Though it’s not widely known, Portugal is officially the 9th biggest wine making country in the world. As you’re traveling the land, you’ll be exposed to some of the top wines in the world, and you’d do well to take every tasting opportunity that comes your way.
Here are the best Portuguese wine names to look out for while visiting Portugal wineries.
Herdade do Rocim
The Herdade do Rocim winery is situated in Cuba, southern Portugal. It’s situated inland, where many of the wines are ages in amphorae and made very naturally with wild yeasts of the area.
Their reds supersede their whites, and they’re known for character and light tannins. If you have the opportunity to visit the winery en route to the south coast of the country — do!
Valle Pradinhos
Valle Pradinhos is a family owned winery in Portugal that was established back in 1913. They have since expanded their portfolio from reds and whites through to a premiere brandy range.
The wines are erotic yet delicate, and wonderfully affordable no matter where you find yourself in Portugal. Their cabernet sauvignon grape is award winning, internationally. As are their riesling and gewürztraminer.
Quinta da Lapa
Old Portuguese wines don’t go much further back than Quinta da Lapa. This is a 1700s winery set in Manique do Intendente, just outside of Lisbon.
Their bold, beautiful wines are always ready to drink and available at their estate. On the same property, there is a quaint 4 star hotel that is open year round. Wine tasting and winery tours are offered to all guests.
Cova do Frade
Dão is a thriving wine region in Portugal, situated alongside the picturesque Dão river. Here, Cova do Frade is a successful winery that specializes in their range of reds.
They make affordable wines that are easily palatable. No matter where in Portugal you find yourself you’ll almost always be able to find a bottle or a glass of Cova do Frade on every menu.
Quinta Vale D. Maria
The Quinta Vale D. Maria is a winery in the north of Portugal, just east of Porto. Another wonderful day trip if you’re looking for a wine tasting adventure not too far from home base.
The winery itself is pristine and boasts glorious views in every direction. What makes their wines unique is that they are partially fermented in open stone lagars. If you tend to gravitate toward bold wines with licorice and black fruit notes, then look out for this brand when ordering.
Discover some of the best wine tastings Porto and our dedicated travel guide to the best things to do in Porto.
Quinta Vale d’Aldeia
Another wine from the renowned Douro winemaking region in Portugal. I’m more partial to their reds, though admittedly I’m more partial to most reds.
This is a family run winery that started as a small project; an all-hands-on-deck project.
A lot of their wines are considered to be long term investments, ranging 9 years and upward. Discover other wine tours in Douro Valley and get to taste other top-rated wines.
Herdade do Mouchão
If you head directly east from Lisbon, you’ll be able to encounter some of the best Lisbon wineries and you’ll eventually come to an old winery known as Herdade do Mouchão.
The estate itself is like something out of the South of France, or rustic Mexico. It’s a glorious part of Portugal to experience; very different to most of the wineries you’ll find in this part of the country.
Take your time and read our guide on the best things to do in Lisbon.
Vinhas do Sabor Tinto
This is another Douro originating wine. It’s considered to be full of flavor, albeit well priced and very accessible across country.
The winery is an old establishment, known for low yielding harvests but of the utmost quality. It’s a surprising brand, and one worth knowing about if you’ll be moving throughout different parts of Portugal.
Manuel Carvalho Martins
What makes the Manuel Carvalho Martins wines so unique, is that they are produced at an altitude of 1,500 feet above sea level. This builds a very identifiable flavor profile for their entire range.