Because Portugal’s wine culture developed in relative isolation, many grape varieties do not grow anywhere else in the world.  To many wine experts, Portugal is the last frontier of wine in Western Europe, there is so much to be tasted and explored, and each region has a unique landscape, history, and genuine traditions.

We invite you to discover Portugal in a different way, raising a glass to Portugal´s wine routes!

Porto & Douro

Porto Wine is the most famous wine from Portugal, and it grows in the beautiful Douro Valley. The Douro Wine Region was demarcated in 1756, becoming the oldest wine region in the world.

For centuries was famous for being the source of Port Wine, but today, wine experts all over the world recognize that the Douro region also offers ideal conditions for the production of unfortified wines of the highest quality, both red and white.

Grape varieties

The main red grapes are: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Aragonez), Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Sousão, Bastardo, Mourisco Tinto, Castelão, Rufete, Tinta Amarela (Trincadeira) and Tinta Francisca. The main white grapes are: Viosinho, Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, Côdega, Donzelinho Branco, Esgana Cão and Folgazão.

The landscape

Terrace vineyards climbing up the rolling hillsides on either side of the magnificent Douro river are responsible for this region´s unique and impressive landscape.

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is the biggest wine region in Portugal, located in the beautiful Minho region. The name Vinho Verde (Green Wine), is usually misunderstood with the color, but it is a wrong assumption. The name suggests that the wine should be consumed in the first few years of its life.

In this region,  two varieties of Vinho Verde can be found: Alvarinho and Loureiro.

Alvarinho wines are produced in the region of Monção and Melgaço, in the northern part of the Vinho Verde region, where the rainfall is lower, and the summer temperatures are higher than in the rest of the region. To the south are the sub-regions Lima, Cávado, and Ave, and here the main grape variety is the delicious Loureiro,

Vinho Verde is elegant, light, fresh, young, and delightfully aromatic. It is perfect for salads, fish, seafood, and enchanted moments such as the end of a summer day or a sunny picnic.

Grape varieties

The main white grapes are:  Alvarinho, Arinto Avesso, Azal, Loureiro and Trajadura. The main red grapes are: Alvarelhão, Amaral, Borraçal, Espadeiro, Padeiro, Pedral, Rabo de Anho and Vinhão.

The landscape

The Minho region has a unique landscape of enormous beauty, marked by an intense green of the fields and vineyards.  Here nature lovers can find two beautiful areas such as Serra d’Arga Nature Reserve and Peneda Gerês National Park, the only national park in Portugal. This impressive nature allies itself with the contagious joy of the festivities and the unparalleled hospitality of its people.  It is a land of traditions, culture, and rich gastronomy.

Dão Region

The river Dão rises between the mountains in the interior of the country and forms a narrow valley where wines have been cultivated since the 12^th century. Established as a demarcated region in 1908, the Dão is the second oldest wine region in Portugal and Collectors have identified The Dão as a place to watch for quality.

The wines are lighter than in the Douro Region but have shown to age very well because of the tannin and acidity development from growing in high altitude areas with rugged soils of decomposing granite and schist. The result is elegant and flavored wines

Grape varieties

The primary red grapes are: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo), Alfrocheiro, Jaen and Tinto Cao. The primary white grapes: are Encruzado, Mavasia Fina, Cerceal, Gouveio and Bical.

The region

Surrounded by the magnificent mountains of Caramulo, Buçaco, and Serra da Estrela, the Dão region is protected from outside influences. Besides the beautiful landscape, it is a land of historic villages, Manor houses, mythical heroes, and deeply rooted traditions.

Lisbon

The wine culture in this region is one of the oldest in Portugal, it dates back to ancient times, having Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Visigoth traces. The vineyards along the coastline are influenced by the Atlantic and sheltered from the sea breeze by the mountain ranges. The climate is temperate and does not exhibit wide temperature variations, a truly Mediterranean climate. The Lisbon wine region (until recently known as Estremadura) has more Designations of Origin (DOC) than any other wine region in Portugal: a total of nine, and they are subdivided into three geographical groups: To the south near Lisbon, Carcavelos, Colares, and Bucelas. In the center, are the Alenquer, Arruda, Lourinhã, Óbidos and Torres Vedras. To the north, Encostas d’Aire.

The wines produced in this region are intensively aromatic wines that can be light or very full-bodied.

Grape varieties

The main white grapes are: Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia, Seara-Nova and Vital. The main red grapes are:  Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, Tinta Miúda, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira.

The landscape

A beautiful and sophisticated region, with fascinating and aristocratic towns like Cascais, fairytale scenarios like Sintra with its palaces and imposing landscape, and medieval villages like Óbidos.  Here we can find spectacular golden surfing beaches like Guincho and visit the Cabo da Roca, Europe´s westernmost headland. A region of so many charms that defies being discovered.

Setúbal Península

This is a region of great beauty, in the south of Portugal, bordered by the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its friendly dolphins. The vineyard in this beautiful region grows on the lower slopes of Arrábida Mountain and the sandy plains around Palmela. This region has two Designations of Origin (DOC): Setúbal, famous for producing the deep gold-colored sweet wine called Moscatel de Setúbal, and Palmela, best known for producing fresh and fruity wines with moderate alcohol.

Grape varieties

The main white grapes are: Antão Vaz, Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia Fina, Moscatel Galego Branco, Moscatel de Setúbal, Chardonney, Sauvignon, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro Branco, Verdelho and Viosinho.

The main red grapes are:  Aragonez, Bastardo, Castelão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Moscatel Roxo, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Tannat, Tinta Miúda and Tinto Cão.

The landscape

The beautiful beaches of Sesimbra and Portinho da Arrábida are perfect for a relaxing day. The city of Setúbal has the genuine charm of the people of the sea, and its beautiful bay and historic center deserve a visit.

Let yourself be conquered by one of the most impressive landscapes, by the charming white and thin sandy beaches and transparent waters, that we would think to only find in the Mediterranean. A coast full of charm to be discovered.

Alentejo

Located in the south of Portugal, Alentejo is one of the largest and most important wine regions in Portugal. This region had a large Roman influence which contributed to the plantation of vineyards in different areas. This cultural heritage is well represented in the dolmens, Roman temples, castles, and palaces. The climate is hot, dry, and sunny, allowing unique conditions for vineyard cultivation. Alentejo is a demarcated region since 1988 and it is divided into eight sub-regions: Reguengos, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Portalegre, and Moura. The wines of this region have a strong and powerful character and are among the best in Portugal.

Grape varieties

The main red grapes are: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Castelão, Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet. The main white grapes are: Arinto, Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Fernão Pires and Perrum.

The landscape

Alentejo is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal, a land of culture, traditions and where time flows at the rhythm of the earth

There is something profoundly mystical in Alentejo, which makes it one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal.  in the vastness of the plain’s large oak trees, the incredible landscape colors, and the scents that come from the earth.  And in the character of its people, quiet, but strong, honest, and deeply proud of their roots. A region that knows how to welcome and charm you!

Contact our team for a tailor-made experience in Portugal, according to your needs and preferences. Discover the best Portuguese wine routes and toast to this unique journey!