The spectacular stretch of countryside just north of Lisbon, is famed for its many wineries and country estates. To get you started, we've rounded up the best in our wine tour in Lisbon, which combine great views with even better wine.
For those looking for a more laid-back vacation setting, there is plenty to see and do beyond the city limits of Lisbon, just a short drive away.
Around the city, you'll find some of the most traditional yet cutting-edge wine producing estates in the country. 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.
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 the 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.
Starting with a pick up in Central Lisbon - all the way to the end of the tour - you'll drive along the freeway into gorgeous wine country. As soon as you arrive, you'll get up close and personal with Lisbon's long-standing wine producing industry. Adega Mãe 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 will offer you a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour about the history of the Adega and the process they use for wine-making, as well as a wine tasting experience.
About 30 minutes north 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 and sample wines from Quinta do Gradil. You'll have the opportunity to have lunch at the in-house restaurant, with a breath-taking view over the vineyards.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Buddha Eden. The brainchild of the millionaire art collector José Berardo, it 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.
The last stop of the day will be at the picturesque village of Óbidos, a small, attractive medieval town known for its many architectural features, cobbled lanes, and tiny white cottages. Best yet, we'll make sure you don't leave town without sampling one of the most famous Portuguese liqueurs called ginjinha, a cherry brandy for which Óbidos is know. At the end of the day, you'll be driven back to Lisbon.
This is a ready-to-book private tour, designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack. If you're looking for something different, we’d be happy to tailor-make you a trip from scratch. Tell us your plan and we'll do the rest!