Regional Wine
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Lisbons Wines

Lisbon sits between three distinctive wine growing regions, which in turn are divided into sub-regions that reflect the unique terroir, culture and local characteristics. At first, such a baffling number of vinicultural variations may seem a little daunting. If you consider the wide range of indigenous grape varieties with strange Portuguese names, things can get even more complicated. Luckily www.madaboutlisbon.com are here to help you unravel the mystery and provide you with an insight into the wines that originate close to Lisbon.

Introduction

Wine Regions near Lisbon
Oz Clarke once commented, "In a world of increased standardisation, Portugal shines like a beacon of individuality and independence". Portuguese wine like most others in Europe is intrinsically linked to the terrain of where it's produced, what the French refer to as "Terroir". The wine's characteristic qualities are the sum of the effects that the local environment such as the soil, climate, regional winemaking traditions and, often unique to certain wine regions, the grape variety. Indeed Portuguese wines are as diverse as the numerous different landscapes found in Portugal.

Portuguese wine regions are grouped into levels of classification, not necessarily an indicator of quality. Vinho Regional wines which do not adhere to the tight stringent rules to qualify as a DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) allow for experimentation and can result in taking Portuguese wine in new directions whereas the DOC system preserves traditions and the unique qualities of each region represented.

Lisboa Wine Region

North of Portugal's capital city, a long thin wine region hugs the Atlantic coast. Until 2009 Lisboa wine region was known as Estremadura and is the second-largest in Portugal, elaborating approximately 311,000 hectolitres in 2006. The topography varies from undulating green hills to steep and desolate mountain ranges. Always with a strong influence from ocean breezes.

The Wine

The Vinho Regional Lisboa incorporates nine DOC appellations making it the most confusing of all Portugal's wine regions. Close to Lisbon are the Bucelas, Colares, and Carcavelos designations, famous for their tradition and prestige. In the middle of the Lisboa wine region are Torres Vedras, Alenquer, Óbidos, Arruda, and Lourinhã. In these central areas, great brandies are produced. In the north of the region, the wines carry the Encostas d’Aire label with either the Alcobaça or Ourém sub-region designation.
Lisboa Wine Lable
Alenquer DOC

Alenquer DOC

This wine region is centred around the medieval town of Alenquer, located 45km (28mi) north of Lisbon. Alenquer produces some of the most esteemed red and white wines in the Lisboa region. The hilly nature of the terrain is protected from Atlantic winds and allow these concentrated wines to improve with age. A tannin-rich red wine made with Castelão, Alfrocheiro, Aragonês (Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional grapes. Increasingly international grape varieties are being planted. Top Alenquer brands include:

Quinta do Carneiro
Visits by appointment: comercial@qcarneiro.com |  Website

Quinta do Lagarnovo
 Website

Cas'Amaro
Visits: Tuesday – Saturday: 10h00 – 20h00, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
 Website

Arruda DOC

This small area on the east side of the province of the Lisboa wine region covers the municipalities of Arruda dos Vinhos, Sobral de Monte Agraço and Vila Franca de Xira. The red wine is light and fresh with good ageing properties and becomes smooth and soft. The white wine is light, fruity and racy. The wines are made from the red wine varieties Camarate, Tinta Miúda, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira Preta, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and the white wine varieties Fernão Pires, Jampal, Vital and Chardonnay. Top Arruda brands include:

Adega Cooperativa de Arruda dos Vinhos
Visits by appointment: enoturismo@adegaarruda.pt |  Website

Quinta de São Sebastião
 Website
Arruda DOC
Alenquer DOC

Bucelas DOC

Bucelas has a long-established history and was favoured by some of the greatest figures from the world of classic literature such as Eça de Queirós, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. The region is located on the outskirts of Lisbon and is protected from the wilder influences of the Atlantic by the Serra de Montejunto hills, giving a drier, longer growing season. The Arinto grape is king here which thrives in the local conditions. Arinto must account for three-quarters of any blended wine, according to the local appellation laws. Bucelas is probably the area from where the wine "Charneco" originated that was consumed in England in the 14th Century. Today, the wine is greenish straw-coloured with a perfumed nose and slightly acid and dry. The light-skinned Rabo de Ovelha and Sercial grapes are also permitted in the blend. Most DOC Bucelas whites are still wines, but there is also the option of making them in a sparkling style.

It is believed that viniculture in the Bucelas region originates from the Roman period and the 2, 200 years of experience in winemaking has produced something unique which, whether contested or not, ought to be drunk well chilled. Bucelos Arinto pairs very well with a plate of grilled sardines. In the town of Bucelas, there's a museum dedicated to the wine's heritage.

Museu do Vinho e da Vinha de Bucelas (Bucelas Wine and Vine Museum)
Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 – 13h00/14h00 – 18h00, Monday: CLOSED
Rua D. Afonso Henriques, 2 e 4 (EN 16), 2670-637 Bucelas, Portugal. | 38° 54' 09.4" N | 09° 06' 20.9" W
+351 211 150 536 | museu_vinho@cm-loures.pt |  Website

TOP WINE TOURS FROM LISBON

Lisbon Northern Region Wine Tasting Private Tour

Lisbon Region Wine Tasting Private Tour

Taste your way through two historic Portuguese wineries on a full-day, private tour from Lisbon to Cheleiros and Bucelas. Discover distinctive varieties and local grapes, and get a personal introduction to the wine regions of Portugal. Sample artisanal olive oil with traditional bread with plenty of time to explore two picture-perfect rural villages and their surrounding vineyards.

Customise the itinerary to your preferences. Free hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees are included.


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Interesting Cheleiros and Bucelas Wine Tasting Tour from Lisbon

Cheleiros and Bucelas Wine Tasting Tour

Taste the wines of Portugal during a seven-hour tasting tour of Cheleiros and Bucelas. Discover small wine cellars north of Lisbon. Sample rare wines, including one, thought to be extinct. Hear the local history along the way. Hear about some of the prehistoric communities and past civilisations, such as the Romans, that used to live in the area. Then, taste some of the regional wines, such as those produced by the small producer, ManzWines. Discover the "Prince of Portuguese Wines" at the Quinta da Murta in Bucelas. Sample local bread and olive oil. Marvel at the picturesque villages and vineyards. Pickup and drop-offf from Lisbon.

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Private Lisbon Northern Region Tour with Tasting Local Wines, Bread and Oil

Private Lisbon Northern Region Tour with Tasting Local Wines, Bread and Oil

Have a lovely day exploring the heart of Lisbon’s wine production on this guided tour to the Northern region of Lisbon. Enjoy exquisite local wines and the majestic landscape of Portugal. Discover traditional wine cellars, blooming vineyards and charming rural towns of this area. See several notable attractions including Estatua do Marques de Pombal and Palacio Nacional de Mafra. Take a trip out of Lisbon and soak up the atmosphere of a rural Portuguese village. Enjoy a personalised experience with your own enthusiastic guide and vehicle.

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Carcavelos DOC

This small region lies to the east of Lisbon on the mouth of the River Tejo (Tagus) and covers part of the municipalities of both Cascais and Oeiras. It produces a fortified wine known as “Vinho Generoso”. The Carcavelos wine gained fame in the 18th Century when the Marquês de Pombal owned a large vineyard and winery. The wine is high in alcohol content, topaz-coloured with a nutty aroma and slightly dry. It was popular with the Duke of Wellington’s officers during the Peninsular War. On record is the high price fetched for Carcavelos wine at Christie’s auction in London in 1769.

Colares DOC

The Colares wine region located around Sintra is one of the worlds oldest producing areas if not one of the strangest. It is the second oldest demarcated wine region in Portugal after the Douro. However, the art of making wine though was first introduced here by the Romans when they occupied the region. The vines are planted in the sand dunes which follow the coast, trained low to avoid the Atlantic winds. This challenging terrain proved too harsh for the phylloxera louse which devastated nearly all of Europe's vines in the 19th century, but not here in Colares. The shortage of competitors led to a boom in the popularity of Colares wines. However, the processes involved in planting and training vines in such an alien environment for grapes is arduous and production has fallen sharply in the last 50 years from 2,500 acres of vineyards in the 1940s to just 50 acres today.

What is produced nevertheless is of excellent quality and quite distinctive. The acidic and tannic nature of the reds mean they're aged for years before being released on the market. Today there is a consorted effort to revitalise the industry. New vines are being planted in areas that are also in much sort after demand from tourism.
Adega COOP Colares

TOP COLARES WINE TOURS

Private Tour to Sintra with Wine Tasting in Colares

Private Tour to Sintra
with Wine Tasting in Colares

After being picked up from your Lisbon accommodation you along with a small group will head off to Sintra where you'll be given one hour to explore at your own pleasure. After you'll be taken to the world-famous Adega Regional de Colares for a tasting of two wines.


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Private Tour to Sintra & Pena Palace and Wine Tasting in Colares

Full Day Tour of Sintra, Pena Palace & Wine Tasting in Colares

After the Hotel pick-up from Lisbon, you'll enjoy a tour of Sintra town, Cascais and the coast along with monuments, places of interest with an explanation of regional history. Included in the price is the entrance to Pena Park and Palace along with wine tasting at the Adega Regional de Colares. The tour lasts for about eight hours.

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Sintra with Wine Tasting Private Tour

Sintra & Wine Tasting Private Tour

Visit Sintra in a private car in the best company, with free time to get to know the romantic Portuguese town of Sintra passing through the Castle and Palácio da Pena. The wine tasting takes place at the Adega Cooperativa De Colares, the oldest winery in the country, just 20 minutes away. You will taste regional wines and also visit the winery and bottling area for Sintra wines. After the wine tasting, we will visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe.

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Lourinhã DOC

Encostas d'Aire DOC

This area covers the municipalities of Batalha, Ourém, Leiria and Porto de Mós. The links with history are best represented by the magnificent Monastery at Batalha and Alcobaça. The red wine from this region is light with a ruby colour and the white is fresh, fruity and aromatic. Encostas d'Aire forms the most northerly zone of the Lisbon Wine Region. The vineyards grapple the slopes of Serra de Aire. The climate is temperate, with a microclimate and soil providing conditions for the production of high-quality wines. There are two sub-regions that may appear on the table; Alcobaça and Ourém.

Lourinhã DOC

This region is on the coast and is mostly barren but attractive, covering the municipalities of Bombarral, Lourinhã, Óbidos, Peniche and Torres Vedras, all part of the Costa Prata area. It has been for some time an area specialised in the production of grape brandy known as "Aguardente" that are only sold after being kept two years in oak casks. The vineyards that give rise to this high-quality wine brandy, are planted in various types of soils, such as Mediterranean brown or red, fine normal or clay sandstone, clay loam, fine interstratified sandstone, red limestone and sandstone.

Adega Cooperativa da Lourinhã
Visits by appointment: geral@doc-lourinha.pt |  Website

Óbidos DOC

The region is named after the medieval walled town that is one of the most picturesque in the whole of Portugal and is located 80km north of Lisbon. The red wine is soft, open and slightly scented, whilst the white is fresh with fruity aromatic flavours. Like its closest neighbour, Lourinhã, it is cool and windy, making it suited to the production of sparkling wines. Labels such as:

Quinta do Gradli
visits: Monday - Saturday: 11h30 - 15h30 | Website

Quinta do Sanguinhal
visits: weekdays: 10h30 - 15h00 | Website

Torres Vedras DOC

The municipalities covered by this region are Mafra, Sobral do Monte Agraço and Torres Vedras. The red wine is ruby-coloured and acquires a definite smoothness with ageing.
Quinta do Sanguinhal

Tejo Wine Region

Tejo Wine Lable
Formally known as the Ribatejo this region’s main characteristics are the diversity of soils and the large wine estates with low production costs. This fertile region, formerly known for supplying the internal market and colonies in Africa, produces quality white and red wines at extremely competitive prices. In Tejo people practice extensive agriculture: horticultural and fruit crops, rice, olive trees and vine fill the region’s wide plains. The river Tejo (Tagus) is omnipresent in the region’s landscape and tempers the climate.

The Denomination of Origin of Tejo has six sub-regions; Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche, Santarém and Tomar. The soils vary according to their proximity to the sea. Marshlands are very fertile areas located by the river. Tejo’s floods tend to completely immerse the fields.

Almeirim IPR

This area covers the municipalities of Almeirim, Alpiarça and some of Salvaterra de Magos. Like its neighbour Santarém, this has lower and upper vineyards. The lower is the fertile flood plain of the River Tejo, the upper being well-drained sandy soil. The red wine tends to be smooth with good tannin content. The white wine is well-balanced with fruity aromas but best consumed early.

Cartaxo IPR

The area covers the municipalities of Azambuja and Cartaxo. The vineyards are planted in two different types of landscapes. The first is in the fertile Tejo valley and the second in clay soils at altitudes of 200 metres. The red wines from the lower elevations are ruby coloured, firm and fruity. Whilst those from the higher ground are more full-bodied and deeper in colour. The whites from the valley are pale and fruity whilst those from higher up tend to be drier and less acidic.

Adega do Cartaxo
visits: Monday - Friday: 10h00 - 13h00/14h30 – 16h30, Saturday 09h00 – 14h00 | Website

Chamusca IPR

This area covers the municipalities of both Chamusca and Golegã over two different soils. The alluvial earth of the flood plain and the stony soil of higher land. The red wine is garnet-coloured and well-balanced, soft and smooth. The white wine is fruity, soft and well-balanced.
Cartaxo IPR
Lourinhã DOC

Coruche IPR

This area is the fertile flood plains of the River Tejo covering the municipality of Coruche and part of Salvaterra de Magos and Benavente. The red wine is garnet-coloured, light and soft. The white wine is pale, light with fruity aromas.

Santarém IPR

Wines from this whole region have been well known since the 12th Century. The two towns in this area are Rio Maior and Santarém. The red wine is deep in colour, full-bodied and well balanced. The white wine is straw-coloured and very palatable.

Tomar IPR

The town of this area is steeped in history and in the 14th Century was the home of the Order of Knights Templar. The neighbouring town of Ferreira do Zêzere shares the same links with history and also is part of this wine area. The red wine is light in colour and body, with some acidity. The white wine has a slight green tinge and a fruity crisp flavour.

Penìnsula de Setúbal Wine Region

Previously known as Terras do Sado the Península de Setúbal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the rivers Tejo and Sado. The region is located south of Lisbon. It is essentially characterised by tourism and large wine estates.

There are two types of terrain in the Península de Setúbal: vineyards near water resources on low ground and those planted on the slopes of mountains. The Arrabida mountain protects the vines from the influence of the Atlantic. The sandy soil is poor for agriculture yet ideal for producing high-quality wine. The climate here is temperate Mediterranean, therefore summers are hot and dry and winters are slightly rainy.

The Península de Setúbal comprises two Denominations of Origin; Palmela and Setúbal along with the designation vinhos regionais Península de Setúbal (Península de Setúbal regional wines). Castelão is the region’s traditional grape variety and legislation says a high percentage of this grape must be used in the production of DOC wines. The dominant white grape varieties are Fernão Pires, Arinto and, of course, Moscatel de Setúbal. This last one is used in white wines, but also in fortified wines.
Penìnsula de Setúbal Wine Region Wine Lable
José Maria Fonseca

Setúbal DOC

The city of Setúbal sits on the northern shores of the Sado estuary and is famed for a sweet fortified wine made from a local variety of Moscatel (Muscat). The vines are planted on the inland facing slopes of the Arrabida mountain range and are shielded from the Atlantic influences. The town of Azeitão is home to the area's two most famous Setúbal wineries; José Maria Fonseca and Bacalhôa. Both companies offer great tours with tastings.

José Maria Fonseca
April to October 10h00 – 12h00/14h00pm - 17h30
November to March 10h00 – 12h00/14h30pm - 16h30
enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | Website

Bacalhôa
Monday - Saturday: 10h00 – 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED
Guided Tours 10h30, 11h30, 14h30, 15h30, 16h30
Bacalhôa Palace/Quinta: €4.00, Bacalhôa Museum & Palace/Quinta (inc. wine tasting): €6.00
bacalhoa@jpvinhos.com | Website

Palmela

Whilst visiting the Plamela area it's obligatory to sample the wines. Viniculture was introduced to this region way back to about 2000BC by the Tartessians and then later traded with the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. The demarcated region covers Montijo, together with part of the municipalities of both Palmela and Setúbal. The red wine is full-bodied, deep in colour, with a full spicy flavour. The white wine is fruity with aromatic flavours. DOC Palmela reds have to contain at least 67 per cent of the Castelão grape variety, which ripens very well in this regions climate and sandy soils. Other grapes used are Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Trincadeira that lead to fresh, fruity wines with moderate alcohol and ripe tannins. They evolve with age to a complex, cedary, cigar-box character rather reminiscent of fine, mature Cabernet.

Alongside the plentiful red Palmela, white Palmela is in shorter supply, but can be appealingly dry and fragrant. Blends include scented Fernão Pires and Moscatel de Setúbal grapes. There are a number of vineyards where you're able to visit and enjoy sampling the local produce.

Adega Cooperativa de Palmela | Website
Adega de Pegões | Website
Casa Ermelinda Freitas | Website
Palmela

TOP PENÍNSULA DE SETÚBAL WINE TOURS

Setúbal Peninsula Private Wine Tour: Sesimbra, Azeitão and Arrábida

Setúbal Peninsula Private Wine Tour

Feast your senses on the fine wines and natural splendour of Portugal on a private full-day tour from Lisbon. With a knowledgeable private guide, travel through beautiful countryside to idyllic beaches and quaint fishing villages like Sesimbra, Azeitão and Palmela. Descend to Portugal’s oldest wine cellar to sample fine Portuguese wines in Azeitão and capture arresting views from a viewpoint in Arrábida. Receive undivided attention from your expert guide on this enriching tour. Hotel pick-up from Lisbon.

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Palácio da Bacalhoa with wine tasting

Palácio da Bacalhoa with wine tasting

You will have a guided tour of the whole wine estate and the palace, visit Quinta da Bacalhoa vineyards and wineries. Located in Azeitão, the Quinta and the famous Bacalhôa Palace are artistic monuments of the greatest importance to the country. Founded in 1922. At the end of your fantastic visit, you will taste three wines, Red, White, Moscatel or Rose. You will also have the option to taste cheese and other wines from this producer. This tour is private, where only your group travels. Pick up from Lisbon.

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Arrabida and Azeitao Private Tour with Wine and Cheese

Arrabida & Azeitao Private Wine & Cheese Tour

Tour the beautiful gardens, vineyards and art collection of Quinta da Bacalhoa before tasting their fine wines of the Setúbal wine region. This private day trip to the historical town of Azeitão includes a drive-through Arrábida. Marvel at the cliffside scenery along this stretch of coastline in southern Portugal. Wine and cheese tasting with private hotel transport is included in this full-day itinerary from Lisbon. Hotel pickup and drop-off.


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