The Best Wineries In Alentejo Portugal

Stretching south from Lisbon’s River Tagus, this wine region takes in both Portugal’s glorious coastline and its sun-baked interior. Discover the best vineyards for wine tasting in Alentejo.

You can enjoy a winery tour in Alentejo as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Portugal adventure, led by our local insider.

Alentejo is a richly fertile region, often referred to as the breadbasket of Portugal. Its relatively flat terroir and varied soils are well-suited to viticulture, producing almost half of Portugal’s wines. Known for robust reds and elegant whites, the traditional wineries of the Alentejo’s eight sub-regions still rely on centuries-old techniques to create their celebrated wine. On top of this, the vast, sparsely populated region is the largest cork producer in the world. Stop by one of these wineries, but note, all cellar visits and tours require advance booking.

1. Herdade do Mouchão

Winery

Vines in a vineyard in Alentejo region, Portugal, at sunset.

Little has changed since 1901 at this storied winery, which is often credited with putting Alentejo wines on the world stage. The 900ha (2,224-acre) estate was founded as a cork business in the late 1800s by British settler Thomas Reynolds. It began producing its now-famous wines in 1901 when his grandson, John Reynolds, imported the French Alicante Bouschet vines that create its now-revered reds. Book well in advance and you might be able to meet winemaker Iain Reynolds Richardson.

3. Dona Dorinda Organic Wines

Winery

View of vineyard plantation in the Alentejo region, located in Evora, Portugal.

This small-scale producer uses biodynamic principles to create quality wines that find their way into the top restaurants across Portugal. Enjoy wine tasting and take a tour of the vineyards and the farm, where the animals – just like the grapes – are treated with the utmost care and respect. Afterwards, stop by the nearby historic city of Évora, a Unesco-listed site.

4. Dona Maria

Winery

You don’t have to be a wine buff to enjoy a tour of the Quinta do Carmo estate: it’s home to one of the most elegant and best-preserved stately homes in the Alentejo region. The 18th-century baroque manor and its walled gardens were a gift from King João V to the object of his affections: a lady of the court named Maria. The winery is now in the capable hands of passionate winemaker Júlio Bastos, whose Dona Maria Wines label has won multiple awards.

5. Monte da Ravasqueira

Winery

Monte da Ravasqueira, Arraiolos, Portugal

Visitors flock to this handsome estate, founded by an equestrian family in 1943. They come not only for excellent Alentejo wine tastings (the sparkling whites are a particular standout) but also to admire the private horse-drawn carriage collection and stroll the 3,000ha (7,400 acres) of immaculately maintained vineyards and gardens. Cellar tours include tastings and a chance to learn about the importance of Lusitano horses in the history of the estate and the region.

6. José Piteira

Winery

A visit to this winery and restaurant is a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Award-winning winemaker José Piteira is a master of the art of vinho de talha – wines aged in enormous clay pots, or amphorae. The tradition goes back centuries, but the family-run business fully embraces modern wine tourism. Enjoy a wine masterclass or feast on the estate’s delicious olives, cheeses and cured meats, along with those famous wines

7. Quinta São José Peramanca

Winery

One of relatively few Alentejo wineries that can be easily reached without a car at just 5km (3mi) from the Unesco-listed city of Evora. This baroque estate and working stud farm bottles fine wines under the Pêra-Grave label. The granite terroir produces oaky reds and citrusy whites and, while wine tastings and cellar tours should be booked in advance, the store is open daily with no need to pre-book.

8. Reynolds Wine Growers

Winery

The Reynolds family ties wind their way, vine-like, throughout the history of Alentejo winemaking. Like Herdade do Mouchão in south-central Alentejo, this winery is famed for the Alicante Bouschet grapes introduced to Portugal by Thomas Reynolds. At this northern winery, close to the Sao Mamede mountains, the shale soil makes for some fresh, elegant white wines as well as those famous reds.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.