When the Soares family first laid eyes on Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, tucked away in the sun-baked Alentejo, few could have imagined the scale their vision would eventually reach. What began as a simple dream to craft exceptional wine has grown into something much more—a fusion of winemaking, cutting-edge design, and refined hospitality that has placed this once quiet estate firmly on the international stage.

From the very beginning, the two brothers and their families pursued an audacious goal: not just to make wine, but to make it exceptional. The journey was far from smooth, filled with challenges, but today Malhadinha Nova reflects not only their persistence but also their passion and commitment to something much bigger than themselves. This isn’t merely the story of hard work; it’s about pushing boundaries and creating something that beautifully merges tradition with modern excellence.

The Soares family’s journey began with a love for the land and a deep respect for the traditions of winemaking. From the outset, they aimed to produce wines that would not only reflect the terroir of Alentejo but also rival the finest vintages in Portugal. This lofty goal drove them to invest in both the land and the craft, bringing in expert viticulturists, adopting sustainable practices, and combining cutting-edge technology with time-honored techniques.

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Today, the winery at Malhadinha Nova is a beacon of modern winemaking. Every bottle produced here reflects the unique characteristics of the Alentejo region—its sun-baked plains, the cool breeze from the Atlantic, and the rich soil that nourishes the vines. The wines have garnered national acclaim, with Malhadinha Nova becoming synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. But the story of Malhadinha Nova doesn’t stop at wine.

The Soares family's vision at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova transcended the realm of winemaking, blossoming into a rich lifestyle project that intertwines design, architecture, and hospitality into a singular, immersive experience. The estate is now home to five beautifully restored residences, each embodying a unique dialogue between rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Each house was introduced at distinct phases of the estate’s evolution, reflecting the family's expanding ambition to redefine hospitality as a dynamic, ever-evolving mosaic.
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These residences, each distinct in character, are thoughtfully scattered across the vast landscape, forging an intimate connection with the raw beauty of Alentejo. They invite guests not only to indulge in exquisite comforts but also to engage deeply with the land itself. It’s a place where the natural environment becomes a part of the experience, allowing visitors to bask in the simplicity and splendor of the region while enjoying the tailored luxuries of modern living. 

The architecture is a celebration of simplicity. The traditional whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs evoke the timeless character of Alentejo, while the interiors are a masterful mix of local materials and modern design. High ceilings, open spaces, and large windows frame the stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the rugged, natural world outside.

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One highlight is the exceptional "Home of Terracotta," a modern house built on the ruins of former farm structures. It now stands in all its glory, with high ceilings and modernised yet traditionally-rooted wooden roofs. This captivating home accommodates seven suits and includes a charming in-house restaurant with a partially open kitchen, allowing guests to watch as their organic meals and breakfasts are prepared. Adjacent to the restaurant is a swimming pool, perfectly aligned with the building, creating a symmetrical composition that blends naturally with the communication flow in architecture. From the pool, guests can enjoy a leisurely view of the vineyard fields stretching out far away into the distance.

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Just as the brothers pursued their ambition of creating the finest wines, they approached hospitality with the same dedication. Here, every guest is truly made to feel special, not only by the attentive service but also by the many activities on offer: wine tastings, property tours, winery visits, horse riding, cycling, and taking in the vast, endless landscape that stretches to the horizon. 

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Malhadinha Nova operates like an interconnected organism, each part designed to pulse with its surroundings, inviting you into an experience that doesn’t merely serve—it consumes, blurring the lines between guest and place. The family’s approach doesn’t just hover around the holistic, it dismantles what you think luxury is, urging you into something deeper.

Enter the Green Spa. In collaboration with Manuel Aires Mateus, the spa becomes a statement, not just a space. It doesn’t sit on the landscape; it folds into it. This is architecture as an environment—where the contemporary lines of the spa merge seamlessly with the sweeping vineyards and untamed terrain.

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The interior of the Green Spa at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a balanced play of contrasts, where raw materials and refined design coexist harmoniously. Terrazzo stone, with its visible grain, contrasts against the smooth, organic surfaces of Matteo Brioni’s clay finishes. Large circular baths and freestanding washbasins serve as focal points, organizing the space and giving each treatment room a unique character. Floor-to-ceiling windows open directly onto the vast Alentejo landscape, inviting the outside in, while dark green tones interplay with carefully placed lighting to create a muted, calming atmosphere. It feels as though you’ve been transported into a different dimension, where time slows, and nature envelopes you.

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The treatments, rooted in the local environment, offer more than relaxation; they are deeply immersive. Vinotherapy uses the vineyard’s own grapes, with their antioxidant properties, to rejuvenate both body and mind, seamlessly integrating the spa’s surroundings into its rituals. 

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The spa embodies a different kind of luxury—one that invites you to pause and fully immerse yourself in the present. Whether indulging in a treatment or simply sitting in the sauna, watching the landscape, this space redefines indulgence as a serene act of stillness.

Adding to the estate’s allure is its Michelin-starred restaurant, a culinary gem that attracts food lovers from around the world. Under the guidance of a renowned chef, the restaurant focuses on farm-to-table dining, with a menu inspired by the rich bounty of the region. Much of the produce is sourced from the estate’s own organic farm, ensuring that every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible.

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Every meal is an exploration of Alentejo’s culinary heritage, reimagined through a contemporary lens. The dishes are paired with the estate’s finest wines, creating a symphony of flavors that elevate the dining experience to an art form. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch on the terrace or an intimate dinner in the restaurant, the combination of exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views makes every moment unforgettable.

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What truly defines Malhadinha Nova isn’t just its stunning landscape or thoughtful design, but the unwavering passion and ambition that have brought it to life. The estate, with its expansive vineyards and carefully constructed spaces, reflects years of dedication. It isn’t merely a winery—it’s a vision realized, shaped with intention and care. —