This is the land of small vineyards, rented plots of Crown land, and the ancient skills and knowledge of monks and farmers. Sheltered from the north winds by the uplands of Portel and Mendro, the fertile lands in the valley became home to various civilisations whose historical legacy lives on in the town of São Cucufate. Following on the heels of the Romans came the skilful convent crafts that have survived to the present day, in the form of wine produced in earthenware vats, olive oil and even locally-grown oranges in the land was once the County of Vasco da Gama.