Get to know amazing wineries and vineyards for wine tastings in the Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region of Portugal is best known for its stunning coastal views and beaches, but there is more to this area than meets the eye. It is also a wine-producing region and has centuries-old viticulture traditions.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the best vineyards in the Algarve that you need to visit.
So if you’re looking for an authentic Portuguese wine experience, be sure to check out these vineyards!
What are the best vineyards to visit in the Algarve?
From east to south, the Algarve region changes in terroirs, climate, and landscapes. Ancient winemaking traditions in the south of Portugal are a heritage of the many peoples who lived in the area, such as the Phoenicians and Romans.
Today, a new wave of winemaking is bringing the Algarve back to the wine tourism scene. Let’s explore some of the best vineyards to visit in this beautiful region.
This results in a great diversity of wines, making it an interesting area for wine lovers to explore. To help you plan your visit, here are our top ten vineyards in the Algarve that you need to check out, in no particular order:
1. Quinta dos Capinhas
This beautiful family-run estate is located in the village of Porches, in the main wine-producing municipality in the Algarve, Lagoa. Quinta dos Capinhas was created from the joint dream of two neighboring families that, over time, came together and multiplied.
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Uma publicação compartilhada por Quinta dos Capinhas (@quintadoscapinhas)
The Capinha family members have Algarve roots, and visiting their vineyard feels like you’re simply visiting friends for the day. Hassle-free and intimate, the tour presents you with the wines, the terroir, and the sensation of being part of the project.
The vineyard is planted in a romantic valley overlooking the Monchique mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, which results in fresh and balanced wines. There, you can taste fresh White wines, award-winning Rosé, and soul-filling Reds that perfectly match Portuguese food.
You can visit Quinta dos Capinhas with small or private groups or even have a romantic picnic in the middle of the vineyard. The area is quiet and exclusive, which ensures that you will have a special time in what goes back to the real Algarve.
Quinta dos Capinhas details
- Location: Porches, Lagoa (central-west Algarve);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2016;
- Size: 13 hectares;
- Visit: Group or private tours and tastings, vineyard picnic, and accommodation in villas.
2. Arvad
Arvad wines estate is another vineyard with stunning views that is becoming very popular in the Algarve wine circuit.
The vineyard is located on a hill with views of the Arade river near the town of Estômbar, the municipality of Lagoa. Apart from guided wine tastings, there is also a small winery on the property where you can see a bit of the production and have private events.
At Arvad, you can taste White, Rosé, and Red wines after taking a boat trip from Portimão up the river. A unique experience to try.
Arvad Wines details
- Location: Estômbar, Lagoa (near the Arade river);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2016;
- Size: 9 hectares;
- Visit: Guided wine tastings and boat trip from Portimão.
3. Monte da Casteleja
If you’re in Lagos and want to visit a vineyard with personality, Monte da Casteleja is the perfect place. Here, you can taste some of the best organic wines from all Portugal, grown, staged, and created on the property.
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Uma publicação compartilhada por Quinta do Monte da Casteleja (@montedacasteleja)
In the vineyard, the grapes are created in a biological terroir with as little human intervention as possible. Monte da Casteleja produces awarded White, Rosé, and Red wines that may give you less of a sore head.
Curiously, the farm’s name – Casteleja – comes from the ancient ruins of a Roman castle found on the property. While there isn’t any Castelo left, you can still stay in their three private bedrooms during your Algarve holidays.
Monte da Casteleja details
- Location: Lagos (southwest Algarve);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2000;
- Size: 3 hectares;
- Visit: Guided wine tastings and accommodation in private bedrooms.
4. Quinta do Canhoto
Located just outside the popular coastal city of Albufeira, Quinta do Canhoto is a beautiful and modern family-run vineyard.
The estate was completely renovated in 2017 and is now one of the best places to visit in the Algarve for a wine-tasting tour. There, you are guided by family members into their winemaking techniques, tapas pairing, and delicious wines Esquerdino.
Moreover, Quinta do Canhoto also offers your group the chance to have a vinic lunch on the farm and even tie the knot with their stunning views with unforgettable weddings.
Quinta do Canhoto details
- Location: Albufeira (central coast);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2017;
- Size: 17 hectares;
- Visit: Guided wine tastings, vinic lunch, weddings.
5. Quinta dos Vales
Quinta dos Vales is one of the most famous Algarve wine producers located in the municipality of Lagoa. Their impressive infrastructure for wine tours makes this vineyard and winery a highlight for tourists.
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Uma publicação compartilhada por Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate (@quintadosvales)
It is easily found near road 125, where you can see the vineyard, the winery, and the colorful statues of voluptuous women blessing the vines. There, you can even own a few lines of vines to produce your own wine with the help of Quinta dos Vales oenologists.
From guided wine-tasting tours and bottle-blending workshops to weddings and long-term rentals, Quinta dos Vales is sure to impress you no matter the time of the year you choose to visit them.
Quinta dos Vales details
- Location: Lagoa (central-west Algarve);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2007;
- Size: 44 hectares;
- Visit: Guided wine tastings, bottle-blending workshops, weddings, long-term rentals.
6. Cabrita Wines
With one of the most traditional surnames in the Algarve, Cabrita Wines are a must-know in viticulture in the south of Portugal. The family has been making wine in Quinta da Vinha for generations and, since 2006, has led Cabrita wines to become a leading brand in the market.
Wines are produced in their family-run winery near Silves, surrounded by 6,6 hectares of vineyard. Groups can tour the property guided by wine experts and join occasional special events with live music and workshops – all while tasting their award-winning wines with beautiful views.
Depending on the time of the year you visit Cabrita’s Quinta da Vinha, you’re able to dive into different stages of winemaking, from harvest to stomping and, of course, tasting.
Cabrita Wines details
- Location: Silves (central-west Algarve);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2006;
- Size: 66 hectares;
- Visit: Guided wine tastings and winery tours.
7. Monte de Salicos
Also located near the towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro, Monte de Salicos produces some of the most famous in the Algarve – MDS and Salicos.
They are already in the third generation of wine producers and often receive groups for vineyard tours, wine-tasting sessions, and guided visits to their small and charming winery.
As a family business with origins in the 18th century, Monte de Salicos was reborn in 2011 and is an important part of the Algarve’s winemaking history.
Monte de Salicos details
- Location: Lagoa and Carvoeiro (central-west Algarve);
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2011;
- Size: 8 hectares;
- Visit: Guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, winery visits.
8. Quinta dos Santos
A small property that gives the visitor a wide choice, Quinta dos Santos is also a vineyard to visit in the Algarve.
In addition to producing wine, the small 8-hectare property in Lagoa also produces craft beer. You can taste the delicious productions of Quinta dos Santos when visiting the place that also holds an excellent restaurant. Moreover, they were one of the first to introduce sparkling wine to the Algarve region and are located just outside Carvoeiro.
Quinta dos Santos is a beautiful scenery where you can also have your vineyard wedding with typical Portuguese food matching each Red and White.
Quinta dos Santos details
- Location: Lagoa (central-west Algarve);
- Wines: White and Red;
- Creation: 2016;
- Size: 8 hectares (3 of vineyard);
- Visit: Restaurant and weddings.
9. Adega do Cantor
Another one of the most traditional names in the Algarve wine circuit, Adega do Cantor is a popular choice for wine lovers to visit.
Located just outside Albufeira, the 12-hectare vineyard and winery produces delicious wines and had a famous godfather behind its projects, the English singer Cliff Richard.
Their most famous production, Wines Vida Nova, is a bestseller and can be found in most restaurants in the Algarve. Visitors are welcome in the winery for a guided tour, but you can also simply book a tasting in their wine shop.
Adega do Cantor details
- Location: Albufeira;
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2001 and 2011;
- Size: 12 hectares;
- Visit: Guided tours and wine tastings.
10. Falésia Wine
Falésia Wine has one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the Algarve. As the name says, the vines are planted on top of the Santa Maria cliffs near Lagos, with a lot of influence from the sea breeze.
As a family-owned boutique vineyard, visits to this wine producer feel exclusive and intimate. Small groups get to join a wine-tasting session of their best red, white, and rosés, accompanied by cold tapas.
Vinha da Falésia is a must-visit, especially if you’re curious about the Algarve west coast and the effects of this unique terroir on the wines.
Falésia Wines details
- Location: Lagos;
- Wines: White, Rosé, Red;
- Creation: 2014;
- Visit: Wine tastings with cold tapas.
When is the best time of the year to visit vineyards in the Algarve?
The best time of year to visit vineyards in the Algarve is from late August to early October, during the grape harvest. This is when you’ll be able to see (and participate in) the process of making wine, from stomping on grapes to bottling the finished product.
Of course, vineyards change with the seasons, so they’ll be beautiful in different ways depending on when you decide to visit them.
But it’s also good to keep in mind that, although it rains in winter and gets really hot in summer, the Algarve is always a pleasant place to spend vacations.
Why should I get to know wine from the Algarve?
Portugal is a wine country, as you may know, but the Algarve has only recently rekindled its wine traditions. Because of its infrastructure, location, and climate, southern Portugal has long devoted its activities to tourism.
However, ancient wine traditions in this area are returning to the public interest as more businesses and investments take place.
The climate, the soils, and the century-old history of winemaking make the whole of Portugal a wine country worth exploring. Nevertheless, the Algarve is a special place for it.
Taste the best wines in the Algarve
The best vineyards and wineries in the Algarve are those that best manage to combine modernity with tradition.
In a place like the south of Portugal, where wine is such an important part of the culture and history, it’s only natural that some of the best producers in the country should be found here.
We hope you enjoy your wine tours in the Algarve and that you find the perfect bottle (or two) to take home with you! Let us know in the comments below which was your favorite vineyard or winery. Cheers!