Casa da Urra – A peaceful place to reconnect

Back in the days when we were starting our wine marketing and events business, Casa da Urra was one of our first clients.

The years passed, we closed our business, but the most important part of that business remained: the relationships with very special and passionate people.

This week, I bring you an interview with Liliana, from Casa da Urra.

LPM: Liliana, before we talk about Casa da Urra, tell us about yourself and Cândido, your husband. Where are you from and what do you do apart from Casa da Urra. 

Liliana: I’m from Coimbra and my husband is from Febres, a little village near Cantanhede, both in the Central Region of Portugal. Apart from Casa da Urra, we are both doctors. Cândido retired two years ago.

LPM: Casa da Urra englobes various activities. Can you tell us what it includes?

Liliana: Casa da Urra is an agro and enoturism. There, you can have wine tastings and harvest the grapes, do picnics, biking, play tennis, walk in the countryside, sunbathe by the swimming pool and ride horses (under reservation). We also have an ample room to rent for events, commonly used to celebrate weddings, Christening or conferences. For children, we have a spacious playground outdoor area.
Casa da Urra - View

LPM: Why did you choose Alentejo to develop this project?

Liliana: Alentejo is one of the most genuine and calmest places in Portugal. Portalegre is not far from our home in Leiria. Plus, Portalegre is close to São Mamede mountain range and so, it has a microclimate favourable to high-quality wine production.
Casa da Urra - view 4
Casa da Urra - view 6

LPM: You had no prior experience in wine production, correct? What inspired you to produce wines?

Liliana: My husband’s grandfather was a wine producer in Bairrada (Beira Litoral), so Cândido used to help in the wine cellar when he was a child. His father was a winemaker. Wine production is part of his roots.
Casa da Urra - Wine Cellar

LPM: There is a romantic idea about owning a vineyard. How is it really to be a wine producer? 

Liliana: I totally agree. It can be very rewarding and passionate, but it can be quite stressful sometimes.

It is an agricultural activity, so the success of harvest and the wine quality is totally dependant on the climate.

It is a big investment with an uncertain return. Rainout of the usual season, hail or drought can spoil our plans. But despite everything, it is challenging.

Casa da Urra - view 7

LPM: What advise would you give to someone thinking to start producing wines with no prior experience?

Liliana: First of all, you should find competent and committed employees, whom you trust.

The winemaker has to be experienced and innovative.

Then, you should also have good financial support because it is a big investment with no immediate return.

Last but not least, read and learn as much as you can about this art!

Casa da Urra - view 3

LPM: What about advice for anyone planning to start agro-tourism?

Liliana: In my opinion, you should ensure a quality standard: a comfortable place where people feel at home and where they want to come back.

It is important to provide enjoyable activities inside the tourism, but don’t forget that it shouldn’t be too far from touristic attractions (archaeological sites, restaurants with typical food, castles, handcraft shopping, viewpoints). This way, you can attract a considerable range of people. Don’t forget to make sure that people feel safe.

Casa da Urra - swimming pool

LPM:What are the biggest challenges and the biggest joys Casa da Urra brings you as a couple? 

Liliana: The biggest joy is the positive feedback visitors share with us. It is an incentive to keep up working and offering visitors an experience close to nature. The biggest challenge is to offer innovative activities, in order to avoid being just “one more agrotourism”.

LPM:What are your future plans for Casa da Urra? 

Liliana: We are currently investing in self energetic sustainability. Alentejo is a sunny region, and we want to take advantage of this blessing.

In the near future, we would like to focus on other sustainable possibilities.

We are also thinking about increasing accommodation with wood bungalows.

Casa da Urra - Sunset

LPM: At the time of this interview, is the agro-tourism of Casa da Urra opened for guests? What security measures are being implemented?

Liliana: Yes, during the pandemic, we were always opened.

Along with our collaborators, we are following all security measures recommended by the Portuguese DGS (Portuguese Health department). We have a “break period” for all accommodation between the departure and arrival of guests. There is disinfection of all areas, besides the usual cleaning. We also have protection displays and disinfection kits (gloves, alcohol and surgical masks).

All handles, door handles and objects are regularly disinfected.

LPM: Last, but not least, where can Casa da Urra wines be purchased?

Liliana: Casa da Urra has several distributors in Portugal. It can be purchased in a supermarket, restaurants, wine shops or at the agro-tourism. If you are not in Urra and you are interested in tasting our wines, kindly send us an e-mail to adegacasadaurra@gmail.com and we will forward you to the closest distributor.
Check prices or book a stay in Casa da Urra here.
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