Regarding the lands' use at Comenda, it has been established that since the 13th century, in addition to livestock farming, vineyard and olive grove cultivation were of great importance, with the former being particularly prominent. Forestry also played a role.
Documentation of vineyard cultivation around Setúbal dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. When the property was granted to Domingos Martins de Mouguelas between 1242 and 1275, vineyards and olive groves were already mentioned. In 1318, references to vineyards, oxen, and livestock in general were also made. This long-standing trend shows that viticulture at Comenda has been practiced for over 700 years.
While cereal farming was prevalent in all agricultural areas, grain fields were often adjacent to olive groves and vineyards. Viticulture even competed with cereal production, becoming a highly significant activity.
During the Middle Ages, much like in other urban centers, most of the land on the Setúbal Peninsula dedicated to cultivation was occupied by vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. The vineyard in particular played a predominant role, becoming the dominant feature of the landscape.
With its Mediterranean climate, the Setúbal Peninsula was ideal for viticulture and was close to a rapidly growing urban center like Lisbon during the Late Middle Ages, ensuring a steady market for the region’s wine production.
The availability of river and maritime transport was also crucial to the viticultural success achieved by several regions, with Setúbal being a prime example.
According to the Parochial Memories of 1758, the parish of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda—where the Comenda is located—was home to many olive groves and vineyards in the mid-18th century.
Continuing the property's long viticultural tradition, white grape varieties such as Alvarinho, Verdelho dos Açores, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Moscatel Graúdo (from Setúbal or Alexandria) were planted in 2022. Additionally, red grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Moscatel Roxo were introduced, along with traditional Portuguese white varieties, some of which are at risk of extinction, including Arinto, Donzelinho Branco, Gouveio Real, Vital, Roupeiro, Viosinho, and Folgazão.