Wine & Food Travel Blog

Unique Experiences in Portugal that Pair Perfectly with Wine

Written by Margarida Gonçalves | 12-Jan-2023 15:39:00

Portugal, a country considered small-scaled, however, with a surprising diversity of wine production, and wine tourism experiences. Luckily for travelers, the country is rich and filled with numerous places to discover: Cradle of Port wine, and many other unique and exclusive red varieties, it is a real magnet for wine lovers. Discover with us some cultural, adventure, well-being, and gastronomic activities that go perfectly with wine!

Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Alentejo

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

It is from the air, a few meters above the ground, that a new world emerges. At low speed, to appreciate all the details. Flying a balloon in the Alentejo brings peace to the soul. Let yourself be carried away by the peacefulness of the Alentejo sunrise in an exclusive hot air balloon ride and be dazzled by a gourmet breakfast filled with delicacies from Herdade da Malhadinha Nova's Chef at the landing site.

Herdade do Sobroso Wine & Country House

Go to Herdade do Sobroso Wine & Country House, located in Vidigueira, Beja, and fly over the Alentejo skies on a trip you won't forget. You will fly over the Alqueva, in a hot air balloon, for 2 hours. A unique and unforgettable experience in the Alentejo! Let yourself go with the wind and discover the charms of the region, with a privileged and exclusive view of the Alentejo plain and the Alqueva dam!

Horseback riding through magnificent Alentejo plains

Fall in love with the immensity of the São Lourenço do Barrocal Estate with a horseback ride, and discover some trails passing through ancient olive groves and unique barrocais. Be dazzled by a small adventure in a one-hour carriage ride in the estate, where you will have the opportunity to sight numerous animals such as birds, hares, and cows. If you are a nature lover, you can also enjoy a horse ride through the paths of the estate and the great Alqueva lake, passing by the menhir, vineyards and olive trees of the estate and climbing up to the village of Monsaraz.


Rafting/Canyoning Wine Tour

Quinta de Santa Cristina, located in Celorico de Basto and with 60 hectares between vineyards and forest, is inserted in an area of excellence for the production of genuine green wines, enjoying a unique environment between the mountain ranges of Fafe, Marão, Alvão and Cabreira, and the right bank of the river Tâmega, inviting to the peace and harmony between wine and nature. Enjoy the wonderful view and after a welcome sparkling wine, enjoy the rafting/canyoning activity, followed by a guided tour to the vineyards and winery and a picnic. 

Travel the world without leaving the kitchen with a workshop led by a Chef

Continuous work and constant evolution make up this menu with wine pairing that bring you the best that Quinta do Portal produces. The experience includes a magnificent reception of the clients with welcome drink and visit to the kitchen; Preparation of three different techniques and explanation from the chef and keeping the recipes; Preparation of special menus with some ideas from the clients; and lunch degustation with explanation from the chef and tasting of our wines for all the dishes. 

Dolphin Watching

Tour on board of the catamaran sailboat Esperança 75' for observation of the resident community of bottlenose dolphins of the Sado, with view to the Sado estuary, Troia and the Arrábida coast. 

Wine & Train Tour Experience

Benefit from two nights’ accommodation in Casas do Côro, plus a train trip on the most spectacular railway of Upper Douro, between Pocinho and Régua and back, always along the river, passing through emblematic wine producing Quintas: Vale do Meão, Vesúvio, Quinta das Vargellas of Taylors, Quintas do Ventozelo, Romaneira, Foz, Roriz, Vale Dona Maria, La Rosa, Seixo, Panascal, Napoles, Vallado, Crasto and Quinta Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The visit includes a ticket to the Educational Museum of Douro, in the city of Régua.