Soalheiro is one of Portugal's most influential wineries and a true pioneer of the Alvarinho (a.k.a. Albariño) variety. In 1974, João António Cerdeira planted the first continuous vineyard dedicated entirely to Alvarinho in the village of Melgaço, helping redefine what was possible for white wine in the Vinho Verde region. Located in the Monção and Melgaço subregion, Portugal's northernmost wine appellation along the Spanish border, the estate benefits from a unique combination of sunny days, cool nights, and mountain ranges that shield the vineyards from the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. These conditions allow Alvarinho to achieve exceptional ripeness while retaining the vibrant acidity and mineral character that have become the winery's hallmark. Today, Soalheiro is widely regarded as one of Portugal's benchmark producers, crafting wines that balance typicity, freshness, and aging potential while showcasing why Monção and Melgaço is considered the country's premier source for Alvarinho.