Ranked alongside renowned wineries in France, wineries in Italy, and wineries in Spain, Portugal is an indispensable contender in the world of wine production. Boasting over 200 native grape varieties, Portugal offers an abundance of wineries to explore in every city you visit. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Portuguese wines or simply curious about the country’s prominent wine regions, read on to learn more! Check out the best wineries in Portugal and explore the main Portugal wine regions you should visit during your next trip!
Map of Portugal wine regions
Top 7 Portugal wine regions
1. Douro Valley – the most famous
Experience the breathtaking beauty of rolling hills and meandering rivers in the Douro Valley, the oldest wine region in the world! This distinctive territory is renowned for its unique and iconic wine production, yielding gems like the remarkable Port Wine. It’s no surprise that the Douro Valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the unparalleled natural scenery sets it apart in Europe. Amidst the charming blend of small mountains, vineyards, and rivers, indulge in an afternoon exploring the Douro Valley and visiting wineries to savor Porto wine behind the scenes.
Book the best Douro Valley wine tour right now or learn more about the region by reading our guide to the best things to do in Porto!
2. Vinho Verde – Young light wines
Situated just below the Spanish border, Vinho Verde stands as the largest of Portugal’s wine regions, spanning 34,000 hectares of vineyards. Contrary to its name, which translates to “Green Wine,” this Portuguese wine region doesn’t denote the color of the wine, but rather its style: youthful and vibrant, best enjoyed within a few years of production without the need for aging. Renowned for crafting aromatic, refreshing, and light wines, Vinho Verde is the ideal choice for balmy summer evenings. Embark on the Green Wine trail, commencing from the Minho province, for an immersive experience of the region’s offerings. Secure your wine tour to the best wineries in Vinho Verde with Winalist!
3. Lisbon’s surroundings
Portugal’s capital city is not only a vibrant urban center but also serves as the gateway to an exceptional wine region! Immerse yourself in Lisbon wine tours to uncover the charms of the country’s second-largest wine-producing area. Nestled amidst the colorful streets of this Portuguese gem, Lisbon offers a plethora of activities, making it a perfect blend of city exploration, beach outings, sightseeing, and unforgettable wine experiences. Lisbon’s wine region is renowned for crafting “vinho da mesa,” or table wines, which are equally distinguished in quality. Consider planning a leisurely week-long stay in Lisbon; rushing through Portugal’s heart may cause you to miss out on must-see experiences!
4. Alentejo – Widest wine region
Located in the southeast of Portugal, the Alentejo wine region sprawls as the widest among Portugal’s wine-producing areas, encompassing a third of the country’s territory. It is segmented into eight primary subregions: Reguengos, Borba, Redondo, Vidigueira, Evora, Granja-Amarelaja, Moura, and Portalegre—each cultivating three grape varieties: Roupeiro, Antão Vaz, and Arinto. Often referred to as the “New Tuscany,” Alentejo is celebrated for producing some of Portugal’s finest wines, earning acclaim as a top-notch wine-producing territory. Wineries in Alentejo specialize in crafting full-bodied red wines, imbued with tannins and infused with the aromas of wild berries, while their white counterparts offer a slight acidity complemented by tropical fruit notes. Beja serves as the main town to explore in the region, where you can sample local wines and savor traditional cuisine at Herdade de Sobroso. Discover the enchanting Alentejo wineries by booking your next experience on Winalist!
5. Madeira – Tropical wine region
Nestled deep in the Atlantic Ocean, the glamorous tropical island of Madeira stands as one of Portugal’s principal wine regions, renowned for its iconic fortified wines, ranking just behind Porto wine in prominence. Unlike any other wine region in Portugal or even southern Europe, Madeira boasts a unique winemaking process. For lower-quality Madeira wines, grapes are artificially heated for three months and stored in steel barrels. However, for top-quality Madeira, grapes are naturally warmed by the sun and left to mature untouched for decades. If you appreciate fortified red wines and dream of a tropical destination, Madeira offers the perfect combination! Plan your next winery tour and tasting in Madeira today.
6. Algarve – Where the sun shines all year long
Down in the southernmost region of Portugal lies the petite wine region of Algarve, basking in year-round sunshine—making it one of the country’s premier locales for exceptional wine production. Comprising four subregions (Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, Tavira), Algarve is adorned with vineyards where wineries predominantly craft red wines from Negra Mole, Trincadeira, and Castelão grapes. The area’s scenic beauty is simply breathtaking, making it an ideal destination for those unfazed by the sun’s heat. Be sure to explore the “Venice of the South,” Tavira—a charming city not to be missed! While touring the region to meet local winegrowers and sample their wines is enjoyable, it’s even more rewarding to secure your experience in advance. Book your next winery tour and tasting in Algarve with Winalist!
7. Dão – Portugal’s underrated wine region
In the central-northern part of Portugal lies the charming wine region of Dão. Often overlooked, this underrated gem produces some of Portugal’s most hidden wine treasures. With increasing attention from connoisseurs, the Dão region is gaining recognition for its production of high-quality wines. Benefiting from an exceptional terroir nestled amidst valleys and mountains, the vines thrive in a mild climate with ample sun and rain, along with fertile soil. In fact, the optimal conditions for winemaking were understood by the Romans, who recognized and exploited the land’s potential. Among the region’s highlights are quaint and picturesque villages like Santar. Explore the finest winery tours and wine tastings in Terras do Dao to uncover the delights of this remarkable region.
Useful resources
Is Porto famous for wine?
The city of Porto is internationally notorious for being a City o Wines, and is the birthplace of one of Portugal’s most famous wine in the world: Porto wine.
Where are most of the wineries in Portugal?
Most of the wineries in Portugal are located in the country’s main wine regions: Douro Valley, Alentejo, the Algarve, Beira, Dao, Minho, Tejo, Setubal, Ribatejo, Montes and Tras-os-Montes.
Where is the best wine region in Portugal?
The best wine region in Portugal and the most famous one is Douro Valley, home to the very popular Porto wine. The Valley itself is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How many wine regions are in Portugal?
Portugal counts 14 major wine regions where more than 250 indigenous grape varieties are grown.
Where is Douro wine region?
The Douro wine region is located in Portugal, north of the country – it bears the name of the Douro River. It is Portugal’s most famous wine region.
