Alyan Family Wines — Attraction in Pirque

The experience is presented as something exclusive and distinguished. However, the reality proved to be quite different. Upon arrival, visitors are divided into groups of at least 50 people, and each group receives colored wristbands for identification. This arrangement, rather than conveying exclusivity, makes the experience standardized and minimally personalized.

Fortunately, we were lucky to start the tour at a point in the winery where white wine was served. However, the accompanying snacks were quite disappointing: water crackers, two types of pâtés, and peanuts, all presented in a simple white box. None of this harmonized with the sophisticated experience the winery aims to offer its visitors.

Each group had a different guide. Our group was led by Bruno, a Portuguese guide who, on several occasions, displayed rude and harsh behavior toward the visitors, using a sarcastic tone that caused discomfort and detracted from the experience.

Moreover, as the groups were extremely large, many people ended up moving around and distancing themselves, which interfered with the guide’s explanations about the wine production process and made it difficult to fully understand the visit.

Next, we were directed to a sort of viewpoint, where we had the opportunity to taste another label, also a white wine, and take photos. However, with over 200 people in total, the experience felt far from exclusive and was quite chaotic. To take photos, one had to wait in line, which diminished the enjoyment of the moment. The quantity of wine served at this point was also limited: when we asked for another glass, there simply wasn’t any more available.

Later, we were taken to another part of the winery, where additional explanations about the production process were provided and we had more opportunities for photos. Finally, we were directed to dinner. Unfortunately, what was served can hardly be called dinner: upon arrival, we were presented with a tray in a university cafeteria style, with the dishes already almost cold. The menu included a chicken medallion wrapped in bacon, triangular-shaped potatoes, empanadas, and a dessert. The only redeeming aspect of the dinner was the dessert. Furthermore, although the wine served was red and would naturally pair with red meat, the main dish consisted of white meat, demonstrating a lack of attention to pairing and to the overall gastronomic experience.

In total, six different wine labels were served. However, when we requested a refill of any of them, it was not allowed, as we were informed that the next label would soon be served.

At the end of the dinner, some Brazilian tourists, already a bit more cheerful, decided to pick up a microphone and sing. Immediately, the guide Bruno mentioned that he would take the microphone from them, claiming there were only 15 minutes left to finish the experience and that if they continued, people would not approve of the final wine label. This behavior seemed extremely rude and demonstrated inflexibility in dealing with visitors, especially Brazilian tourists, who represent more than 50% of the winery’s visitors.

Overall, it was an experience that could have been much better if both the service and the food provided had matched the quality promised...

DO NOT do a tour here

The Brazilian lady, Maira, could not really speak Spanish at all., and all the guests we spoke to find her tiring to listen to. In particular, we watched her victimise an elderly Danish gentleman from our group, who did not speak Portuguese or Spanish, repeatedly ridiculing how he said ‘Rioja’ — despite her pronunciation being very wanting.

Aside from this incident, I found the whole experience disorganised and amateur. Whilst the wines and sunset were nice, our ‘dinner’, which had been sitting out on tables when we arrived, had coagulated and was reminiscent of aeroplane food, or, less generously, hospital food. I’d have thought twice about feeding it to my dog.

Most importantly, there were FAR too many people on the tour at the same time as us — around 200, split across different groups who are actually all lumbered together — for this tour to be of any worth. I felt totally scammed.

Moreover, when I approached Maira at the end of the ‘tour’ to ask what time our bus would be arriving (in perfectly good Portuguese that her colleagues were able to understand), she snapped at me that she had no idea what I was saying. Despite her badge purporting to speak English, I can reveal she does not speak a word of English (which is fine, but don’t claim to).

When she let her mask down in this way, she came across as very dismissive and rude, a far cry from the person insincerely insisting on hugging everyone at the beginning of the ‘experience’.

At almost £100 each, this was poor value for money and I highly recommend other TripAdvisor users...

A super cute family run vineyard. We came for the sunset wine tasting after hearing great reviews. The place is pretty with a Austrian/German style to the decor. We started the tour in their cellar with a glass of wine and continued around their estate tasting different wines as we went. It was lovely but I have to say, there was way too much talking from the guide and owner. They were very kind to do parts of the tour in English as it was all in Portuguese but 3 out of the 4 hours of the tour was talking about how they make each wine and you could see people losing interest along the way. However, your glass was never empty so although they say you're tasting 6 wines you can definitely drink more than that 😂 The last section was the dinner...I was completely surprised by this. We stepped back in time, sat in a circle and all had like a TV/aeroplane food dinner. It was nice enough but just so odd and could definitely be done better. But it was an experience none the less! I completely understand how much they among others struggled during COVID and it was lovely to see husband, wife and son all working there and saying hello and they are really trying to get back on their feet. The wine was very tasty, staff lovely, grounds beautiful, food standard but be prepared for A...