varieties, prized for its naturally high acidity and age-worthy character. Grown across several regions, Arinto thrives in both coastal and inland climates, making it a popular choice for winemakers seeking freshness and structure in their white wines.

The variety is most famously associated with Bucelas, a small DOC near Lisbon, where it produces crisp, mineral-driven wines with excellent ageing potential. It is also widely planted in the Vinho Verde region, often blended with varieties like Loureiro and Alvarinho, and features in white wines from Alentejo, where it helps to retain acidity in the region’s warmer climate.

Arinto typically produces wines with vibrant citrus aromas – lemon, lime, and green apple – alongside subtle notes of wet stone, beeswax, and occasionally a saline edge. With time, it can develop complex, honeyed and toasty characteristics, making it well-suited to both still and sparkling wine production.

Viticulturally, Arinto is relatively resilient, with good drought tolerance and disease resistance. However, careful vineyard management is needed to control vigour and preserve acidity. Its ability to maintain freshness in warmer conditions has made it increasingly valuable as global temperatures rise, contributing to its growing appeal both within Portugal and beyond.