Uncorking Success: An Inside Look at Casa Santos Lima’s Newest Winery, Al-Lagar

When it comes to wine, there’s no shortage of fascinating stories and people shaping the community. We sat down with Francisco and Pedro of Al-Lagar to talk about their journey, their favourite spots, and what makes Tavira so special.

Q: Tell us a little about yourselves and AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima?

F: I'm Francisco, born and raised in Lisbon. I lived in the UK for three and a half years between London and Ipswich as a Bell Attendent, Driver and Manager for AMAZON UK and two years ago I returned to Portugal, where I decided to live in the Algarve with my family. My professional side has been between driver, manager and catering. I'm a good-natured, affable person with a great fascination for wine, aromas and flavours in particular.

AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima is a wine tourism centre where visitors can taste and buy wines from different regions in one place. An interesting, dynamic and elegant place.

P:My name is Pedro, I'm from Porto and I've been in the Algarve for almost 6 years. My professional life has revolved around agriculture, agro-tourism and catering. I'm a dynamic, fun and hard-working person.

AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima is the second wine tourism centre in the CASA SANTOS LIMA universe, located in Tavira, in an old building among the vineyards, once an olive oil mill, which has been completely restored and now houses a shop, a wine bar and where you can taste CASA SANTOS LIMA wines.

Q: What inspired AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima to start and how did you get involved?

F: I have been doing wine tastings since I’m 22 yo and I was always fascinated about flavours, aromas and everything around the wine world. When I received a proposal to join the team to develop the wine tourism project by Casa Santos Lima, in Tavira, I just asked “Where do I sign?”.

P: Wine, one of my great passions, this great elixir that has been with us for centuries, aroused a certain curiosity in me from an early age. Fortunately, throughout my life I have had the opportunity to accompany and work with this elixir, wine, from the planting of the vineyard, production, harvesting, winemaking processes and finally arriving at the glass for tasting. AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima unexpectedly came my way and I didn't think twice about agreeing to take part in this ambitious project.  

Q: What do you think makes Tavira and the area such a unique place?

F: Tavira is unique on is own. Simple things that make this city for you to feel in love on first sight immediately.

P: Tavira is a city linked to the sea, very old and with a lot of history, and an architectural beauty to admire. The people who have passed through here have left their mark and these have contributed to what the city and its people are today. A historic city of traditions and varied cultures.

Q: Do you have a favorite spot in this area that you think more people should know about?

F: Although I live in Faro, the place to recommend in Tavira is the Castle, the symbol of the city and its breathtaking views.

P: Tavira and the region have many nice places to stay, but I'll keep my favourites a secret to keep them special.

Q: What’s next for AL-LAGAR and CASA SANTOS LIMA in the area?

P: Only the future can tell. At the moment, the aim of AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima is to promote the region and show its potential for wine production, and obviously to make the CASA SANTOS LIMA universe known to the world.

F:The future of AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima lies in the secret of the Gods, but we have a clear idea that the space has great potential and will make the city of Tavira even more known and dynamic.

Q: If you could describe AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima in three words, what would they be?

F: Unique, Magnificent, Elegant

P: Authentic, Historic, Welcoming

Q: What’s your go-to order at a local restaurant or cafe? 

F:A natural orange juice with Algarvian oranges and a custard tart.

P: A nice espresso.

Q: If you had a free day to explore or enjoy east Algarve, how would you spend it?

F: I would start with a sight-seeing through Tavira, having lunch in “Come na Gaveta”, enjoying a glass of wine at AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima over the afternoon and finishing at “O Canalha” to have some tapas over dinnertime.

P: I'd start the day with a brief visit to Olhão Market, pass through Fuseta for a coffee and to get my feet wet, have lunch in Santa Luzia, visit Barril beach, head to Tavira, where I'd visit the city's most interesting sights, not forgetting the boat trip to the island, and watch the sunset in Cacela Velha, from there I'd go on to visit Castro Marim and end up having dinner in Vila Real de Santo António followed by a stroll around the marina.

Q: What’s a hidden talent or fun fact about you or AL-LAGAR by Casa Santos Lima that most people don’t know?

F: I do love to cook in my freetime and I proudly say that I can do one of the best Tiramisu that you ever tried. The secret? Cannot reveal.

P: I was an amateur actor for 12 years in an amateur theatre group.

It´s clear that Al-Lagar are an essential part of what makes Tavira such a vibrant place.  Next time you are in the neighbourhood, make sure to drop by and see what they´re all about.

Contact Information

Al-Lagar
Santiago de Tavira – 8800-501 Tavira
Estrada M1341
Phone: +351 281 328 024
vinhos.tavira@casasantoslima.com

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.