Francês

A small, family-run business based in the Odelouca River Valley of the Silves area and one of the first quality wine producers to set up in Algarve.

Husband and wife team, Patrick Agostini and Fátima Santos, bought the site in 2001, planted 9 Ha of vines in 2002, produced their first vintage in 2006 and started selling in 2010. The thriving business now rents an additional 2.5 Ha 10 kms away and they have plans to plant more. Quinta do Francês now boast a production of 55,000 bottles a year – approximately two thirds red and one third white, with 80% of their wine being sold in Algarve (45% of this is at the cellar door). Patrick (a practicing pathologist with a family of Italian descent) was born and lived in France for many years and has been winemaking since 2000; he is ably assisted by travelling winemaker, Pedro Mendes (who also has a career in medicine!). Fátima looks after the commercial side of the business, runs the tours, and also assists with vine management. Fiercely independent, they don’t outsource any of their processes and use all their own equipment to ensure they maintain the highest levels of care and attention.