THE ALGARVE WINE ROUTE
The Algarve's sublime beauty extends far beyond the water and breathtaking beaches. Beautiful vistas hidden within green fields and towering hills will make you fall in love with the place.
In the middle of these natural treasures, 2000 vineyards and around 30 wine makers thrive in the Algarve's rain-free climate (the Algarve has over 300 sunny days per year) and healthy soil. Wine-tourism was born when the outstanding wine supply was combined with the tourism sector of one of Europe's most visited regions each year. Wine-tourism is the appreciation of a region's flavour and aroma of wines while immersed in its traditions and customs.
Photo by Diego Gennaro
Wineries and vineyards to visit in the Algarve
Quinta dos Vales
Quinta dos Vales is a lovely resort town in the Algarve's western section. This wine estate brings together the marvels of the Algarve nature and a superior quality of wines in one spot, with an award-winning wine cellar, a landscaped garden embellished with art sculptures, a panoramic terrace, and complete accommodation with terraces and a large outdoor swimming pool. The vineyard is cultivated with fifteen distinct grape varieties, resulting in a diverse range of red, white, and rosé wines, which you may sample at the Quinta dos Vales wine tasting. Hiking, swimming, and cycling are among the activities available on the estate.
Quinta dos Vales was never intended to be a family company, but it is such an intriguing and multi-faceted undertaking. Now, two generations of Stocks handle Quinta dos Vales' many operations and advances, working together and always striving to create something new.
Quinta do Francês
Quinta do Francês is owned by a French doctor who fell in love with Portugal and recognised in the hills of Serra de Monchique the ideal location for starting his own winemaking business. He cultivated eight hectares of grapes with the help of his wife, and the first 5,000 bottles were produced in 2006. Visitors to the vineyard may currently tour the cellars and sample three wines while enjoying traditional foods for only €8 per person, making it an excellent bargain.
Adega do Cantor
"The Winery of the Singer," which is owned by musician Cliff Richards, combines grapes from three farms – Moinho, Miradouro, and Vale do Sobreiro – to make two types of wines: Vida Nova and Onda Nova. Since 2001, about 100,000 bottles have been produced each year. Visit the wine cellar, which is full with barrels, for a wine tasting, and take a stroll through the beautiful grape plantings to get a sense of the calm atmosphere.
The Adega do Cantor is a 200-tonne boutique winery built to a bespoke design in partnership with Castle Rock Logistics, a firm located in Western Australia that specialises in winery design and project management. The computer design took 18 months, while the construction took ten months. The winery is designed in a modular format to allow for easy expansion to its 300-tonne capacity.
Monte da Casteleja
Guillaume Leroux decided to plant 3 hectares of grapes in the Algarve to start his own wine production after working in Rio Douro, where he was responsible for the organisation of the technical team that looked after the world-famous Port Wine, and spending time at Montez Champallimaud Lda and Quinta do Tedo. Every Wednesday and Friday at 3 p.m., you may have guided tours and wine tastings at the vineyard with the winemaker himself. These trips are a fantastic way to learn more about the Monte da Casteleja project. There is also the option of just doing the wine tasting for 10€ per person on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm. There is also agro-tourism in the Monte da Casteleja vineyard, which means you may stay in this wonderful location, where the solitude and lack of television provide the most soothing hours amid nature.
Quinta da Tôr
Quinta do Tôr, located in the picturesque tiny village of Tôr, was rebuilt in 2011 with the goal of promoting Algarve products, particularly regional wines. To do so, the vineyard has 7 wine varieties planted across 47 hectares, yielding 100,000 bottles every year. Take a guided tour of Quinta da Tôr to discover more about the winemaking process and sample some of the Quinta da Tôr wines, including Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Algibre, and Branco.
Learn about the history of the Quinta da Tôr family, which hails from Tôr Village, as well as their winemaking procedures and tastings, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the highlands.
They hope that by creating a quiet, familiar, and sharing environment, you will be able to take a piece of their culture home with you. You can select your favourite wines from the store and enjoy them wherever and whenever you want.
Quinta de Mata-Mouros
The Convento de Nossa Senhora do Paraso was established on the location of the vineyard in the 12th century, following the invasion of Silves, and lasted until the 19th century, with the main structure still standing today. The "Convento do Paraso" project began in this land of legends and myths, on the left bank of the Rio Arade, with the goal of making wine and taking advantage of the area's unique and amazing characteristics. Experienced and committed winemaking teams keep a tight eye on the 12 hectare vineyard, which results in outstanding quality wines including Euphoria Tinto, Euphoria Rosé, Euphoria Branco, Convento do Paraso Tinto, and Imprevisto Tinto. At Quinta de Mata-Mouros, you'll be able to sample these wines at a wine tasting.
Cabrita Wines – Quinta da Vinha
Cabrita Wines – Quinta da Vinha
The proprietor of Quinta da Vinha and the winemakers with whom he collaborates are entirely dedicated to the vineyard's solely Portuguese grapes, which is reflected in the flavour and perfume of the renowned Cabrita wines. Although the first harvest was in 2007, when 11,300 and 3,000 bottles of Cabrita red and rosé were produced, wine has raced through the Cabrita family's blood since 1977, when the first home-grown crop was made.
They offer guided tours and wine tastings to all interested parties, showcasing everything the farm has to offer through a guided tour of the cellar, vineyard, and surrounding areas, explaining the entire production process step by step. A guide will accompany you throughout the visit and will be at your disposal.