Concello de Meis

Concello de Meis is a municipality in Galicia, in the province of Pontevedra, sitting at the heart of the Rías Baixas region and the O Salnés area, with its administrative seat in O Mosteiro.

Where is Meis and what makes it distinctive?

The municipality covers a varied terrain that mixes hills, flatland and fertile valleys. Its closeness to the ocean and mild, sunny microclimate have made it one of the key growing areas for albariño grapes in Galicia. Locals often describe Meis as the heart of O Salnés, a nod to generations of winemaking tradition rooted here.

What can visitors see in Meis?

The Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira

The municipality's landmark site is the Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Armenteira, founded in the 12th century. Despite several rounds of renovation over the centuries, the complex has kept its medieval monastic character. It also marks the starting point of the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water), a walking trail that follows a stream past old water mills and stone bridges toward the neighboring municipality of Poio.

Pazos — Galician manor houses

Several historic pazos, the traditional manor houses of Galicia, survive within the municipality: A Saleta, known for its camellia gardens, along with Quintáns, A Bouza, Pomariño and Caticovas. Their presence traces back to the noble families who once held these lands, including the houses of Sotomayor and Ulloa, and later Monterrey and Alba.

Archaeological heritage

On the shared border between Meis and Poio, the slopes of Monte Castrove preserve traces of ancient settlement, including petroglyphs at a site known as O Outeiro do Cribo — evidence that people inhabited this land thousands of years before the modern municipality existed.

What is Meis known for in terms of wine?

Meis falls within the Denominación de Origen Rías Baixas, one of Spain's most respected wine appellations. A number of wineries, many of them family-run, blend traditional methods with modern techniques, and most welcome visitors for tastings, vineyard tours and food-pairing sessions. Albariño from this part of O Salnés is prized for its freshness and mineral edge, a character shaped by the sea air and the municipality's particular microclimate.

What local festivals are worth knowing about?

The municipal calendar is built around food-driven festivals. The Festa dos Callos takes place on the Sunday closest to July 11, the feast of Saint Benedict, and centers on a traditional dish made from offal. On August 15, the Festa da carne de Potro coincides with the local horse fair and features horse meat prepared in the local style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main attraction in Meis? The 12th-century Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira and the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga trail that starts from it are the most recognized draws, offering a walk through wooded, water-fed landscape.

Can visitors taste local wine in Meis? Yes. The municipality lies within the Denominación de Origen Rías Baixas, and its wineries, mostly family-owned, offer albariño tastings and vineyard visits.

What civil architecture can be seen in Meis? Beyond the monastery, the municipality preserves several historic pazos — A Saleta with its camellia gardens, Quintáns, A Bouza, Pomariño and Caticovas — linked to the noble families who once ruled the area.

Are there traces of early settlement in Meis? Yes. On Monte Castrove, along the border with Poio, petroglyphs survive at a site called O Outeiro do Cribo, pointing to a human presence in the region since prehistoric times.