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:
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.
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.
Herdade do Mouchão
If you head directly east from Lisbon, and don’t stop for a while, 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.
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.
Award-winning Portuguese wine
- Herdade Tinto e Branco, Quinta Do Paral Colheita Selecionada 2017; Alentejano. 94/100
- Cooperativa Agrícola de Santo Isidro de Pegões, Vinhas de Pegões Touriga Nacional 2020; Peninsula De Setubal. 92/100
- Adega Cooperativa de Palmela, Premium Reserva 2017; Palmela. 92/100
- Sivipa Soc Vinicola de Palmela, Paço do Bispo 2019; Palmela. 92/100
- Mainova, Milmat Alicante Bouschet-Touriga Nacional-Baba 2018; Alentejano. 92/100
- Casa de Vila Verde Sociedade Agrícola, Palaios Superior Alicante Bouschet 2019; Alentejano. 92/100
- Monte São Sebastião, Reserva 2019; Douro. 91/100
- Quinta Do Gradil, Gradil Reserva 2018; Lisboa. 91/100
- Grande Porto Vinhos e Bebidas, Messala Alvarinho 2020; Vinho Verde. 91/100
- Sociedade dos Vinhos Borges, Quinta da Soalheira 2019; Douro. 91/100
- Falua Sociedade de Vinhos, Conde Vimioso Reserve 2018; Tejo. 91/100
- Casa de Vila Verde Sociedade Agrícola, Pluma Reserva Alvarinho 2017; Minho. 90/100
Wine Tour in Portugal
Portugal is the hottest new wine destination. In this article, we tell you why and what the best wine tours and wine tasting experiences are with valuable tips. This is our wine experiences to Douro, Alentejo, Vinho Verde and Lisbon regions.
