Casa de Sezim

Casa de Sezim is a historic noble manor and wine estate in the municipality of Guimarães, northern Portugal, in the civil parish of Nespereira. The house as it stands dates from the 18th century, though the estate has medieval roots. Today it combines the role of an old family seat with a working wine farm, best known for its white Vinho Verde wines.

What is Casa de Sezim?

It is a solar, a Portuguese noble country house, and one of the properties listed in the Solares de Portugal network. The estate sits among the green hills of the Minho region, close to Guimarães, a town often called the birthplace of Portugal. The building has the sober granite look typical of the north, while the salons added in the 18th century give it a more formal character.

What is the history of the manor?

Sources trace the estate back to the late 14th century, with the house enlarged over the following centuries. Ownership passed mostly through female heirs, including to the Melo Sampaio family and later to the descendants of the Pinto Mesquita line. As a result the manor stayed within related families for generations, which is unusual for such an old residence. A heritage protection process began in 1978, and the property is described as being of public interest.

What is there to see inside?

The interiors are decorated with French wallpapers by the Zuber manufactory, famous for hand-printed panoramic landscapes. The surviving panels in the lounge are among the most interesting features and a good reason to take a guided visit. Old winemaking equipment is also kept on the estate as a record of how production once worked.

Why is Casa de Sezim known for wine?

The owners played an important part in reviving vineyards in the region and in developing commercial white wine production in this part of Portugal. According to Solares de Portugal, winemaking at the estate began in the 1930s. A newer winery now operates here, and visitors can see the vineyard and taste local Vinho Verde, the light, fresh wine that is a signature of northern Portugal.

How to plan a visit

The estate lies a few kilometres from central Guimarães, so a car or taxi is the easiest way to reach it. Pair the visit with the UNESCO-listed old town of Guimarães, its castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Tours and tastings usually need to be arranged with the owners in advance, so check current rules on the estate's official website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Can you taste wine at Casa de Sezim? Yes, visitors can tour the vineyard and taste the Vinho Verde wines produced on the estate.

When was the building constructed? The present form of the house dates from the 18th century, but the estate has much older, medieval origins.

Where is Casa de Sezim? In the parish of Nespereira, municipality of Guimarães, in the Minho region of northern Portugal.

Is the manor a protected monument? A protection process began in 1978, and the property is described as being of public interest.

What stands out inside? French Zuber wallpapers with panoramic landscapes and historic winemaking equipment.