Hortas da Rainha

Located in Carreiro da Areia, near Torres Novas, Hortas da Rainha (also known as Quinta do Alecrim) is a working farm dedicated to regenerative and organic agriculture. The project combines crop production, orchards and livestock in agrosilvopastoral systems, an approach that integrates trees, pasture and animals to build healthy, living soil rather than depleting it. Sheep graze the land as part of a no-till farming philosophy, and vegetables such as carrots are grown with patience, learning from the land's particular conditions over time. The farm partners with a curated gastronomic events company, supplying fresh produce for catering and celebrations, while also hosting its own bucolic and inspiring spaces for events and weddings at a nearby estate. Its identity centres on 'slow, intentional progress' — caring for the land, the animals and the lived-in space that the team calls home. Hortas da Rainha shares its knowledge and encourages others to grow their own food, offering discount codes for seed suppliers so that followers can start their own regenerative gardens. The project is deeply community-oriented in tone, regularly engaging its audience on social media about goals, harvests and the rhythms of farm life through the seasons. While specific team members are not publicly named, the project speaks warmly of 'an amazing team' whose dedication and love for the Quinta make its work possible. Overall, Hortas da Rainha represents a grounded, values-driven model of regenerative farming in central Portugal, linking sustainable food production with hospitality, education and community connection.