Quinta do Noval is managed like a traditional family quinta in terms of organisation and production outputs.
PIGS
Until quite recently, the Douro was rather isolated and self sufficiency at the Quinta was, and still is, a great advantage. As long as anyone can remember, there have been pigs at Quinta do Noval. The pig farm overlooks the Nacional vines and the pigs act as 'watch dogs' over the harvest. Fed on the fresh wild figs that grow nearby, they also provide the most delicious ham and pâté.
OLIVE OIL
The climate in the Douro is ideally suited to the production of olive oil. The long hot summers and wet winters yield a crop of rich, juicy olives from the groves found on the Quinta. Cold pressed in the traditional way, most of this olive oil is used in our cooking, while the little left over is bottled and sold worldwide.
VEGETABLE GARDENS AND ORCHARDS
Noval has a flourishing plot of vegetables that provides many of the herbs and vegetables to sustain our needs. Additionally, we are lucky enough to have an ample supply of oranges dotted around the Quinta, plus figs, tangerines and walnuts. We also grow almond trees at the Quinta. Noval almonds, grilled and salted at the property, are delicious at aperitif time.
