Quinta de Sant'Ana

Winemakers António Moita Maçanita & James Frost

Wine Region Mafra, Lisboa (Lisbon)

The wines of Quinta de Sant'Ana

Portuguese wines in Mafra

The Portuguese winery Quinta de Sant’Ana is located in idyllic Mafra and is just a 30-minute drive north of Lisbon. The organic winery is run by James Frost and António Maçanita, who produce exceptional organic wines on calcareous clay soil. For them, quality takes precedence over quantity. António’s original and sometimes bold approach results in wines that are both traditional and surprisingly innovative for Portugal. Not only are the wines excellent, but the estate and its surroundings are also a feast for the eyes. The vineyards are located close to the Atlantic Ocean, which provides ideal conditions for the production of refined and fresh wines with a distinctive character.

The influence of the maritime climate and the calcareous soil results in complex wines with a perfect balance between fruity aromas and fresh acidity. From robust red wines to refreshing white wines, each bottle embodies the family's passion and the unique character of the region. Since he was 24, Portuguese winemaker António Maçanita has been the winemaker with whom James and Ana Frost produce their wines. With their shared vision of creating top Portuguese wines, they set to work.

James knew nothing about winemaking. He is from the United Kingdom, and Ana, his wife, is of German origin. Her parents bought the estate in 1969 and lived there until 1974. After the Carnation Revolution, they fled the country. To check on the current state of affairs, James drove from Osnabrück to Lisbon in 1992. He never left and together they began their life under the sun.

Riesling, Pinot Noir & Arinto

What makes the vineyards of Quinta de Sant'Ana unique is that they don't exclusively cultivate typical Portuguese grape varieties. Think of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, and the hero of Lisbon: Arinto (for white wines). António Maçanita and James Frost also decided to use international grape varieties for their organic wines. Their vineyards also feature Merlot, Pinot Noir, and the superhero from Germany, Riesling. The Riesling was planted as an experiment and as a tribute to Ana's German background.

Organic wines from Lisbon by Quinta de Sant'Ana

They offer not only excellent wines but also a special wine experience for wine lovers just outside Lisbon. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and historic buildings, the estate is a beautiful place to explore. This is also why many people choose to celebrate their company party or wedding at Quinta de Sant'Ana.

"I have known Louise, the sales manager of Quinta de Sant'Ana, since 2022. It was the first international wine fair allowed to proceed during the pandemic. I can't quite recall the exact details, but I tasted their wines and heard their charming story. I found it exceptionally beautiful. At that time, we weren't suitable partners, and a collaboration wasn't (yet) in the cards. However, due to our focus on quality Portuguese and French wines combined with a wine trip to Lisbon, a partnership came back into view. When, two years later, you are received with fantastic food, delicious wines, and a magnificent view, you are eager to bring their organic Portuguese wines to the Netherlands as soon as possible." - Jasper Smit