Casa Ermelinda Freitas is dedicated to the production of wine since 1920. Its 550 hectares of vineyards are located in Fernando Pó, a privileged area in the region of Palmela. The southern Portuguese soil of these vineyards is very similar to beach sand and very rich in underground water, which plays an important role in the maturation of grapes. The breeze of the nearby rivers refreshes the vineyards during dry summers, imparting smoothness and elegance to the wines. In these sandy soils Castelão prospered, but there are nowadays 29 grape types planted and 14 million liters of wine produced per year. Since 1999 Casa Ermelinda Freitas' wines have won over 1000 national and international awards.