THE BEGINNING · 2004
A Journey that become a Home
In 2004, Marc arrived in Portugal on foot, following the Camino de Santiago.
Along the way, a Haflinger mare joined the journey and accompanied him into Portugal. What began as a journey through landscapes and villages slowly became something much deeper — a connection with the Alentejo and with the people who live here.
Marc was welcomed into the Serra near Serpa, where he spent many months living close to the land before moving on to work and live on different farms in the region.
What was meant to be a journey became the beginning of a new life.
SERPA · ALENTEJO
Welcomed by the Alentejo
The first years in the Alentejo were shaped by the generosity of the people who opened their doors, shared their knowledge and made Marc feel at home.
For several years, he lived and worked on farms around Serpa, learning about the land, its rhythms and its traditions.
There was no master plan at the beginning. Much of what came later grew from these encounters — from shared work, conversations and the willingness of local people to pass on what they knew.
Monte das Louzeiras would later be built on this same spirit of hospitality and exchange.
THE PLACE THAT WOULD BECOME HOME
Finding Monte das Louzeiras
After several years in the region, Marc found the property that would later become Monte das Louzeiras.
At the time, it was an abandoned rural Monte — rough, partly overgrown and with buildings that had seen better days.
There was no finished concept, no hospitality project and no clear roadmap.
There was simply a place with history, land, old structures and the feeling that something could grow here.
The decision was not to replace what existed, but to bring it back to life.
BEFORE THE RESTORATION
An old Monte, almost forgotten
Much of the property was still in its original condition. Parts of the buildings were difficult to use, the infrastructure was basic and the land required constant work.
The old walls, courtyards, trees and agricultural structures became the starting point for everything that followed.
Instead of rebuilding the place all at once, the Monte developed gradually — adapting to what was already there and preserving as much of its rural character as possible.
YEAR BY YEAR
From Ruins to a Living Monte
The restoration happened slowly, alongside other work and projects.
Rooms were rebuilt, floors laid, roofs repaired and spaces created step by step. What had once been abandoned began to function again.
There were no large development teams behind the transformation. Much of the work grew from practical solutions, local craftsmanship and the help of people from the region.
Monte das Louzeiras was not created in a single project. It grew over many years — room by room, wall by wall and season by season.
OLIVE TREES • WATER • VINEYARD
Rooting the Future
The first olive harvest marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Step by step, the land was prepared for what would come next. Large stones had to be removed, the soil worked and the fields opened up for cultivation.
Securing water became essential. A deep groundwater well was drilled to create the conditions for long-term farming and for the future vineyard.
With the land prepared and water secured, the first vines were planted by hand, row after row.
At the same time, olive growing became more than just part of the landscape. It developed into production, knowledge and eventually into the first olive oil made in our own mill.
Monte das Louzeiras was no longer only being restored. It was beginning to grow, produce and take root.
FROM HARVEST TO OUR OWN OIL
The First Olive Oil
Producing olive oil in our own mill was an important milestone.
For the first time, the olives from the land could be processed directly on site — from harvest to extraction.
What had started with learning from local farmers and understanding the olive groves became a complete production process of our own.
This was the beginning of a deeper connection between the land, the product and the identity of Monte das Louzeiras.
THE FIRST PRODUCT IDENTITY
Gota – One Drop, All History
Olive oil became the starting point for the first product line.
Under the name Gota, the range grew to include olive oil, Piri Piri, honey from a beekeeper in the village, vinegars and other regional products.
The idea behind the label was to tell the story of olive growing and of the land itself.
“Gota – one drop, all history.”
The collection was later presented internationally in cities including Shanghai, Tokyo, Riyadh, Dubai and across Europe.
FROM GOTA TO MONTE DAS LOUZEIRAS
A New Design, the Same Story
Later, the side label ML evolved into a new visual identity, earning the prestigious iF Design Award in Munich.
This evolution marked the beginning of Monte das Louzeiras as a unified brand – bringing together our place, our products and our story under one name.
FROM THE VINEYARD TO THE BOTTLE
From Vineyards to Wine – A New Passion
As the vineyards matured, a new chapter began at Monte das Louzeiras: the creation of our own wines.
From the first harvests, we developed a collection of wines reflecting the character of our land and the diversity of our grape varieties.
The design of the wine labels became an essential part of this journey. Inspired by the historic entrance gate and the peacocks of Monte das Louzeiras, each label tells a story of its own.
Wine became another expression of our passion – bringing together nature, craftsmanship and design.
FROM FARM TO EVENT VENUE
A Place to Come Together
Over the years, Monte das Louzeiras has become much more than a vineyard and olive estate. It has grown into a place where people come together, share experiences and create unforgettable memories.
From intimate gatherings and romantic weddings to cultural celebrations, corporate events and live performances, every occasion brings new life and energy to the Monte.
Music, gastronomy, tradition and creativity meet in a unique setting, surrounded by olive trees, nature and the warm spirit of the Alentejo.
What makes these moments truly special is not only the place itself, but the people who bring it to life.
Monte das Louzeiras – a place to celebrate life, together.
THE HEART AND SOUL OF MONTE DAS LOUZEIRAS
The People Behind the Magic
Behind every experience at Monte das Louzeiras are the people who bring it to life.
What began as Marc's personal vision has grown into a shared journey, shaped by dedication, creativity and a genuine love for this special place.
Ana Luisa has been an essential part of this journey, contributing her energy, care and commitment to the development of Monte das Louzeiras.
Over the years, many wonderful people have become part of our story – from tending the olive groves and vineyards to preparing celebrations, welcoming guests and creating unforgettable moments.
Some have been with us for years, others have joined more recently. Each has left their own mark.
Together, they are the heart and soul of Monte das Louzeiras.
Because the true magic of a place is created by its people.
Where the Land Thrives, Our Story Grows
Organic Farming – A Commitment to Nature
At Monte das Louzeiras, we cultivate our olive groves and vineyards following organic farming principles, with deep respect for the land and its natural rhythms.
Our approach is rooted in sustainability, biodiversity and the belief that exceptional olive oil and wine begin with healthy soil and a thriving natural environment.
For us, organic farming is not simply a method of cultivation. It is a way of life and a commitment to preserving the beauty and authenticity of the Alentejo for future generations.
FROM OUR GROVES TO YOUR TABLE
The Essence of Our Olive Groves
Our olive trees are part of the soul of Monte das Louzeiras. Cultivated organically and harvested with care, they give us an extra virgin olive oil that reflects the richness and character of the Alentejo.
Every bottle carries a little of our landscape, our traditions and our passion for authentic, natural products.
From our land to your table, with love.
INSPIRED BY PEOPLE - GUIDED BY TRADITION.
Vinho da Talha – A Tradition Worth Preserving
My journey into Vinho da Talha began with the people of Vila de Frades. Inspired by fellow winemakers and producers who were bringing this ancient Alentejo tradition back to life, I felt a growing desire to become part of their journey.
It was more than a fascination with an old way of making wine. It was a deep respect for the people, their knowledge and the cultural heritage they have carried through generations.
But to bring this tradition to Monte das Louzeiras, we first needed to find the amphorae. With the invaluable help of local people, we explored old and abandoned adegas throughout the region, searching for these forgotten treasures. Together, we discovered a remarkable collection of well-preserved clay amphorae, some more than 300 years old.
Carefully recovering, restoring and protecting these historic vessels became an important part of our mission. Bringing them back into use meant giving new life to a tradition that might otherwise have been lost.
Combining this ancient winemaking method with grapes from our organically cultivated vineyards felt like a natural continuation of our philosophy.
For me, Vinho da Talha is not simply about producing wine. It is my way of honouring the people who welcomed me into this region, contributing to the preservation of their traditions and ensuring that this extraordinary heritage remains alive for future generations.
Some traditions are too precious to be left in the past.
A NEW BEGINNING, MADE POSSIBLE BY PEOPLE
The People Who Helped Us Find Our Way
The pandemic brought unexpected challenges that changed our lives and threatened everything we had built at Monte das Louzeiras.
During one of the most difficult chapters of our journey, a simple idea opened the door to a new beginning: welcoming campervans into our olive groves.
What followed was something truly special.
Travellers from all over the world began discovering our little hidden gem in the Alentejo. With every campervan that arrived, every guest who fell in love with the Monte, and every heartfelt review or personal recommendation, our hope grew stronger.
People came as visitors, but many left as friends. They embraced our home, our wines, our olive oil and the spirit of Monte das Louzeiras, helping us slowly find our way forward.
Today, every guest, every couple choosing to celebrate their wedding with us, every friend and every volunteer who shares their time and energy becomes part of our continuing journey of recovery and renewal.
We will never forget the wonderful people who stood beside us, believed in us and helped us through the most difficult moments.
To everyone who has found their way to Monte das Louzeiras, shared our story, supported us or simply believed in what we are creating: you have our deepest gratitude and respect.
You became part of our story. And together, we are writing its next chapter.
