History

Dona Antónia Ferreira and the Douro Superior

In 1877, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira bought about 300 hectares of land from the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. She wanted to build an estate from scratch in a remote part of the Douro Superior.

Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, period photograph — public domain

The Vale Meão project took shape between 1887 and 1895. Vineyards and olive groves were planted, and cellars, homes, a school and a small hospital were built.

Ferreirinha died in 1896, shortly after seeing the work completed. Quinta do Vale Meão remained in the family and bears witness to her investment in this territory.

Source

Sources: Quinta do Vale Meão — History.