Amphora Day 2023: Clay time in Alentejo

Alentejo’s annual Amphora Day offers a snapshot of both the current state of claypot winemaking globally, but also the ongoing resurgence of local talha claypot wine production.

Since 2018, the event has been held within Herdade do Rocim’s ultra-modern, eco-friendly winery. Fittingly, Rocim is surrounded by Portugal’s most traditional talha pot winemaking villages. There, in Vidigueira, Vila Alva, Vila de Frades, and Cuba, the last vestiges of Roman (probably Phoenician) claypot winemaking tradition remains unbroken since antiquity.

This year the event coincided with traditional St-Martin’s Day celebrations (November 11). This important day marks when Vinho de Talha DOC certification begins and the new season’s wine is drained from the bottom of talhas and served directly to tables filled with thirsty villagers in local adegas, tabernas, and restaurants.