In the heart of Alentejo, there is a place that tells the story of a magical fruit and a soulful drink: the Medronho Museum. Located at Herdade de Monte Santos, next to Alqueva, this space invites us on a sensory journey that transports us to the essence of Alentejo culture and tradition.

From fruit to brandy

The history of the medronho is intertwined with the history of Alentejo. This small and tasty fruit grows spontaneously in the mountains of the region. It is a fruit that nature generously offers us.

Medronho harvesting takes place between October and February. And it is a ritual that is repeated year after year, with families and friends coming together in a moment of sharing.

Medronho Museum: an experience for all the senses

At the Medronho Museum, we get to know up close the entire process of transforming the fruit into brandy. From harvesting, through fermentation and distillation. Each stage shows the wisdom and tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.

But the Medronho Museum is not just a space for knowledge. It is also a place where the senses are awakened and emotions intensify. Upon entering the distillery, we are enveloped by the intense and characteristic aroma of the brandy, a smell that takes us back to the roots of the region’s culture.

The brandy tasting is also a special moment. Since it allows us to appreciate its purity and unique flavor. Each event is a journey that transports us to the landscapes of Alentejo, to the heat and the freshness of the breeze.

A dive into Alentejo culture

Thus, the Medronho Museum is a space that celebrates the culture and traditions of Alentejo. Where through the objects and stories that are told to us, we can understand the importance of medronho in the gastronomy and economy of the region.

In this way, it is a place where the past and the present meet, where tradition combines with innovation, and where Alentejo culture reveals itself in all its richness.

Without a doubt, a visit to the Medronho Museum is a starting point for a world of experiences that Alentejo has to offer. If you have the opportunity to visit the museum during the fruit picking season, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this traditional activity and get to know the work of the pickers up close.

However, the museum also organizes safaris through the Montado, a unique ecosystem in the Alentejo, where it is possible to observe different species of wild animals and learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.

In short, to complete your experience, be sure to visit the museum store, where you can find other regional products, such as honey, cheese, olive oil, wines and sausages, which are true treasures of Alentejo gastronomy.