In 1936, this house was inherited by our grandpa Mariano Rézio, who later married his great love, grandma Esmeralda, and together built a family and a life within its walls. To this day, mains the family home, preserving their legacy.
On the ground floor is the former wine cellar, which preserves 46 original clay amphorae, as well as the vinegar cellar, courtyard, former stable and well. Talha wine, vinegar and brandy were once produced here, until the winemaking activities came to an end in 19575, when the Borba Wine Cooperative began operating, having grandpa Mariano was one of its founding members.
Talha wine is one of the oldest expressions of Portugal's wine culture. Its origins date back to Roman times, more than 2,000 years ago, when large clay vessels were used to ferment and store wine. In the Alentejo, this technique has survived through the centuries, passed down from generation to generation, and remains a symbol of the region's identity..
The process involves placing the must, - obtained by manually crushing the grapes,- inside large clay vessels known as talhas, where fermentation takes place. Traditionally, the wine ferments in contact with the grape skins and other solid components, with the process carefully monitored by producers.
Visiting the Casa Museu Interativa de Borba is much more than exploring an old wine cellar: it is an opportunity to step into an environment where the past comes to life.
The interactive elements will bring you closer to the traditions in a dynamic and immersive way!
Through multimedia content, films and digital experiences, you can discover the talha winemaking process, learn about out history and gain insight into the daily lives of those who once worked this land.
The visit concludes with a tasting of traditional talha wine and local delicacies, inviting you to taste Alentejo flavours, discover its rich wine and food traditions, and experience fazer as onze — the local custom of taking a mid-morning break to enjoy a bite, a glass of wine and good company.