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The foundations of the castle at Arraiolos date back to Celtic times, while in Pavia, 18 km (11 miles) to the north, a tiny chapel has been built into a dolmen – architecturally unique in Portugal.

Dark and concentrated in colour with a ripe, red-berry-and-cherry aroma enhanced by subtle hints of spicy French and American oak. Excellent with steak and game.

Neat rows of whitewashed houses with yellow trim characterize this town, once the headquarters of the 14th-century Order of Hospitallers. Exhibits in the Museu Municipal explain more about Crato’s illustrious past.

The Cromlech of Almendres stone circles are considered the most important megalith group in the Iberian peninsula. Nearby is the Neolithic Dolmen of Zambujeiro.

Made exclusively from the Alentejo’s top white grape variety, antão vaz, to produce a wine of citrus colour with fragrant toast and vanilla spice aromas. Superb with fish dishes.

This esteemed red is produced here by Jorge d’Avillez and is smooth, soft and rounded. Perfect with roasted pork.

Complex wine showing ripe fruit and well-integrated oak characters with rich, textured tannins, superb balance and long, flavoursome aftertaste. A perfect match with hearty, Alentejan fare.

Has typical violet and dark berry fruit aromas with toasty oak complexity. Palate is firm with rich spicy fruit characters. Complements pastas and red meat.

Dramatic views reward those who make it to Évoramonte’s castle walls which are embellished with curious stone “ropes”. Dom Miguel ceded the throne in Évoramonte on 26 May 1834.

A delicious wine with ripe, aromatic peach and melon fruits. Rich, full palate with creamy texture and soft finish. Wonderful with baked fish, salad or chicken.