Seasons of Change: Embracing Life and Growth at Vinagra Village
Sunset at Vinagra Village
This month marked the September equinox, the transition from summer to fall, offering a rare moment of "equal night" around the world as nature took a balanced pause before the shorter days arrive. The seasons are shifting, changing from summer to autumn, and as the leaves begin to turn, so does life here at Vinagra Village.
It also happens to be my third anniversary at this place that has come to mean so much to me. Three years ago, I made the leap into retirement and stepped onto this land, with no prior experience in farming but with a deep-seated desire to cultivate something lasting for my family.
There’s something beautifully nostalgic about life on the farm in Alentejo. It’s a place where time moves differently, and "backwardness" becomes a charm rather than a burden. Families still return home for meals together, and you’re on a first-name basis with the baker, the folks at the market, and even the mechanic. Life moves so slowly that I haven’t fully adjusted yet, but it has given me a freedom I never knew existed—the freedom to pause, reflect, and appreciate the small wonders I used to overlook.
The world keeps spinning, and the seasons change, but in Alentejo, some things remain blissfully unchanged. And that, I’ve come to realize, is one of the greatest gifts this place offers. Today, I want to share an update on my journey — an adventure, really — of learning to farm, embracing retirement, and discovering abilities I didn’t know I had.
Life as a farmer is a world away from what I once knew. These days, I have more time —precious, uninterrupted time — to spend with loved ones, to think deeply, and to reconsider the truths I held dear about this extraordinary world. Recently, a group of close friends visited for a few days, exploring the area, savoring the meals we shared, and spending long evenings under the "alpendre" with cocktails in hand, conversations flowing freely.
I’ve learned to appreciate the finer things in life—like a quiet sunset or a hearty laugh shared with friends—but there was something particularly magical about having the house full. It gave me a glimpse of what Vinagra Village will become when we open its doors to guests.
For now, Vinagra Village remains our private home, but the plan is to transform it into a retreat—a rental property for full buyouts, where families and friends can gather, renting it for a minimum of four days, with space for no more than 14 people.
My son helps manage the farm’s social media, and there seems to be growing interest from those following our journey.
For now, farming remains the great challenge. As an enthusiastic novice in agriculture, I am experiencing firsthand the trials and, for the moment, deceptions of turning a permaculture farm into a thriving business. It has been a real crash course.
As the "administrator" of this project, I keep track of the numbers: How much are we producing each season? How many lambs are born, and how many don’t make it? The same applies to the piglets—how many are sold, and what revenue do they generate? And of course, how much does all of this cost?
Now, I’ve learned that the financial burden of producing quality, sustainable food is significant—but it’s worth it. Food is medicine. I have come to understand that many of the ailments we face stem from an overly acidic diet. Most people eat 80% acid-forming foods— meat, rice, white flour, sugar — and only 20% alkaline foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
At Vinagra Village, we eat what the farm provides, as natural as possible. Even our animals graze only on pasture, avoiding processed feeds. We are reconnecting with what nature intended.
Life on the farm, the Vinagra way, is about more than just farming—it’s about changing lifestyle habits to embrace a healthy way of living in its purest form, in harmony with the land and with ourselves.
