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Portuguese wines, Douro valley, Vinho Verde, Alentejo, Port: this wine guide is curated by our local Lisbon-based agency for travellers who love tastings and meeting producers in person.
Portugal is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and yet one of Europe’s most underrated wine destinations. Here is an overview of the main appellations to discover during your trip.
The Douro and Port wine
The cradle of the famous Port wine, the Douro Valley is also the world’s oldest demarcated wine region (1756). Its century-old terraces tumble down to the river and produce powerful reds (Touriga Nacional) and of course Port in all its forms: Tawny, Ruby, LBV, Vintage. A Quinta tasting is a must on any Porto trip.
The Alentejo
Modern Portugal’s most dynamic wine region, the Alentejo produces round, fleshy, fruity wines that pair perfectly with terroir cuisine. Many estates offer visit + lunch under the olive trees. It is also the region of clay amphorae (talhas), a millennia-old technique enjoying a major revival.
Vinho Verde
In the north-west, the Minho region produces Vinho Verde — light, fresh, slightly fizzy, perfect for summer aperitifs. Local grapes: Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura. Best enjoyed chilled with seafood.
Madeira and its eternal wine
Madeira wine is one of the few wines in the world that can age for over a century. Made through a unique oxidation and heating process (estufagem), it ranges from dry to very sweet: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia. A tasting in Funchal is one of Portugal’s most memorable wine experiences.
Setúbal and Moscatel
South of Lisbon, the Setúbal peninsula produces the famous Moscatel, a naturally sweet wine perfect as an aperitif or with chocolate desserts. Combine with a visit to the deserted beaches of Costa da Caparica.
Pico (Azores)
On the volcanic island of Pico, vines grow inside enclosures of black lava stone (the currais), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A mineral, saline white wine, unique in the world.
To integrate a wine route into your trip, discover our wine and food tours or get in touch.
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- Tailor-made trip to the Alentejo
- Tailor-made trip to the Azores
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English-speaking Lisbon partner: to complete your planning, check Visit My Lisbon, a trusted Lisbon travel blog.
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