Do I need to know anything about wine before I come?
No. This isn't a test, and there's no syllabus to cram beforehand. The Wine Compass™ method works from your own senses — SEE, SMELL, TASTE, FEEL — so beginners aren't behind and aren't left guessing. Experienced tasters aren't bored either, because the method sharpens what they already sense rather than repeating facts they already know. Everyone works with their own palate, at their own level.
I'd be coming on my own — will I feel out of place?
Not at all — roughly half the guests at our wine retreats come solo, and it works brilliantly. Meals, masterclasses, and the Story Tasting evening are all designed around a shared table, so you're never eating or tasting alone. With a group of 12 guests, it's small enough that everyone gets folded into the group by day one.
How do I get there?
Vale das Estrelas is on the coast of Alentejo, near Odemira - about 1.5 hours from Faro and 2.5 hours from Lisbon airports. We recommend hiring a car for the freedom it gives you out here, but buses do run and we're happy to recommend routes. Airport transfers can also be arranged at a separate cost, just ask.
How much wine will I actually drink?
This is a tasting retreat, not a drinking one. Spittoons are on every table and plenty of guests use them throughout the masterclasses - nobody bats an eye either way. Pours are generous enough that you get the full range across 50+ wines and 20 regions, but there's no pressure to finish a glass, keep pace with anyone else, or drink more than feels right for you at our wine retreats.
What's the daily rhythm like?
Mornings are typically for masterclasses - while the rest of the day settles into long, unhurried lunches and dinners with curated pairings. Most afternoons are yours for the infinity pool, the sun deck, a game of petanque, or a walk along the coast - except the day we head out together for the winery visit and meet the winemaker. It's a wine retreat, not a bootcamp - the pace is deliberately relaxed. Want the unfiltered version? Read what actually happened at our first retreat.
What if I have dietary requirements?
Just let us know when you book. Meals are full board so allergies, intolerances, and preferences (vegetarian, vegan, and so on) are accommodated - we just need advance notice to plan the wine pairings and menus properly.
What should I bring?
Nothing fancier than comfortable, casual clothes - think easy layers, since evenings on the Alentejo coast can turn cool even after a warm day. Bring a swimsuit for the pool and your curiosity for the wine tastings; that's genuinely the main requirement. No wine knowledge, notes, or equipment needed.
My partner isn't that into wine can they still come?
It's certainly possible - the setting alone makes a lovely holiday, with the food, the pool, and the coastline. Do contact us to discuss the options: with just about 12 places, reservations go first to those joining the wine retreat itself, so partner spots depend on availability.
How do payment and booking work?
You start with an inquiry through the website form or by email, and we'll reply within 1–2 business days. From there, Vale das Estrelas confirms your reservation for the wine holiday retreat directly with a 50% deposit; the balance is settled closer to the retreat. Simple as that.
What's the cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable, but they're not lost either: if your plans change, your deposit carries forward in full to a future retreat - for cancellations, that usually means the upcoming edition in October 2027. Life happens - the valley will still be here.
