Exploring Summer Wines and Winery Tours in Portugal

Alentejo

The Alentejo region is famous for its robust red wines and scenic rolling plains. This region is perfect for those who appreciate full-bodied wines and a relaxed atmosphere. Visit the historic town of Évora and enjoy the regional cuisine paired with excellent wines.

Must-Try Experiences:

• Herdade do Esporão: Guided tours include vineyard walks, cellar visits, and tastings of award-winning wines. Their restaurant pairs regional dishes with their wines.
• Évora Wine Tours: Explore the historic town and its nearby wineries, combining cultural heritage with wine tasting.
• Alentejo Wine and Cork Tour: Visit the Cork Forests and a local winery like Herdade do Freixo to learn about sustainable cork harvesting followed by a wine tasting. This tour highlights the connection between cork production and wine, encapsulating a truly unique regional trait.

Vinho Verde

Located in the northwest of Portugal, the Vinho Verde region produces some of the country's most refreshing wines. Vinho Verde, meaning "green wine," is known for its light and crisp flavors, making it perfect for summer. Explore the lush vineyards and enjoy tastings of these young, vibrant wines.

Must-Try Experiences:

• Quinta da Aveleda: Famous for its beautiful gardens and historic estate. Tours include garden strolls, cellar visits, and Vinho Verde tastings.
• Wine and Cheese Pairings: Aveleda is renowned for pairing its Vinho Verde wines with local cheeses.
• Vinho Verde Wine Fest: An annual event where you can participate in exclusive workshops, meet top sommeliers, and sample the region’s best wines alongside gourmet local cuisine.

Dão

The Dão region, located in central Portugal, is renowned for its elegant red wines and complex whites. The region's granite soils and unique microclimate produce wines with distinctive character. Discover the charming villages and historic wineries that make Dão a must-visit for wine lovers.

Must-Try Experiences:

• Dão Wine Estates: Visit estates like Quinta dos Roques, known for producing high-quality, distinct wines.
• Cultural Tours: Combine wine tasting with visits to historical sites and charming villages.
• Historic Pousadas Wine Route: Offers stays in historic properties combined with visits to several Dão wineries. This route not only provides insights into local winemaking traditions but also integrates the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Setúbal Peninsula

Often overlooked, this region near Lisbon is known for its Muscatel wines. The Setúbal Peninsula offers unique wine-tasting experiences combined with stunning natural beauty.

Must-Try Experiences:

• Setúbal Wine and Dolphin Watching Tour: Combines wine tasting sessions with a boat tour spotting local wildlife, making for an unforgettable experience.

Best Summer Wines to Try

Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde wines are light, fresh, and slightly effervescent, making them ideal for summer. These wines often feature citrus and green apple notes, perfect for sipping on a warm day. Pair them with seafood or salads for a delightful summer meal.

Rosé Wines

Portugal's rosé wines are gaining international acclaim for their quality and versatility. With flavors ranging from strawberry to melon, these wines are perfect for summer picnics and barbecues. Look for rosés from regions like Alentejo and Douro for a truly refreshing

experience.

White Wines

Portugal offers a variety of exceptional white wines, from the aromatic Arinto to the mineral-driven Encruzado. These wines are perfect for summer, offering crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. Enjoy them with light dishes like grilled fish or fresh salads.

Sparkling Wines from Bairrada

Discover the crisp and refreshing sparkling wines from Bairrada, which are perfect for summer celebrations. Visit Quinta das Bágeiras to witness traditional methods of sparkling wine production and taste their exceptional offerings.

Light Reds from Dão

Explore lighter red wines ideal for summer, such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz from Dão. Quinta de Lemos offers a comprehensive tour that includes tasting sessions focused on these varietals, showcasing their versatility and summer appeal.

Top Winery Tours

Quinta do Crasto

Located in the heart of the Douro Valley, Quinta do Crasto offers breathtaking views and world-class wines. The winery tour includes a visit to the vineyards, a tour of the cellar, and a tasting of their finest wines. Don't miss the opportunity to try their renowned Ports and Douro DOC wines.

Herdade do Esporão

Herdade do Esporão, situated in Alentejo, is one of Portugal's most iconic wineries. The estate offers guided tours that include a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the wine cellars, and a tasting of their award-winning wines. The on-site restaurant serves delicious regional dishes paired with Esporão wines.

Quinta da Aveleda

Quinta da Aveleda, located in the Vinho Verde region, is famous for its beautiful gardens and historic estate. The tour includes a stroll through the lush gardens, a visit to the ancient cellars, and a tasting of their delightful Vinho Verde wines. Aveleda is also known for its cheese and wine pairings.

Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House

Experience luxury with a stay at Quinta Nova, which offers not only fine wines but also a heritage house with stunning views of the Douro River. Their tour includes a historical journey through the estate, a boat trip on the river, and a gourmet meal paired with estate wines.

Esporão’s Nocturnal Harvest Tour in Alentejo

Be part of the harvest at Herdade do Esporão with their exclusive nocturnal harvest tours. These tours allow you to participate in the grape picking and processing during the cooler night hours, followed by a wine tasting dinner featuring fresh produce from their estate.

Lagoalva de Cima in Tejo

Dive into Tejo’s up-and-coming wine scene with a visit to Lagoalva de Cima, where you can enjoy horseback riding through the vineyards, followed by a wine tasting and a traditional Portuguese lunch.