The owner of the estate, Pedro Luiz de Castro always had a dream of some day growing his own vineyard, and Quinta das Ratoeiras gave him the opportunity to make his dream a reality. His wife Patricia Lozano, born in Mexico City, one of the world’s most populated cities, fell in love at first sight with the place for its peacefulness and captivating simplicity. When the propitious moment arrived, Pedro and Patricia decided to share all this natural wealth by transforming a house in ruins, which in the meantime they had acquired, into a comfortable wine and rural tourism site, in the midst of a vineyard.

The accommodation facility is right in the middle of a vineyard, giving the guests a chance to be in deep and extreme contact with Nature, leaving all traces of stress behind. Every room has a wide window-door that allows watching the «Ermida de St. António» monument, illuminated at night. There are 6 double rooms, each totally independent. However, it is possible to inter-communicate two rooms if desired. Each room has a free parking place right in front of the door. Every room is equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and a mini-bar. Every bathroom has a Spa column system with rainfall shower, heated by solar energy. Internet access is free in all hotel areas.

The land where Quinta das Ratoeiras is located was once part of an important Roman farming estate called Villa Áulica, today known as the Roman Ruins of São Cucufate. This construction dates from the beginning of the first century, judging from the remains found during the archaeological excavations. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the place was occupied by Benedictine and Cistercian monks, and was transformed into a convent dedicated to the Spanish martyr St. Cucuphas (or St. Cugat). Quinta das Ratoeiras’ Wine & Rural Tourism is within walking distance and thus the closest tourist accommodation to this historic monument.