Ecola - eco-friendly wool from happy, high-altitude sheep

Serra de Estrela is one of the prettiest parts of Portugal. I went hiking there as a child and while I discovered I'm not one of nature's campers, the scenery was stunning and much of it is protected. It's the home of a delicious and rather pricey cheese, millions of sheep and of massive guard dogs that look like small bears. It's also the home of Ecola, a century-old family run business that produces gorgeous woolen products. Their products are totally organic and after the sheep are shorn, the wool is washed thoroughly in fresh spring water. The blankets, coats and other products are then made on hand-powered looms and all tassels are twisted by hand. Even their product labels are made from recycled paper! I absolutely love the children's blankets - they'd make a beautiful present that a baby could enjoy throughout their childhood - and I think that the normal house and picnic blankets are very pretty. It's such a shame that this area of Portugal isn't more publicised. It's beautiful.