Food Tour: Portuguese wine & Tapas with Ginjinha Tasting

A Taste of Portugal: Lisbon’s Wine & Tapas Tour Reviewed

If you’re after a glimpse into Lisbon’s culinary scene, this Portuguese wine and tapas tour offers a friendly, relaxed way to sample the city’s flavors while wandering through its charming neighborhoods. From what we’ve seen, it’s a good balance of tasting, storytelling, and local ambiance—perfect if you love trying new foods and drinks in a small-group setting.

Two things we really like about this experience are the variety of dishes from different regions of Portugal and the knowledgeable guides who make every stop informative and fun. The tour’s price point is also quite reasonable considering the inclusion of wine, tapas, and a guide. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some reviews mention the tour might not always match expectations — particularly about the number of stops or food portions. That said, it’s best suited for those who enjoy casual, authentic food experiences and are okay with a leisurely walk through Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic Portuguese experience: Tasting dishes from the north, center, and south of Portugal.
• Informative guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude.
• Good value: For around $40, you get wine, tapas, and a guided walk.
• Flexible tasting stops: Multiple locations, each with its own local charm.
• Small-group intimacy: Max 15 travelers, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy a personal experience.
• Mixed reviews on itinerary: Some guests felt it was fewer stops or a different setup than expected; check the current description before booking.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting Point at Praça Luís de Camões
The tour kicks off here, where everyone meets the team and gets ready for the walk. It’s the natural spot to gather, and from there, you’ll start exploring Lisbon’s neighborhoods. The meeting point is central, and the tour is designed for small groups, often around 15 people, so you won’t be lost in a crowd.

Stop 1: Bairro Alto – Traditional Café
This first tasting takes place at a local, traditional café. Here, you’ll sample a well-loved Portuguese dish. The reviews suggest that the ambiance is cozy and authentic, giving you a real taste of local life. Expect a friendly atmosphere and some background about the dish’s significance in Portuguese cuisine.

Stop 2: Bairro Alto – Local Restaurant
The second stop continues in Bairro Alto at another family-run restaurant. Here, you’ll try a second famous Portuguese dish. Guests have appreciated the chance to compare flavors, as dishes vary from region to region. The focus is on authenticity and tradition, rather than touristy spots.

Stop 3: Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores – Hidden Gem
This part of the tour takes you through the heart of Lisbon, into one of its lesser-known spots. Here, you’ll experience more traditional food in a setting that’s often praised for its charm. You’ll also get to see some of the city’s lively streets and hear stories from your guide about Lisbon’s culinary roots.

Capstone Experience: Ginjinha Tasting & Pastry
Though not explicitly detailed in the itinerary, the tour is branded as a wine and Ginjinha tasting experience, often paired with a local pastry. Guests commonly leave with a new appreciation for Portugal’s sweet and spirited drinks.

The Food & Drink Experience

The tour emphasizes sampling small plates (petiscos) and local drinks, which means you’re not just eating but also learning about regional flavors. You’ll taste wines that are representative of Portugal’s diverse wine regions, with some reviewers calling the selection “very good,” and guides being praised for their knowledge about the drinks.

Guests have mentioned garlic shrimp, cod tacos, and octopus salad as some of the dishes, which are classic Portuguese offerings. One reviewer noted that the dishes were typical, giving you a real taste of local cuisine. The included wine tastings complement the food perfectly, and many guests enjoyed the variety, often remarking on the quality of the drinks.

A highlight for many is the Ginjinha — a sweet cherry liqueur unique to Lisbon — which caps off the tour nicely and offers a taste of local spirits. The pastry served at the end provides a sweet finish and rounds out the experience.

Value for Money & Practical Details

At around $40.64 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the small-group size, guided narration, and multiple tastings. The price includes food, wine, a local guide, and skipping long lines — which means you get more relaxed, informative moments without the hassle.

It lasts roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. Be aware that the tour starts at 7:00 pm, which is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy Lisbon’s nightlife afterward.

A couple of reviews mention that the tour may not include as many stops or food portions as some might expect — one guest said they left hungry — so if you’re a big eater or want more extensive tasting, you might want to supplement this experience. Also, note that there is no hotel pickup included, so plan your own transportation to the meeting point.

The Reality from Guest Reviews

Overall, reviews are quite favorable, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Many guests praised the knowledge and friendliness of guides, often highlighting guides like Mohammed, Joao, and Riccardo for their charisma and local insights. Guests also enjoyed the variety of dishes and wines, with some calling it a “foodie paradise.”

However, some reviews point out that the tour did not always match the initial description — for example, being only at one restaurant or sharing multiple dishes in a single stop, rather than visiting multiple locations. Others felt that the tour offered limited food samples and did not explore Portugal’s history as much as expected.

One guest summed it up as “a good tour,” especially if you’re looking for a relaxed evening of food, wine, and local stories, but not necessarily a comprehensive culinary deep dive. The mix of reviews suggests that your experience may vary depending on guides and specific expectations, so reading recent updates or confirming the itinerary beforehand is wise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for food lovers who want to try authentic Portuguese dishes while exploring Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods. It’s also great for wine enthusiasts eager to sample regional varieties paired with traditional petiscos. If you enjoy small-group settings and local stories, you’ll likely find this tour engaging.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more extensive or multi-stop gastronomic adventure, you might find this tour a bit simplified. Similarly, if you’re very hungry or expecting a full meal at every stop, you may want to bring some snacks or plan for a later dinner.

Families with older children or teens might also enjoy this experience if they’re interested in food and culture, although it’s primarily geared toward adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
A vegetarian option is available, but it’s best to specify this when booking to ensure accommodations are made.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the pace and stops.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes wine tastings and the famous Ginjinha cherry liqueur.

What are the starting and ending points?
It begins at Praça Luís de Camões and ends at Rossio Square, both central and easy to reach.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there hotel pickup?
No, you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point on your own.

Final Thoughts

This wine and tapas tour in Lisbon offers a friendly, relaxed way to experience Portugal’s culinary side, especially if you’re eager to enjoy authentic flavors without a hurried pace. The guides’ local knowledge and the quality of wine and food are often praised, making it a worthwhile choice for those looking for a taste of Lisbon’s best petiscos and spirits.

That said, manage your expectations — the tour might be shorter or less extensive than some food tours, and portions may leave you wanting more. It’s ideal for curious travelers who appreciate a good story along with their bites, and who want a genuine glimpse into Lisbon’s neighborhood life.

If you’re after a casual, fun, and flavorful evening, this tour could be just right. But if you’re craving an in-depth culinary adventure, consider supplementing this experience with something more comprehensive.

Happy tasting!