The Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Fundão was founded in 1516 and has been working to help the local population for over five hundred years. Article 1(1) of its Mission Statement states that it was set up ‘[…] with the aim of making charitable contributions to meet social needs […],’ while Article 4 mentions that ‘[…] the institution's social activity is not confined solely to so-called social security and may also encompass other contributions, particularly in the health, education and agricultural sectors.’ The institution's mission is to be a major driver of balanced local development, in all its aspects, without overriding the initiatives of local people or private or public institutions, but rather serving to mobilise the efforts and will of all local socio-economic players and to work alongside them. It is in this spirit that it dedicates itself to viticulture and wine production, among its various agricultural activities. The grapes produced are made into wine by the Adega Cooperativa do Fundão, thanks to a partnership between the two institutions.

The Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Fundão is one of the largest employers in the municipality of Fundão, with more than 300 permanent staff directly serving some 3,000 users, extending across the organisation's own municipality, as well as those of Covilhã and Penamacor. Although the institution's fundamental pillar is social action, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Fundão also has a Music and Dance Academy, an Integrated Long-term Care Unit and an Educational Farm. Quinta d’Arraboa and Solidarium are the wines it produces, which are of recognised quality and have been awarded prizes in various specialised competitions, while buying them also contributes to a noble charitable cause. These wines form part of the Union of Portuguese Misericórdias's solidarity products, sold under the Misericórdia brand.

Vineyards

Vineyard operations management: Rui Pombo

Area of own vineyards: 5 hectares

Grape origin: Own grapes

Viticulture type: Integrated pest management

White grape varieties: None

Red grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, Merlot

Wine cellar

Oenologist: António Madalena

Types of wine produced: Red

Wine brands: Quinta d’Arraboa and Solidarium

Percentage of PDO/PGI production: 100% PDO

Average annual production: 30,000 litres / 13,500 bottles

Production destination: Domestic market (100%)

Wine tourism

Wine shop

Part of the Beira Interior Wine Route