Lisbon Wine Tasting Private Tour

If you’re eyeing a day dedicated to exploring Portuguese wines near Lisbon, this Lisbon Wine Tasting Private Tour might just catch your interest. Designed for small groups—up to six people—it offers a personalized peek into Portugal’s vibrant wine scene, paired with some scenic countryside and cultural sights. While it’s not a cheap outing at $625 per group, many find the experience well worth it for the intimate setting, expert guidance, and high-quality wine tastings.

What we especially appreciate about this tour are the thoughtful itinerary and the quality of the visits. Visiting two different wineries—Adega Mãe and Manzwine—allows you to compare diverse styles and get a real sense of regional winemaking. Plus, the delicious Portuguese lunch and the charming village walk add a well-rounded feel to the day. The only potential consideration? The price point is on the high side for some, especially since lunch isn’t included in the fee, but if you’re into wine and culture, this is a solid investment.

This tour suits travelers who want to go beyond just tasting wine; those interested in learning about the process, seeing scenic vineyards, and exploring local villages will likely appreciate it. It’s particularly attractive for those who love personalized experiences, as the private group setting keeps things intimate and flexible. Families with grown children or groups celebrating a special occasion might also find it a fitting way to spend a day outside Lisbon.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size ensures a tailored, relaxed atmosphere.
• Multiple Wineries: Visiting two wineries offers variety and deeper insight into Portuguese wine.
• Scenic and Cultural Stops: Passing by Mafra Palace and a quaint village enriches the experience.
• Authentic Tasting: Sample more than 10 wines, including unique varieties like Jampal.
• Delicious Food: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch, pairing well with your wine tastings.
• Flexible Group & Payment: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Breakdown of the Tour Experience

The Pickup and First Drive

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Lisbon, which is super convenient. From there, you hop into a comfortable van for a roughly 45-minute ride west to the first stop—Adega Mãe. This scenic drive sets the tone, giving you a glimpse of Portugal’s lush countryside and rolling vineyard hills. The early part of the day is perfect for settling in, chatting with your guide, and getting ready for the tastings ahead.

Visiting Adega Mãe Winery

Once you arrive at Adega Mãe, you’ll step into a stunning setting, surrounded by vineyards. The guide will walk you through the different grape varieties grown along the hills, sharing insights about what makes each unique. This aspect is especially interesting if you’re into wine specifics—like terroir, climate, or varietal characteristics.

The highlight here is the “Temple” room, where the magic of aging occurs in oak barrels. Watching the barrels and hearing about the process helps you appreciate what goes into making quality wine. Afterward, it’s time to taste five wines: two reds, two whites, and a rosé. Many reviewers, including Stephanie and Carly, mention how much they learned and enjoyed the wines, praising the guide’s knowledge and friendliness.

Lunch Break

Following the first winery, the tour pauses for a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby restaurant. The focus is on grilled seafood—an authentic taste of Portugal’s coastal flavors. The meal isn’t included in the tour price, but most find it reasonably priced between €10-20 per person. It’s a perfect chance to relax, discuss what you’ve learned, and enjoy some delicious local dishes—arguably one of the best food experiences you’ll have on your trip.

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Exploring Cheleiros and the Second Winery

After lunch, it’s a short 30-minute ride to Cheleiros, a picturesque village where the second winery, Manzwine, is located. Here, you’ll learn about the local community’s role in the wine project, adding a layer of cultural richness to the day. The visit continues with a look around the wine production process, focusing on the barrels room, where aging gives wines their depth.

At Manzwine, you’ll sample five more wines, including three reds and two whites. Notably, a standout is the single-variety Jampal, a grape unique to Portugal and the world. The tasting is complemented with home-made bread and olive oil, adding to the authentic experience. Reviewers praise this part for being intimate and educational, with comments about how much they learned about Portugal’s wine diversity.

Scenic Walk and Cultural Notes

Before heading back, there’s a short walk around the village, giving you a taste of local life. A visit to the medieval Roman bridge of Cheleiros caps off the cultural aspect, providing a lovely photo opportunity and a reminder of Portugal’s ancient history.

The Return Journey and Mafra Palace

On the way back to Lisbon, your guide makes a brief stop at Palácio Nacional de Mafra, Portugal’s largest and most impressive baroque palace. While not part of the official tour, this sight is a bonus for architecture lovers and history buffs, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s regal past.

Practical Details

This 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visits and tastings at both wineries, wine pairings with crackers, bread, and olive oil, and water. Lunch isn’t included, so budget accordingly. The tour is operated in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and the private group setting makes for a relaxed, personalized experience. You can reserve without immediate payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

What stands out from reviews is how much visitors value the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Stephanie mentions, “the tours were very interesting and I learned a lot about Portuguese wines,” while Carly emphasizes, “João was incredibly friendly and taught us a lot about the country and culture.” Both reviews also highlight the quality of wines and the delicious food, making the day feel well-rounded and immersive.

Some travelers point out that the experience is perfect for those wanting an in-depth look at Portuguese wine in a small-group setting—no crowds, just personal attention and expert guidance. The scenery, combined with the cultural stops, adds to this appealing mix for curious travelers.

The Value of This Tour

At $625 for up to six people, this experience isn’t cheap, but it’s quite competitive considering the private guide, two winery visits, tastings, and cultural stops. If you love wine, enjoy learning about local traditions, or want a relaxing day outside Lisbon, most find it worth the cost. The small group size means you get tailored attention, and the mix of tasting, sightseeing, and authentic food makes for a full, engaging day.

However, remember that lunch isn’t included in the price—so you’ll want to budget extra for that, around €10-20 per person. Also, if wine isn’t your main interest or you prefer a larger, more casual tasting experience, this might not be the best fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private wine tour is ideal for small groups looking for a personalized experience, especially wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Portuguese varieties and production. It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a mix of scenic views, cultural sights, and authentic local food. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates wine or history, they’ll likely enjoy the stops at Mafra Palace and the village walk.

If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and intimate day outside Lisbon, this tour delivers. But if you prefer something more casual or budget-friendly, there are other options to explore.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation’s entrance, making logistics easy.

How long does the tour last?
It’s an 8-hour experience, with the starting time depending on availability. Most of the day is spent traveling, visiting wineries, and enjoying meals.

Are the wine tastings guided?
Absolutely. You’ll have full guidance at both wineries, learning about the wine-making process and tasting five wines at each spot.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, giving you flexibility in case your plans change.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but you’ll have the opportunity to dine at a typical Portuguese restaurant nearby.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour guide speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish, so communication should be smooth regardless of your language preference.

In the end, this Lisbon Wine Tasting Private Tour offers a thoroughly enjoyable way to explore Portugal’s wine landscape without the crowds. It’s best suited for those who value personalized attention, cultural insights, and quality wine experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Portuguese varieties, you’ll likely walk away with new tastes, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s winemaking traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: