Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Daniele Lima
A Perfect Portugal Travel Itinerary For Wine Lovers
Portugal is a beautiful country, rich in history, culture and gastronomy. It has places to behold, such as paradisiacal beaches and beautiful mountains. For all this set of attractions, it has become one of the most visited and popular destinations in Europe.
Among all these charms, we cannot fail to mention the famous Portuguese wines, so known and appreciated worldwide, due to their high standard of quality.
Visiting its Quintas and Cellars is an unforgettable experience for lovers of good wine and also an excellent opportunity to learn about local traditions and cultures.
In this article, you will discover seven of the best Quintas and Wineries to visit on a trip to Portugal:
Table of Contents
1 – Quinta do Crasto – Douro
A winery located in the Douro region, with over 400 years of history, was founded in 1615.
Known for the production of high-quality wine, especially the famous port wine.
The Quinta is inserted in a steep landscape, with vineyards that occupy more than 135 hectares of land.
Vinification at Quinta do Crasto follows traditional methods with a strong commitment to quality and the preservation of tradition. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand and the wine is produced in granite vats.
A place that offers, in addition to quality wines, also stunning panoramic views of the Douro region.
2 – Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
It is one of the oldest wineries, located in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, founded in 1764. The company has one of the best Port wines in the region.
The visit to the Quinta includes a guided tour of the cellars and vineyards, with wine tasting. In addition, the farm offers a unique lodging experience, in one of its renovated farms.
It is one of the few wineries that has a restaurant, with an excellent dining experience. It has a boutique hotel, which offers beautiful views of the Douro River and the surrounding hills. In addition to all this, it also has an event center for weddings and other events.
3 – Quinta de La Rosa
Located on the banks of the Douro River, this Quinta is considered one of the most beautiful in the region, founded in 1906. The property has more than 55 hectares with vines planted in schist soils, ideal for the production of high-quality grapes.
With a production of well-qualified wines, including Vintage Port, Late Bottled Vintage, and Tawny.
It also offers accommodation on its property, with very elegant facilities. This beautiful place offers lush landscapes, in the heart of the most famous winery in Portugal.
4 – Quinta do Vale Meão
Founded in 1877, this Quinta is well known for the production of red wines, including Quinta do Vale Meão e Meandro.
The main grape used in the production of wines is Touriga Nacional. The wines are full-bodied and very noble.
Quinta do Vale Meão is a family-owned winery, managed by the sixth generation of the family. A popular tourist destination that offers a very pleasant experience to its visitors.
5 – House of Santa Vitória
Located in the Alentejo region, this Quinta is the most recent, founded in 1999. In addition to producing great wines, internationally recognized, it also produces excellent olive oil, honey, and other agricultural products.
It has about 100 hectares of vineyards, where red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines are produced.
Quinta de Santa Vitória offers visitors a tour, with the right to tastings and even the possibility of participating in the grape harvest during the harvest season.
6- Herdade do Esporão
Adega Herdade do Esporão, also located in the Alentejo region, was founded in 1985. It has more than 700 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and a nature reserve.
This winery has more advanced and sustainable production techniques. The harvest is manual and manual fermentation is used.
Herdade do Esporão has a restaurant that offers traditional Portuguese dishes, many of which are made with ingredients grown on the property.
One of the different activities you can do in this Adega is cycling or horseback riding through the vineyards and olive groves.
7 – Quinta do Cravel
It is a small family farm, founded in 1874, responsible for the manufacture of Cravel Reserva and Cravel Red wines, which are the most famous of its production.
Quinta do Cravel is one of the Sogevinus properties, one of the biggest wine companies in Portugal.
It is a very popular tourist spot, with modern facilities, in addition to offering a peaceful and relaxing environment for its visitors, who can enjoy the privileged view of the Alentejo mountains.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a trip to Portugal is a range of entertainment options, but for wine lovers, it is a perfect place, handpicked to live an experience worthy of a sommelier.
In addition to tasting some of the best wines that the Portuguese land has to offer, you also have the opportunity to learn about the local history and culture, which is extremely rich and enchanting.
The cinematographic landscapes and the highest quality gastronomy are also part of this special itinerary.
The Portuguese Quintas and Wineries are memorable places for those who visit them. A source of pride for the Portuguese, who, by the way, know how to welcome their visitors very well.
For those who plan to go to Portugal, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to live this complete and pleasant experience with the taste of wine.
Best Quintas and Wineries – FAQ:
How Do Wineries Work?
Wineries operate by cultivating vineyards, harvesting grapes, and fermenting them to produce wine. After harvesting, grapes are sorted, crushed, and pressed to extract juice. Fermentation, aging, and bottling processes follow, ensuring the creation of quality wines for consumption and distribution.
How Do Wineries Pick Grapes?
Wineries carefully select grape varieties suited to their terroir and climate. Grapes are hand-picked or harvested by machines, depending on vineyard size and terrain. Timing is crucial, with harvest occurring when grapes reach optimal ripeness, determined by sugar levels, acidity, and flavor profiles.
Are Wineries Profitable?
Wineries can be profitable, but success depends on factors like vineyard location, grape quality, production efficiency, and market demand. Well-managed wineries with quality products, effective marketing, and strong distribution networks stand a better chance of profitability.
Are Wineries Dog Friendly?
Some wineries welcome dogs, allowing visitors to enjoy wine tastings and tours with their furry companions. However, policies vary by winery, so it’s best to check in advance. Dog-friendly wineries often provide outdoor spaces and amenities to accommodate both human and canine guests.
