The Best Wineries to Visit in Lisbon

Wine is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Lisbon, but don't be fooled. The city is home to one of the oldest and most prolific wine regions in the country. Beyond the city limits there's a whole spectrum of sights and adventures to be had. With this selection in hand, it is the scenic country roads around Lisbon for an unforgettable wine road trip.

The Portuguese capital has been on a fairly steady rise as travelers from all around the world set foot upon this historical yet cosmopolitan city. Lisbon's growing popularity was highlighted by T + L's selection of the city as one of the top 15 cities to visit in Europe this year, along with the title of leading city break destination at the World Travel Awards. 

If you're looking to explore the wine country and venture out of the city, there is plenty to see and do just a short drive away. You'll find some of the most traditional yet cutting-edge wine-producing estates in the country. 

One of the most dynamic and varied regions, this strip of land runs from Lisbon northward along the coast on fertile clay soils and benefits from a mild climate, influenced by the proximity of the sea. It's Portugal's second-largest producer and exports 70% of its production to several markets around the world, including the U.S. - which accounts for 30% of the total - Brazil and Northern Europe. 

For some visitors, however, trying to make sense of the vast range of wineries can be overwhelming. To get you started, we've highlighted the best wineries near Lisbon that combine beautiful design, excellent customer service, and great wine.

Adega Regional de Colares

With its rolling hills and awe-inspiring palaces, the historic resort town of Sintra - 30 minutes outside Lisbon - seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. The wine industry is also thriving as a result of the region's unusual wine, born of vineyards that grow in sandy soil on the coast, trained low to avoid the incessant wind that blows off the ocean. Local Adega Regional de Colares offers the opportunity to chat directly with the winemaker about one of the world’s singular wine regions and its wines while enjoying them paired with regional products. 

AdegaMãe Winery

About 40 minutes from Lisbon, it is an easy drive along the freeway into the gorgeous wine country. AdegaMãe is a young winery, housed in a beautifully designed modern building, impressive in its simplicity and style, that fits in with the scenery and provides stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding hills. This family-run winery provides knowledgeable and enthusiastic tours about the history of the Adega and the process they use for wine-making, as well as a handful of wine-tasting experiences. Depending on what you're looking for, they offer all-white and all-red wine-tasting sessions, as well as a complete wine tasting featuring all the wines available. If you're a brunch kind of person, they have one available complete with wines and regional delicacies, from bread to cheese and salt cod fritters. 

Quinta do Gradil

About 1 hour north of Lisbon is Quinta do Gradil. Dubbed one of the oldest wineries in the area, it once belonged to the family of Marquis of Pombal, the man responsible for rebuilding Lisbon after the devastating 18th-century earthquake. The setting is fabulous, with amazing views of the vineyards. During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the location with a visit to the ruins of the palace and the chapel and sample wines from Quinta Gradil paired with cheese and regional charcuterie products. The in-house restaurant serves a good range of upmarket local cuisine paired with their own wine, served by the bottle or by the glass. There is also a shop on site to stock up on after your visit.

Quinta do Sanguinhal

Located just outside the small town of Bombarral, Quinta do Sanguinhal has been in the same family for 4 generations. This traditional wine estate has a rustic, almost idyllic charm to it. Part of the tour takes place outside in the beautiful gardens leading to the vines. You'll be shown through the barrel room where fortified wines are still made, and the antique distillery before a tasting session in the old pressing room. The tasting features seven wines as well as a selection of regional products - including some heavenly custard tarts -, and you may also combine it with lunch buffet style, perfect if you're visiting in a large group.

Buddha Eden

The brainchild of the millionaire art collector José Berardo, the Buddha Eden was created as a response to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan in Afghanistan in 2001. This large sculpture park lies on the grounds of a winery and is the largest Asian-style garden in Europe. Stroll the garden’s 35 hectares of land, filled with monumental Buddhist statues, terracotta sculptures, and pagodas, among many other works of art. It's a great place to relax, and there's a wine shop where you can sample some wine.

Quinta da Bacalhôa 

Quinta da Bacalhôa is an innovative winery, palace, and museum, with an astounding collection of contemporary sculptures and African art. Located in the Setúbal Peninsula - a wine region to the south of Lisbon - is so close by that it's worth mentioning. Over the years, Bacalhôa has developed a wide range of wines, standing on a former royal estate dating back to the 15th century, complete with a formal miniature maze, a large pond, and vines all within its walls. Aside from the daily group tours, they offer specific wine tastings paired with regional products, as well as the unique opportunity to have an entirely private dinner at the palace, available for a minimum of 6 people.

José Maria da Fonseca Winery

Also located in the charming village of Azeitão, seek out the original headquarters of the José Maria da Fonseca Company. This family-owned company, run by the 6th generation, is the oldest producer of Muscat, the sweet dessert wine, as well as the famous Periquita table wine. The tasting includes the visit to the manor house-museum and aging cellars, and at the end, you are brought to the wine shop, where select products can be tasted and bought. If you're traveling in a group of 4 or more you can add a heavenly Torta de Azeitão to your wine tasting, our even a complete tapas menu featuring soup, cheese and charcuterie platter, bread, and a couple of sweet treats.

Companhia das Lezírias

Again, though not located in Lisbon Wine Region, Companhia das Lezírias is one hour east of the city and a great option for those looking for a country that escapes right on the doorstep of the Portuguese capital. With a total area of 44,500 acres, it's the largest agriculture, animal, and forest farmstead in Portugal. The area stretches across Ribatejo's Lezíria landscape, known for its rich agricultural plains that spread out from the Tagus River banks. On the tour, you'll learn about the vineyards and the olive grove along a walk through the property's main locations. This guided visit also includes a tour of the wine cellar where you'll learn about the wine-making process and sample some wines and olive oil paired with traditional bread and cheese. You can also add lunch to the tour and enjoy succulent meats grown right there in the facility of which the restaurant is a part.

Quinta da Lagoalva

Quinta de Lagoalva lies 60 miles north of Lisbon, in the Tejo Region, and stretches along the rich agricultural plains that spread out from the river’s south bank. A superb option for weary A1 cruisers is only 30 minutes off the highway that connects Lisbon with Porto. Just 111 acres of the total area are dedicated to vineyards, with the estate being known also for its olive grove, maize, and wheat plantations, stud farm, and forest of cork oak and pine trees. The tour starts with a carriage ride through the property which will allow you to fully explore the estate, including the riding arena and stables. This guided visit also includes a tour of the wine cellar where you'll learn about the wine-making process and sample some wines and local produce. If you're visiting in a group of 10 or more you can also add lunch to the tour. 

How to visit

Although you can reach some of these places by public transport, for the most part, you’ll need a car. For that reason, a guided tour is the best practical option when visiting Lisbon wineries. A private driver will leave you free to fully appreciate the wines and views while helping you get more out of your cultural experiences.

Our full-day tour through Lisbon's wine-producing estates will take you through a number of wineries, offering you the chance to sample some of the best wines produced in the region, paired with locally-grown traditional products. You will also have the opportunity to have lunch at one of the wineries - with a breathtaking view over the vineyards - as well as visit the largest Oriental Garden in Europe and the picturesque village of Óbidos.

Our wine tour in the Setubal Peninsula is also a great option for those based in Lisbon. The Setubal Peninsula lies on the opposite bank of the River Tejo, a short 45-minute drive away from the capital. It's also a very popular destination due to the natural landscapes, particularly its long and beautiful coastline and lofty mountains. This half-day tour will take you to two wine-producing estates where you will have the opportunity to taste some worldly awarded Muscat Wines. 

Both tours are ready-to-buy tours, which can be purchased directly through our website. But, if you're looking to add some other experiences to the tour or even do something entirely different, we can prepare a custom-made itinerary for you with transportation, fitted to your needs and expectations. Tell us your plan and we'll do the rest!