The best wine tourism experiences near Lisbon
Wine tourism is alive and well in Portugal. For those who’d like to venture into the world of wine tourism, wine related experiences provide an opportunity to engage with the stories behind what we drink, perhaps changing our perception of what we sip and, at the very least, certainly deepening our understanding of everything that happens before the wine is bottled.
Today we can participate in a wide range of wine related activities, some more straightforward like visits to vineyards and cellars or wine tasting, but some with the potential of being more profound, perhaps including history, ecology or gastronomy in the mix. As such, wine tourism can be as much about leisure as it can actually be educational too.
Feat photo by Grandes Escolhas
Photo by Wine Enthusiast
Portugal, with its ancient wine-making traditions, offers a very wide range of wine tourism options, depending on where you visit, your time availability, and, of course, your budget. If you are willing to get around, you’ll see how each region presents a unique narrative that reflects its environmental and historical complexities. Near Lisbon, we have the wine regions of Lisboa, Tejo, and Setúbal, where the proximity to the ocean, the Tagus river, and fertile lands create a mosaic of flavors and stories.
The Lisboa wine region, encircling the capital, stretches from the Atlantic coast into the countryside more inland, encapsulating a diverse climatic range that influences the character of its wines. Geographically, it extends from the oceanic influences near Sintra to the more temperate zones inland. This region is renowned for both white and red wines, which exhibit a vibrant freshness thanks to the cooling breezes of the Atlantic. The proximity to the ocean not only moderates the climate but also imparts a distinct minerality to the wines, making them aromatic and somewhat crisp.
Just northeast of Lisbon, the Tejo region, named after the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) that flows through it, offers a markedly different viticultural environment. This area is predominantly flat, with rich soils full of sediments that are perfect for viticulture. The climate here is more continental, with hot summers and cold winters, which stresses the vines just enough to produce intensely flavorful fruit. The wines from Tejo are known for their robust nature and excellent value.
To the south of Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula is a distinct demarcated region particularly famous for its sweet Moscatel de Setúbal. Besides focusing on table wines, this region’s wineries also offer detailed tours that will allow you a glimpse into the process of making this fortified wine, as one would expect, complete with tastings. The area has a warm Mediterranean climate that, combined with the limestone soils, is ideal for the cultivation of Muscat grapes used in the production of these sweet wines.
Photo by Portugal by Wine
To understand Portuguese wine, one must certainly recognize the geographical and climatic diversities that shape its character. But we’d go further on and say that the human factor, the society of each region and its way of life, traditions and preferences, also has a lot to do with the end product – if not so much today, at least historically speaking.
If you are a wine enthusiast, know that the Portuguese capital serves as a gateway for a great variety of wine experiences, from tasting and learning, to a more hands-on approach. Let’s explore the best wine tourism offerings near Lisbon.
Visits to wineries and wine tastings near Lisbon
Photo by Portugal by Wine
There is a very wide variety of wine tastings you could partake in near Lisbon, tailored to different interests and levels of wine knowledge. When considering what to look for in a wine tasting experience, it’s important to decide whether you want a comprehensive tour that includes a visit to the vineyards and wine cellars or a more straightforward tasting session. Many tastings are indeed paired with guided tours that allow you to witness firsthand the process of winemaking. These tours often include a walk through the vineyards as well as the heart of the wine cellar where you can observe the grandeur of massive storage and fermentation tanks, and peek into the laboratory where the science of winemaking unfolds.
Each type of tasting session offers a unique perspective on the wine production process. But what they all do have in common is that they’ll contribute towards your understanding of how the processes used during the production ultimately influence the flavor and quality of the wine.
When looking for a wine tasting at a vineyard around Lisbon, you could opt for a smaller, family-run estate, which might offer a more personal touch, or a larger more commercial winery, which may offer an insight into the wine industry itself. Smaller venues often provide a closer look at sustainable practices and the artisanal aspects of winemaking, but at larger wine estates you may also get a glimpse of more state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. If you have time, visit at least a couple of places to learn more about the wineries and, of course, to develop your skills on how to properly assess the wines themselves. Usually, tastings at wineries include a more or less in depth explanation of each wine and how to appreciate it, focusing on aspects like the color, aroma, and taste, which are crucial for appreciating wine beyond its face value.
Quinta de Chocapalha, Quinta de Sant’Ana and Quinta do Monte d’Oiro
🍷These three family-run wineries have joined forces to promote their practices and their products. You can book wine tourism activities with all of them, from visits to the vineyards and cellars to curated tastings.
📍Rua Carles Duff, 3VJQ+G8, 2580-081 Aldeia Galega da Merceana
https://chocapalha.pt/en/winetourism
📍Rua Direita 3, Gradil, 2665-113 Gradil, Mafra
www.quintadesantana.com/shop/wine-tastings
📍Freixial de Cima 2580-404 Ventosa, Alenquer
Manzwine
🍷Taste wines crafted from the unique Jampal grape variety.
📍Largo da Praça 8 A, 2640-160 Cheleiros
https://manzwine.com/manzwine-experience
Enjoy a meal at a winery
Photo by AdegaMãe
Many wine estates in the region provide a spectrum of culinary experiences that pair beautifully with their wines, offering from casual snacks to fancier, more elaborate meals. For a leisurely visit, consider booking a wine tasting with something light such as a Portuguese cheese board or some petiscos, that is, traditional appetizers. These are ways to appreciate how various types of wine interact with local flavors without committing to a full meal.
But if you are ready for a more complete meal, know that brunch at wineries is trending these days. These meals often feature local ingredients and traditional dishes with a twist, providing a delightful mid-morning treat that pairs with wines and, usually, also with the vineyard’s scenic beauty. If you are after something even more indulgent, some estates offer elaborate lunches or dinners prepared by skilled chefs, sometimes, right in the heart of the cellar. This premium option may include a collaborative element, inviting you to engage with the chef as you prepare the meal together. This isn’t a structured cooking class but rather a more informal, interactive culinary session where the preparation of the meal becomes part of the enjoyment, all while sampling various wines.
Alternatively, dining at a restaurant located within a winery is also a more casual option you may want to explore. At restaurants within wineries you can choose from a menu where dishes are usually designed to complement the estate’s wines, reversing the typical restaurant model where drinks pair with the food. In these settings, the wine takes the center stage, so the food is crafted to enhance the characteristics and nuances of the wine, and not the other way around.
AdegaMãe
🍷This wine estate offers a wide variety of wine tourism activities, including tastings that go from 3 to 12 wines. You may want to pair your wine tasting with some food options (from simple platters with appetizers to a full-on brunch), or simply head straight to the winery’s stunning restaurant Sal na Adega, which we’ve previously highlighted on our Torres Vedras Travel Guide for Food Lovers.
📍Estrada Municipal 554, Fernandinho, Ventosa, 2565-841 Torres Vedras
https://adegamae.pt/visitas-e-provas/?lang=en
Wine Corner by José Maria da Fonseca
🍷This is the flagship restaurant and wine bar by the huge Portuguese wine brand José Maria da Fonseca. This is a great place to enjoy regional dishes, petiscos and, of course, wash it all down with the brand’s many options of wines.
📍Rua José Augusto Coelho 1, 2925-542 Azeitão
www.instagram.com/winecorner.azeitao
Learn about Carcavelos wine, the most misunderstood fortified wine from Portugal
Photo by Cascais FoodLab
If you fancy exploring Portuguese wine beyond the usual, we recommend discovering Carcavelos wine. This unique fortified wine often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves when compared to more famous Portuguese fortified wines like Port and Madeira. Originating in the 18th century and reaching its peak in the 19th, Carcavelos wine comes from a small, historically rich region near Lisbon. Despite challenges posed by urban expansion, which has significantly reduced vineyard areas, the production of Carcavelos wine has managed to preserve its exceptional quality and unique dry flavor profile.
For those interested in exploring this misunderstood gem, a visit to Villa Oeiras, a key site in the production of Carcavelos wine, offers a perfect (and should we say rare) opportunity. The estate hosts guided tours where you can walk through the vineyards, explore the production cellar, and step into the historical cellar of the Marquês de Pombal Palace. Here you’ll learn more about both historical and modern production techniques and, of course, taste the wines to discover the nuances of Carcavelos wine alongside other regional varieties. Besides wines, tastings can also include a selection of cheeses and even Portuguese olive oils, as well as local sweet confections, which help bring out the complex flavors of Carcavelos wine on the palate.
Villa Oeiras
🍷Understand how the production of this rare fortified wine can still take place in such a urbanized area – this will certainly be a different visit and tasting than most in the Great Lisbon area!
📍Adega Casal da Manteiga, Rua da Mina, Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2775-524 Oeiras
www.villaoeiras.com/PT/wine-tourism
Do a picnic in a vineyard
Photo by Quinta das Mugas
If you are in the mood to mix quality time in nature with a little wine tasting, enjoying a picnic at a vineyard can offer a delightful escape into the serene landscapes of Portugal’s wine country. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the vineyards, accompanied by the natural soundtrack of rustling leaves and bird singing – does it get any more idyllic than this?
Several wineries around Lisbon prepare picnic baskets, usually with a selection of regional cheeses, cured meats, freshly baked rustic bread, and perhaps some olives, dried and fresh fruits, as well as sweet treats. In some cases the wines are included in the picnic baskets, while in some others you can purchase them on the premises, allowing you to select the specific label(s) you’d like to try.
When you sign up for a picnic experience, most wineries will allow you to wander freely through the vineyards, selecting the spot of your choice to finally settle down and enjoy your snacks and wine. In some cases, the picnics are preceded or followed by a little guided tour which will complement the experience and allow you to learn more about the winery you are visiting. But if all you want is to chill, eat, drink and, at the most, take a leisurely stroll around the farm, we can’t think of a more inviting place than a vineyard to do all of this!
Murgas
🍷This family winery in Bucelas, just outside of Lisbon, will allow you to experience their farm in a self-guided manner, as you enjoy their picnic basket in a spot of your choice around the vineyards. Wine is not included in the basket itself, precisely so that you can choose whichever you like on the premises, before you set out to explore the lovely farm.
📍Rua do Lagar, Freixial, 2670-536 Bucelas, Loures
https://en.murgas.pt/enoturismo-provas-vinho-lisboa
Monte Bluna
🍷Picnic baskets at Monte Bluna include both food and wine. This boutique wine producer curates everything with a very keen eye on detail, so the same can be expected when it comes to the curation of their picnic experiences, from the food to the wine, to the location and additional visits to several spots of the winery.
📍Estrada Nacional 248, 2630-263 Arruda dos Vinhos
https://shop.montebluna.com/en/collections/visitas-1
Learn more about organic, natural and biodynamic wine making
Photo by Cortém on Facebook
Exploring the world of organic and biodynamic winemaking offers a unique perspective into wine production that goes beyond traditional methods, providing insights into environmentally conscious practices that enhance the natural character and, some would argue, the quality of the wine. For those in the urban sphere, these methods may sound like trends, but the truth is that it’s quite the opposite from something “new”. If anything, wineries that follow these methods are actually reviving ancient methods of wine production that, generally speaking, prioritize the health of the vineyard and the ecosystem.
Organic winemaking in Portugal mirrors a global movement towards sustainable agriculture. Organic vineyards are cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using only natural products that comply with organic standards set by governing bodies like the European Union. While natural winemaking, in its turn, shares many principles with organic practices, it primarily focuses on minimal intervention in both farming and fermentation processes. Natural wines aim to let the grapes and the environment express themselves without interference. This means no added yeasts, sulfites, or other additives commonly used in conventional winemaking. So all natural wines are organic, but not all organic wines could be considered natural. Biodynamic winemaking takes the principles of organic farming and integrates them with a broader philosophy of agriculture as a self-sustaining system. This approach is influenced by the ideas of Rudolf Steiner, who introduced biodynamics in the early 20th century. Biodynamic wine producers adhere to a planting calendar that follows the lunar cycle and often incorporate preparations made from fermented manure, minerals, and herbs. These practices are believed to enhance the vitality and energy of the vineyard. Biodynamic wines are made with even more minimal intervention, aiming to reflect the true essence of the vineyard’s environment.
Visiting organic and biodynamic wineries offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical wine tasting. Visitors can learn about the impact of these practices on the quality of wine and the environment. These wineries often provide detailed tours that explain their farming practices, the biodiversity of their vineyards, and their commitment to ecological preservation. Near Lisbon, a few wineries specialize in these methods, and even fewer of those actually organize visits. But if you are curious about seeing firsthand the benefits of organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking both for the environment and for the wine itself, we recommend heading to:
Vinhos Cortém
🍷Taste red wine and orange wine (white wine fermented on skins), at this boutique organic winery. Whether you like it or not, you will for sure discover unique flavors.
📍Rua João Alves 24, Cortém, 2500-741 Vidais
www.vinhoscortem.com/experiences
Quinta da Folgorosa
🍷This organic winery offers a wide range of wine tourism experiences, including wine tastings, picnic among the vines, winemaker for a day and harvest experiences.
📍Rua Principal 16, 2565-171 Dois Portos
Participate in the grape harvest
Photo by Mais Magazine
Participating in the grape harvest gives a hands-on way to connect with the traditions of winemaking, while enjoying the beautiful scenery around the vineyards. This isn’t an activity for those who don’t like to get their hands dirty. But, let’s be honest, when you join the harvest as a tourist no one is going to force you to work harder than what you’d like to and, we could almost see this as a way or earning even more that glass of wine (or two…) you’ll get to enjoy after collecting some grapes.
To be a part of the wine production process from the very beginning, you will probably begin in the cool morning hours. Equipped with special scissors, you’ll join the vineyard workers in the fields, learning how to select and harvest grapes properly.
Most of the grape harvest experiences wineries organize for curious drinkers also include a guided tour of the property, to explore not only the vineyards but, most likely, the winery and the cellar too. Some of these experiences may even include a lunch with other travelers or maybe even the workers but, no matter if you end up having a bite or not at the winery, you will for sure get to taste the fruit of the labor of people who did what you just did in previous years.
Quinta do Gradil
🍷This is one of the oldest wineries near Lisbon, and it offers a fabulous wine tourism range of activities, including in-depth visits to the estate to understand the viticulture process; as well as horse riding, running and birdwatching in the vineyards; and, of course, grape harvesting too.
📍Estrada Nacional 115 Vilar, 2550-073 Cadaval
www.quintadogradil.wine/en/winetourism
Quinta do Boição
🍷Rest well after the harvest experience, taking advantage of Quinta do Boição’s stunning rural accommodation.
📍Rua Cmte. Sacadura Cabral 22, 2670-632 Bucelas
Be a winemaker for a day
Photo by Quinta do Folgorosa
Winemaker for a Day experiences are perhaps some of the most comprehensive wine tourism activities you can engage in. This experience usually goes beyond the standard vineyard tour and tasting, providing a hands-on approach that lets you become part of the winemaking process, even more so than the harvest option above.
A typical day usually begins with a tour of the winery you go to, where you’ll get a glimpse into the daily operations, and thus gaining some foundations for the more interactive portions of the experience. Guided by an expert winemaker, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of grape selection and wine production. This may include an introduction to different grape varieties and understanding how each contributes to the complexity of the wine. You’ll have the opportunity to select grapes that appeal to your taste preferences, which will serve as the base for your own custom blend. While you put on the hat of the winemaker (even if it’s just for a few hours), you may also get invited to channel your creativity into designing a personal wine label. As a winemaker, after one of these experiences, you are meant to go home with your very own bottle of wine!
Throughout the day, you will also sample several wines, so that you can better understand the different flavor profiles and blending possibilities and, let’s be straightforward, to simply enjoy the tasting experience too!
Casal Santa Maria
🍷Explore the area of Colares, near Sintra, through the wines of this family-run estate, owned and run by the grandson of Baron Bodo von Bruemmer, the fearless visionary who began making wine at the age of 96 and died fulfilled at the age of 105. Maybe you’ll discover that winemaking is actually the secret to a long healthy life?
📍Rua Principal, 18/20 Casas Novas, Colares, 2705-177 Sintra
https://casalstamaria.pt/enotourism
Ode Winery
🍷Ode offers a wide range of experiences, including visits and wine tastings. Here you’ll learn a lot about the winemaking process, even if you are entirely new to this subject.
📍Rua Cel. Lopes Mateus 13, 2070-641 Vila Chã de Ourique
https://odewinery.com/event/winemaker-for-a-day
Visit a wine tasting room in Lisbon’s city center
Photo by Lifecooler
At the Vinhos de Portugal Tasting Room in the heart of Lisbon, you can discover the immense diversity of Portuguese wines all under one roof. Unlike the typical wine bars scattered across the city, some of which specialize in natural and biodynamic wines, this tasting room offers a broad, curated selection that spans the full spectrum of Portugal’s wine regions.
More than being just a place to sip wine, the Vinhos de Portugal Tasting Room offers a more educational approach to wine tasting, encouraging learning and discussion. The establishment includes a small library where visitors can browse through books detailing the nuances of wine regions, viticulture, and enology. It’s perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge beyond the glass in hand. Moreover, the tasting room regularly hosts themed tastings and events, often featuring producers who share their expertise and passion directly with attendees. These sessions provide a rare opportunity to engage with winemakers here in the city, learn about their craft in a personal setting, understand the labor behind their wines and, ultimately, enhance the appreciation for it.
Not being a regular business, Vinhos de Portugal is run by ViniPortugal, the Interprofessional Association of the Portuguese Wine’s Promotion. This is a place where the local wine community often comes together, but you don’t need to be a proper connoisseur to enjoy wine tastings and events here – casual drinkers are welcome too, but curiosity is always appreciated!
ViniPortugal Sala Lisboa
🍷Wine tasting room showcasing labels from producers all over Portugal, occasionally hosting themed events like talks with winemakers and guided tasting sessions of special wines.
📍Terreiro do Paço, 1100-148 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/taste_winesofportugal_lisboa
More wineries offering wine tourism experiences near Lisbon
Photo by Bacalhôa
We couldn’t possibly recommend all the wineries offering wine tourism activities near Lisbon above, so here are a few more which we think do a good job and you could consider exploring, for vineyard and cellar visits, to wine tastings and, in some cases, more elaborate experiences with food, art and interaction with locals.
Bacalhôa
🍷If there is a brand that offers a truly comprehensive catalog of wine experiences near Lisbon, that certainly is Bacalhôa. With several locations both to the north and the south of the Portuguese capital, they offer tastings and other activities that other wineries also do, but they stand out because of curating several art and wine-related experiences too.
📍Several addresses, check the activity you’d like to experience and its location:
https://bacalhoa.pt/en/wine-tourism
Casa Santos Lima
🍷If you fancy a vineyard tour on a buggy or horse carriage, you have found the right place!
📍Quinta da Boavista, 2580-081 Aldeia Galega da Merceana
https://casasantoslima.com/en/wine-tourism
Ramilo Wines
🍷Take a tour to learn more about traditional winemaking methods at this organically farmed vineyards.
📍Rua do Penedo Grande, 2640-301 Mafra
www.ramilowines.com/wine-tours.html
Fernão Pó Adega and Delmira Vineyard House
🍷This winery in the Peninsula de Setúbal region offers several enotourism experiences and beautiful accommodation at the Delmira Vineyard House.
📍CCI 2402 Fernando Pó, 2965-545 Águas de Moura
https://delmira.pt/en/wine-tourism
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
🍷This is one of the most famous brands in the Peninsula de Setúbal wine region, offering visits to their property and wine tastings.
📍Rua Manuel João de Freitas, Fernando Pó, 2965-595 Águas de Moura
www.ermelindafreitas.pt/en/wine-tourism
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Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
Vinho Verde: a guide to Portugal’s most misunderstood wine
Quick introduction to Portuguese wine (and Portugal’s wine regions)
Day trips from Lisbon that we locals also enjoy
The 10 best wine bars in Lisbon
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