Although records of Taboadella date back to 1255, historical research has revealed that its occupation is much older. It dates back to the 1st century with the heritage of a Roman Villae, at the time an upper-class rural property consisting of a house, a cellar and a barn alongside other small buildings nestled in a mixed forest of pine, oak and chestnut trees. This “Silvã”, or forest in Latin, coincides with the name of the current parish – Silvã de Cima – and indicates how this agricultural community has endured over time.

Villae reflects a form of organization that functioned as one of the supporting pillars of the Roman Empire, whose occupation strategy included the planting of vineyards in the conquered interior lands as a form of territorial and cultural demarcation, as well as a form of income. Several archaeological remains have been identified here from these times, including ceramics for construction (imbrices and tegulas) and for everyday use (Hispanic sigillata), hand mills, architectural elements, a granite funerary plaque which reads: L∙A (hedera?) ICO / ANN(orum) XXV ∙ H(ic) ∙ S(itus) ∙ E(st) and the Roman wine press, one of the oldest traces of winemaking in the Dão region.

Built next to the vineyard and not far from the houses, the wine press on the monolith rock is one of the oldest historical traces of winemaking technology in Dão, demonstrating the importance of wine in military salaries and a strategic product in those times.

The Taboadella Lagar is made up of three basic components: the floor, the sink and the plate.

• The rectangular floor, approximately 2.70 meters long, was where the grapes were crushed;
• The deepest sink, where the panniers or ceramic vases were placed, where the must flowed through a small opening;
• And the plate, a flatter surface, protected by a rim, where the skins and seeds accumulated.

Although a lot of information has come down to us about winemaking processes from Roman times, there remain some unknowns about the type of technology used in pressing, with the most commonly accepted hypothesis being pressing using a large stone.

Taboadella is located in Silvã de Cima - current municipality of Sátão, district of Viseu - which was once a small parish included in the land of Golfar, which was donated to noble knights and which later became part of the Order of Christ and elevated to a municipality, having received a charter from King D. Manuel, on August 20, 1504.

The property seems to have been very popular with several noble families over time, as evidenced by the 17th century coat of arms. XIX of the Azeredo e Albuquerque family, which can be seen from afar in the main house, surrounded by a secular garden characteristic of a beautiful and elegant family house in Dão at the time.

The records found with the name Taboadella are even older. In the 17th and 18th centuries “Taboadella” is mentioned in the Population Registry of the Kingdom ordered by D. João III, in 1527. However, the antiquity of the property goes back to 1258 with its mention in the Leitura Nova of D. Manuel I , in the Inquiries of D. Afonso III.

Taboadella is a place full of history, life and character, which still makes us feel the “modus vivendi” of that time.

The Taboadella Wine House is the starting point to discover the place of Taboadella. It is the ideal place to enjoy a unique experience in Dão. Located next to the garden of the main house and close to the Roman mill and the lake, it is in this small and welcoming house that you can schedule your visit, taste the Taboadella wines and the delicious cheeses from Serra da Estrela available for sale, as well as some pieces of the best local artisans.

Wine House opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday
From November to March: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
From April to October: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Closing Day: Monday

Wines: Visitors can take advantage of special producer prices, home deliveries and Tax-Free service.

Getting to know Dão means discovering its farms, its wines and the hospitable people with their open smiles.

At Taboadella we highlight unmissable experiences on a farm where you want to stay and where, when you leave, you promise to return. Among the possibilities for discovering this unique identity, don't miss the opportunity to spend a day at Taboadella, get to know the Côvo River and if you wish, in the morning you can walk through our vineyard along our trails and get to know the historical sites and the fauna and flora of the property.

In a region like Dão, learning possibilities arise frequently and are inspired by everyday life. Together with great professionals, we created experiences to make the most of life, disconnect from the routine related to technology and often a heavy schedule, which blocks conviviality and inner well-being.

We follow the philosophy of slow living , reaping the benefits of learning to relate to things, living with more affection and valuing what is important to us. Therefore, we seek a more ecological and harmonious relationship with nature and throughout the year we propose new themes to slow down, take a break and improve our well-being.

The proposals are diverse and include experience in harvesting musk, basketry making, cheese and sweets production, preparation of teas and infusions, ceramics and other traditional arts.

Approximate duration 2h00 | 2:30 am
Number of people Min. 8 | Max 24

With a firm commitment to local culture, we selected the best artists and crafts in the region, different products and producers who share the same philosophy of preserving and disseminating the territory, uses and customs that constitute Portuguese traditions. Works by these local artists available for sale at Taboadella.