Área de Paisagem Protegida da Cultura da Vinha - Zona Norte, Protected vineyard landscape in Bandeiras, Portugal.
Área de Paisagem Protegida da Cultura da Vinha - Zona Norte is a protected vineyard landscape built on volcanic ground with terraced slopes facing the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain spreads across a network of cultivated sections near the Azores archipelago.
This protected area was established in 2008 to safeguard traditional vineyard cultivation and the natural environment across the region. The decision grew from recognizing that these farming practices hold deep roots in local heritage.
Local grape growers work the land using methods handed down through generations, rooted in the volcanic soil beneath their feet. Verdelho and Arinto varieties thrive here, shaped by long tradition and the region's demanding climate.
The best way to explore this area is on foot using marked trails that link different parts of the protected zone. These paths remain accessible throughout the year and wind through the vineyard sections.
The volcanic rock beneath the grapevines acts as a heat reservoir, releasing warmth at night to nurture the plants in unusual growing conditions. This natural feature allows high-quality grapes to thrive in a climate that would otherwise be challenging for viticulture.
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