Most wine lovers don't know about Portugal's wines. Portugal is less famous for its wines than France, Italy, and Spain. Maybe it’s the tricky-to-pronounce names. Maybe it's the unique indigenous grape varieties. Or maybe it's that the Portuguese save it all for themselves!

But with the boom of wine tourism in recent years, the Portuguese wine label is becoming more sought after.

Come with us as we taste our way through the unique Portuguese wine regions.

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A Short History of Portuguese Wine

Portuguese people are very proud of their wines. Everyone seems to have a cousin or a grandfather who makes their own. It’s a huge part of the local culture. They’ve been making wine here since ancient times—over 4000 years!

It’s thought that the Tartessian people made the first wines here in the Tejo and Sado valleys around 2000 B.C.

These ancient winemakers brought their know-how and their vines from their native Greece.

Over the next several centuries, Portugal was settled and invaded by many other peoples. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Celts were among them. 

The one thing that they had in common? They all loved wine!

During this period, vines were planted all over Portugal, and other grape varieties were introduced. The Romans liked Portuguese wines so much that they even exported them to Rome.

The wines of Portugal really took off with the spread of Christianity in the region. Monasteries started to produce more and more wine, both for religious purposes and for everyday drinking. And before long, wines from all different regions of the country were being exported to the thirsty English. 

The wines of Portugal enjoyed preferential treatment in the English markets, thanks to a couple of important treaties—the Treaty of Windsor in 1386 and the Methuen Treaty of 1703. 

The Brits couldn’t get enough of the strong, fortified Port wines from the Douro Valley. So much so that many English merchants set up shop in Porto. You can still see their legacy today—visit Porto and you’ll spot many English names like Graham’s, Sandeman, and Taylor’s. 

Over the next few centuries, the wines of Portugal were enjoyed in every corner of the globe. Ships full of the stuff plowed the high seas to Portuguese colonies in Brazil and Africa. And Portuguese wines enjoyed an international reputation for quality. 

Especially after 1757, when the First Minister of Portugal created the world’s first regulations protecting the origin and production of Port wines.

Today, UNESCO recognizes the Alto Douro Valley as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, keeping its legacy alive.

Portugal's Position Among Top Wine Producers

Portugal is pocket-sized, even by European Union standards. So we were surprised to learn it has the 10th biggest wine production in the world! Italy, France, Spain, and the USA dominate the top 4, but Portugal comes in close behind South Africa and Germany. (source) 

In 2023, Portuguese winemakers hit a 17-year record high, with estimates of 7.3 million hectoliters. That’s 193 million gallons. Or around 300 Olympic swimming pools!

You’ve probably heard of the Douro region. It’s the home of Portugal’s most famous wine export, Port. It’s also Portugal’s biggest wine region by volume. Next up are Lisboa, the region around Lisbon, and Alentejo, which we’ll look at more below. 

Economic Significance of Portuguese Wines

As well as tasting pretty damn good, wine is big business in Portugal. Total revenue is predicted to hit €1.9 billion by 2026. (source) The country is also ramping up its exports. Wine exports are currently worth almost €1 billion per year, with Portugal ranking in the top 10 largest exporters. Not bad for this tiny but mighty nation!

The Portuguese also love to drink their own wines. On average, each person drinks 58 liters per year! That’s more even than France and Italy. (source) 

Why’s that, you ask? 

Well, the wines of Portugal are just so delicious that it’s hard to stop at just one glass. It's part of the culture to drink wine with meals, and the prices are also very reasonable. You can pick up a good bottle for as little as €3.

Portugal’s Indigenous Grape Varieties

Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, and Bastardo. Sound unfamiliar? Exactly. These are all indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, and they’re why the wines of Portugal have such unique characteristics. 

Read on to discover the country’s top indigenous grapes and the famous Portuguese wines that need to be on your must-drink wine list.

The Diversity of Portuguese Wines

The wines of Portugal come in a huge variety of styles. This is thanks to the country’s diverse geography and topography in each of the different wine regions. In the north, you’ll find crisp, light wines known as Vinho Verde. In the south, the warmer conditions are great for rich, opulent reds. 

There’s also plenty for those with a sweet tooth, ranging from fruity red wine and sweet Moscatel to intense fortified Port wines. 

Touriga Nacional

Arguably the most famous Portuguese grape is Touriga Nacional, used to make opulent vintage Port wines and rich red wines. There’s tons of it growing in the Douro Valley.

Moscatel de Setúbal

Known for its rich, fortified white wines, this ancient grape was first introduced to Portugal by the Romans. 

Alvarinho 

Known as Albarino by our Iberian Peninsula neighbors in Spain, this grape loves the cool, wet climate and high altitudes of northern Portugal. It’s used for crisp and refreshing Vinho Verdes.

Bastardo

The one with the rude name. This black grape variety is widely grown in the Douro and Dão wine regions to make Port and earthy red wines.

Famous Wines of Portugal

Ready to get tasting? Here are the most famous Portuguese wines we think you'll like: 

• Vinho Verde (Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde)

• Touriga Nacional (Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional)

• White Port (Taylor’s Fine Wine Port)

• Vintage Tawny Port (Quinta do Noval 40-Year-Old Tawny Port)

• Ruby Port (Graham’s Fine Ruby Port)

• Madeira (Blandy’s 5-Year-Aged)

• Moscatel de Setúbal (Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal)

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What Are the Main Wine Regions of Portugal? 

Next up, you need to know about the different Portuguese wine regions. Like I said before, Portugal is a tiny country, but regional differences here can be huge. It rains A LOT in the north. So there, you’ll find lots of refreshing white wines that thrive in the cooler conditions. 

Down in the south, the baking hot summers are ideal for making heavy reds. And then there’s the world-famous Douro Valley, which is something else entirely. 

Let’s take a look at the top Portugal wine regions—Alentejo, the Douro Valley, Vinho Verde, Lisboa, and the Algarve.

Alentejo 

Stretching down from central Portugal almost to the southern coast, Alentejo is Portugal’s biggest wine region. It covers about a third of Portugal. That’s about the same size as Israel! 

Although there’s plenty of land here, there are only around 57,000 acres under vines and around 300 wineries. So it’s no surprise that Alentejo is one of Portugal’s fastest-growing wine regions. Over the past decade, vineyards have expanded by 21%. 

Sun, sun, sun is the main feature of this landscape. It’s literally Portugal’s hottest wine region. Hot summers mean plenty of ripe grapes, which get crushed into juicy and delicious wines. 

Plus, nights here tend to be a bit cooler, especially at higher elevations. That helps to prevent the wines from becoming too cloying and intense. 

One more fun fact about Alentejo is that it’s famous for its cork production! I have yet to find a Portuguese wine with a screw-top bottle. I'm pretty sure it would be sacrilege in a country known for its cork.

Alentejo’s Must-try Wines

I used to think Vinho Verde was my favorite. Probably because it is the most accessible outside of Portugal (other than Port). But since moving to Portugal, I have discovered Alentejo white wines and can't get enough.

Alentejo is all about homegrown, authentic wines. It’s home to over 250 indigenous grape varieties. That’s more than any other wine region, except the country of Georgia. Around 75% of Alentejo wines are red, 25% are white, and the remainder are rosé. 

Must-try Alentejo wines include unique local varieties: Aragonez, Orada, Alicante Bouschet, and Trincadeira. But my absolute fave at the moment is Vila Justa. I started buying this at the local wine shop across the street from my house. Come to find out, the shop doesn't just sell it, they make it! Talk about straight from the source.

Alentejo wines are often considered the “new” wines of Portugal. Rich and packed full of luscious fruity flavors.

The Best Winery to Discover in Alentejo: Herdade Do Esporão

Stunning architecture and world-class wines made Herdade do Esporão one of Alentejo’s top wineries. They have around 700 hectares planted with 40 different grape varieties. They also have beautiful olive groves, orchards, and gardens. Their olive oils and vinegars are also great additions to any kitchen!

They’re also big on sustainability here—since 2019, all of their vineyards have been certified organic. 

What's especially innovative about Herdade do Esporão is that they’re experimenting with grape varieties. They want to see which reacts best to climate change. So far, they've planted 189 different varieties! 

They even have sheep to eat the weeds in the vineyards. And a flock of chickens who help naturally fertilize the land with their droppings.

If you’re planning a visit to Herdade do Esporão, don’t miss their Michelin-starred restaurant. Also, check out their old stone lagares, or wine presses. Workers used to crush the grapes with their feet there.

Douro Valley 

Hopping up to the north, we hit Portugal’s Douro Valley. Portugal is famous for a lot of things, and Douro Valley, Portugal is its most famous wine region. The Douro in Portugal was the first of the Portuguese regions to gain DOC (denominação de origem controlada) demarcation. 

The vineyards here are planted on either side of the Douro River valley. Because the slopes are so steep, many are grown on terraces built into the hillside. And they’ve been doing it this way for over 2000 years! 

These traditional methods, which continue today, are why the region has UNESCO World Heritage status. In addition to the vast terraces you'll see as you explore the region, many private gardens also showcase vines. No doubt the locals are making their own table wines, and why not?

Many of the wines made here are “field blends,” meaning different varieties are grown in the same vineyard. They’re then fermented together to create a ready-made field blend. Common grape varieties include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Malvasia Fina. 

A lot of the grapes grown here are used to make fortified Port wines. But there are also some spectacular dry wines—red and white. 

What’s So Special About Port Wine?

Port is the jewel in the crown of Portuguese wines. This strong, sweet red (or sometimes white) wine is made from a mix of ripe black grapes. To give it an extra kick, they increase the alcohol level after vinification by adding a dose of strong "aguardente,” or local grape brandy. 

That’s why you’ll notice Port wines usually have 19-22% ABV. This practice of fortifying wines dates back centuries. It was used to help preserve the wines on long sea voyages to Portugal’s former colonies. 

As well as the classic Ruby Ports which are aged in the bottle and the barrel-aged Tawny Ports, don’t miss out on Portugal’s unique White Port. It’s perfect as a summer aperitif, served with a little ice and a slice! 

Anywhere you go in Porto will also offer a Port Tonic, which is just what it sounds like. White Port mixed with tonic water, and it's my fave way to drink Port.

The Best Winery to Try in Douro Valley: WOW Tasting Room

The Douro Valley is so jam-packed with famous wineries that it’s impossible for us to pick just one! If you don’t have much time, we recommend the WOW (World of Wine) Wine Experience in Porto.

You can learn all about Portuguese wines and enjoy a wine tasting at the end. Tickets cost €20, including the tasting.

This Porto walking food and wine tour also has amazing reviews.

Best Douro Valley Wine Tours

The best way to get a feel for the Douro Valley is on a dedicated wine tour with a local guide. Douro Valley wine tours usually take you to 2-3 wineries. 

You’ll get to gawk at the stunning vineyards perched above the river and taste 3-5 wines per stop. A traditional Portuguese lunch is often included as well. 

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Vinho Verde Region 

Any guesses on what Vinho Verde means? It actually translates as “green wine.” This fresh wine variety hails from Portugal’s distant north-western corner. 

The vineyards here get the full brunt of Atlantic Coast weather systems. Although it might not sound like ideal grape-growing terrain, all that rain helps to keep plenty of crisp acidity in the grapes.

What’s So Special About Vinho Verde?

So. Many. Things. The green moniker is thought to be a reference to the greenish-yellow color of these wines. But they are called green because they are young. They are released only three to six months after harvest. Sometimes it can taste like you’re drinking the Atlantic thanks to their salty, minerally notes and high acidity. 

Most are made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties. These include Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro, and Trajadura. They tend to have low alcohol, perhaps 9-11% ABV, and zingy citrus notes.

After my first trip to Portugal in 2012, I drank my weight in the only Vinho Verde I could find at my local wine shop in Brooklyn. 

The Best Winery in The Vinho Verde Region: Quinta da Santa Teresa

Lovers of rural charm should look no further than Quinta da Santa Teresa. The estate opened in 1991 on land that has been in the family for six generations. 

Visitors can stroll through the romantic vineyards. Then, they can enjoy a delicious 4-5 wine tasting with panoramic views of the hillsides all around. As well as the classic Vinho Verde whites, here you’ll be able to taste some more exotic wines. 

Don’t miss the Quinta de Santa Teresa Avesso Curtimenta. It’s an orange wine made by fermenting the Avesso grapes with the skins on. This adds more body and savory flavors to the wine! I tried orange wine once. It was...interesting. 😂

Lisboa Wine Region 

Lisbon makes wine? I know what you’re thinking… Actually, this area is the second-largest Portuguese wine region. The best vineyards are just to the north of the capital, which makes them perfect for a boozy day trip! 

The Lisboa wine region is split into nine sub-zones. The most famous are Bucelas, known for its zippy whites made from Arinto. Alenquer is known for its complex reds made from Tempranillo. 

Wine experts here love experimenting with both local varieties. They also experiment with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. 

Wine Tastings in Lisbon

We love exploring Lisbon’s numerous wine bars and shops and trying out new bottles. But the best way to get a feel for the wines of Portugal is with a local expert. 

If you don’t have time for a winery trip, here are a couple of options in the capital itself:

Wines of Portugal Tasting Room—A library of wine! 

This dedicated tasting space near Praça do Comércio is the ultimate place to taste Portuguese wines. Sip on more than 1,000 wines from all over the country in a lofty, modern space. 

There are sommeliers on hand to teach you everything you need to know about wine. And they’ll even help you pick out a bottle or two at the end! Tastings are available from 11am to 7pm every day. 

Adega Belém: Vines in the city? 

Head to the Belém neighborhood, and you’ll discover a unique urban vineyard. Adega Belém offers it all, from vineyard tours to bespoke tastings. 

The owners, Catarina and David, started the project in an old car repair shop in 2019. Now they have a whole range of wines made from local grapes, like Touriga Nacional and Alvarinho. 

Why not stop in for a tasting after visiting the nearby MAAT—Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology? 

The Algarve 

Our kids love the beaches of the Algarve. But we adults were thrilled to learn that, in addition to the hundreds of Atlantic Ocean beaches, there are also tons of wineries here! And the best bit is that no one knows about it.

Decanter Wine magazine calls it the last frontier of wine (source) because there’s so much for wine lovers to explore. 

The most underrated wine in Portugal

Year-round sun and rugged, rocky land are great for making silky, smooth reds. Most winemakers work with local grapes like Negra Mole, Castelão, and Trincadeira. White wines are also on the menu, featuring Arinto and Malvasia Fina grapes. 

Since summers can be hot down in southern Portugal, September and October are the perfect months to visit. Enjoy the changing colors of the vineyards and get involved in the harvest! 

If you’re feeling really brave, you can even have a go at treading the grapes with your feet. It’s the traditional method used to crush grapes in this part of the world.

The Best Winery to Discover in the Algarve Region: Quinta dos Vales

Quinta dos Vales has won "Best Wine of the Algarve" more times than we can count. Everything here is done with love and care, from pruning the vines to harvesting the vines by hand. Unlike bigger, industrial wineries, they produce just 150,000 bottles per year. 

Owner Karl Heinz Stock has also made it an art destination by filling the grounds with his stunning sculptures. 

Don’t miss their 3-course wine pairing menu served on the beautiful panoramic terrace!

Lesser-Known Wine Regions of Portugal 

Trás-os-Montes

Tucked in the far northeastern corner of Portugal, Trás-os-Montes is a hidden gem among the country's wine regions. Its remote location contributes to the creation of distinctive wines, characterized by their bold flavors and unique varietals, thriving in its cool climate and rugged terrain.

Távora e Varosa

Távora e Varosa, a small but significant wine region in northern Portugal, is celebrated for its sparkling wines. The high-altitude vineyards and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for producing exceptional sparkling wines that are gaining recognition for their quality and complexity.

Dão

Tucked below the Douro Valley is the favorite child of Portuguese wine connoisseurs—the Dão region. Plenty of high mountains help cool the vines off at night. 

That makes it the perfect place for making intense, rich red wines from Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.

Bairrada

Lovers of big, meaty reds should make a beeline for Bairrada in central Portugal. It’s famous for its indigenous Baga, Castelão, and Rufete grapes.

Beira

Beira sits slap bang in the center of Portugal, surrounded by the country’s tallest mountains. That means short, hot summers and freezing winters! 

It’s an up-and-coming region with a reputation for tasty reds made from Tinta Roriz, Bastardo, and Touriga Nacional and aromatic whites.

Tejo

This wine region is just north of Lisbon and gets its name from the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). Known as one of the oldest wine regions in the country, it produces some of the brightest yet affordable Portuguese wines.

Setúbal

Wines have been made in this part of southern Portugal since 2000 B.C. Today, it’s known for Moscatel de Setúbal, a sweet fortified wine white. Treat yourself to a glass or two instead of dessert!

Açores Islands

The middle of the Atlantic might not sound like a great place to plant vines. However, these Portuguese islands are known for their unique volcanic wines. Expect lots of intense, smoky notes and unusual indigenous grapes!

Island of Madeira

The Islands of Madeira are another archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Its subtropical climate makes it an interesting place to make wine! Madeira wines are fortified with brandy and usually have spicy, nutty flavors. 

Exploring The Wines of Portugal

So, now you’re ready to go sip your way through the wines of Portugal! From the north to the south, this country is packed with delicious, under-the-radar wines we know you’re gonna love. 

We hope we’ve inspired you to try something new! Feel free to send me a bottle of your favorite. 😉

Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.

Life in Portugal

Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.