Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) Wine Tasting Private Tour

If you’re considering a day out in Portugal to truly get to know its wine culture, this Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) Wine Tasting Private Tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines wine tasting, scenic drives, and local food, all wrapped up in a private, personalized package. From what we’ve seen in reviews, it’s highly praised—standing out for its knowledgeable guides and beautiful countryside stops.

What we appreciate most is how it balances educational tasting sessions with relaxed exploration of rural villages. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means you won’t be part of a crowded group—more flexibility and one-on-one attention from your guide. However, a potential consideration is the price point of around $155 per person, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but the value lies in the quality, customization, and exclusive access.

This experience is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers wanting a deeper dive into Portugal’s wine regions, or anyone looking to combine scenic countryside with authentic tastings. If you love exploring small villages and savoring local specialties, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means you get the guide’s undivided attention and a flexible itinerary.
• Exclusive Tastings: Sample wines from two historic wineries, including unique varieties like Jampal and Arinto.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy a picturesque journey through rural villages and vineyards, away from busy city streets.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the region’s history and traditions directly from knowledgeable guides.
• Food & Olive Oil Tasting: Get a taste of traditional Portuguese bread and artisanal olive oil, enhancing the wine experience.
• Value for Price: All entrance fees, tastings, and transportation included, making it a hassle-free day out.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel or port pickup in Lisbon, a real plus for travelers who want to skip the hassle of organizing transport. The drive to Cheleiros takes about 45 minutes, and it’s a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that whisks you away from the city’s hustle straight into the countryside. This initial part of the journey sets the tone—expect stunning views of vineyards, farm fields, and small villages that feel worlds away from Lisbon’s busy streets.

First Stop: Filipe Palhoca Wines

Your first visit is to Filipe Palhoca Wines, a family-run vineyard with roots that stretch back to 1950. We loved the way the story of this winery emphasizes tradition and passion. The winery owns 112 hectares of vineyards across multiple properties, including areas in Poceirão, Fernando Pó, and Marateca.

Here, you’ll taste six different wines, including some crafted from the Jampal grapes, which are quite rare and give a distinctive local flavor. The reviews highlight that this stop offers a “story of love of the vine”—a reminder that Portuguese winemaking is often about family heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.

Lunch in Poceirão

Next, you’ll head to a local family-owned restaurant for a traditional Portuguese meal—most likely featuring fresh fish from the region, given Poceirão’s fishing heritage. Reviewers have mentioned the authentic experience of this lunch, which enhances the cultural connection of the day. If this specific restaurant isn’t available, the tour is flexible enough to accommodate an alternative local spot.

Second Stop: Casa Ermelinda Freitas

The second winery, Casa Ermelinda Freitas, has been part of Portugal’s winemaking scene since 1920. It’s notable that it has remained under female leadership—a rarity in the industry. The vineyard’s soil—sands similar to beach sands—contributes significantly to the grapes’ ripening, and you’ll taste three wines from the Bucelas region, renowned for their white wines made from the Arinto grape.

This stop is more than just tasting; it’s also about soaking up the peaceful village atmosphere. You can explore the quiet center of the village and enjoy the rural charm that Portugal offers.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the biggest perks is how this tour allows customization—whether you want to visit more historic sites, stroll the vineyards, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Many reviews mention guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience feel like a day with a knowledgeable friend rather than a rigid tour.

Ending the Day

The tour wraps up with a comfortable transfer back to Lisbon, typically by early to mid-afternoon, giving you the rest of the day free to explore or relax.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides and Personal Touch

Multiple reviews praise the guides, highlighting their passion, knowledge, and personable approach. Guides like Paulo and Ricardo have been described as fabulous hosts who go out of their way to accommodate interests. Their enthusiasm makes the experience more engaging and educational.

Beautiful Scenery and Authentic Villages

Traveling through small towns and vineyards, you’ll experience a slice of rural Portugal—far from touristy spots. The views are described as stunning, especially the rolling hills and vineyards that stretch in all directions.

Quality Wine Tasting

The wines sampled are from small batch, high-quality producers, giving you a chance to taste wines that are both local and special. The inclusion of artisanal olive oil and bread complements the tastings, making for a full sensory experience.

Flexibility and Personalization

Being a private tour allows for a more relaxed pace and tailored experience. Some reviews mentioned adjusting the itinerary based on availability or personal interests, making this a truly custom day out.

Value for the Cost

At roughly $155 per person, you get transport, guided tastings, entrance fees, and a meal—a package that offers good value considering the personalized service and exclusive access.

Considerations and Who It’s Best For

While the tour offers a lot, it’s worth noting that it’s best suited for those who enjoy wine, scenic countryside, and cultural discovery. It’s not geared towards families with young children or travelers looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure. The price point might seem high if your priority is budget travel, but for a full day of curated experiences, it’s quite reasonable.

Travelers who love small, boutique wineries and authentic local food will find this particularly appealing. The tour’s flexibility also makes it great for those wanting to explore at their own pace—whether that’s relaxing in vineyards or snapping photos of the countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 6 hours, starting around 9:30 am, including pickups, visits, and return to your Lisbon accommodation.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees to wineries and tastings are included, so there are no hidden costs once you book.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The private nature of the tour means guides can adjust the stops and focus areas based on your preferences.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs about $154.76 per person, which covers transportation, guide, tastings, and a meal.

Is this tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
While the focus is on wine, the experience also includes olive oil and bread tastings, and the scenic countryside can be enjoyed by all. However, if wine isn’t your thing, this might not be the best fit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. The rural locations mean a lot of outdoor walking and photo opportunities.

This Lisbon Southern Region (Fernão Pó) wine tour offers a well-rounded, intimate experience that combines beautiful scenery, authentic local wines, and cultural insight. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a personalized, hassle-free day that takes you out of the city and into the heart of Portugal’s wine country.

The tours are especially suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those wanting a relaxed, scenic escape. The guides earn high praise, often described as passionate, knowledgeable, and friendly, which really elevates the experience.

While it’s a bit pricier than some group tours, the private aspect and quality of tastings justify the cost for those wanting a memorable, tailored day. For anyone keen on discovering Portugal’s lesser-known wine regions while enjoying gorgeous views and tasty local treats, this tour is a compelling choice.

If you’re planning your trip and want to combine wine, culture, and beautiful landscapes without the crowds, this could be just the experience you’re after.