THE WINE REGIONS OF PORTUGAL
The Douro Valley, near Pinhão
Photo source: Winekeller
Select a wine region of Portugal to explore!
Which wine regions of Portugal to explore:
Portugal is one of the most beautiful, fascinating and popular tourist destinations in the world today. Tourists are drawn to its cultural traditions, heritage, peacefulness and hospitality, as well as its innovation and diversity.
As one of the world’s top 10 wine producers and with a great wine history, it still relies today on local, indigenous grape varieties and not imported international varieties. Each wine region is very different from the next, influenced by a range of climates, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas and different geographies and soils, so the range of wines produced is really broad and varied - as well as the wine tourist experience!
Of course, Portugal is the home of Port wine, but also of highly regarded Portuguese red wines and increasingly, excellent Portuguese white wines. And don’t forget, Portugal is the world’s main supplier of wine corks.
Portuguese wine tourism
For some considerable time, Portugal has been a major destination for wine tourism - explained by wonderful, individual wines, amazing food, fascinating history and culture, a wonderful climate, incredible and varied landscapes and scenery and beautiful wine estates - or Quintas - offering the best in hospitality and accommodation.
Today, wine tourism is one of the most significant areas for tourism development in Portugal and there are many opportunities for the wine tourist to enjoy the most incredible and unique wine tourism experience.
Portugal wine map
Today there are 14 regional wine areas, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores, which define 14 Vinho Regional/IGP wines.
Source: Wines of Portugal
Typical Portuguese hospitality!
Source: Winekeller
Herdade do Sobroso - Alentejo
Portuguese wines
Portuguese wines are full of character and original flavours, which are gaining recognition now on the world stage. Indigenous grape varieties are blended to add unique depth and flavour.
The most well-known Portuguese wines outside of Portugal include fortified, sweet Port wines, made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley, the young, fresh, white Vinho Verde wines and strong fruity Dão, Alentejo and Bairrada reds. As an example of diversity though, we shouldn’t exclude the famous sweet wines of Madeira!
Portuguese wines can also represent excellent value for money - we would really recommend searching out some Portuguese wines rather than opting for the normal international grape varieties - we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
Portuguese grapes
Portuguese wines are based on an incredible number of local, indigenous grape varieties which aren’t found anywhere else in the World. There are over 250 grape varieties in Portugal and over 100 approved varieties just in the Douro Valley wine region alone, some of which are now highly regarded on the global wine stage.
It would be impossible to mention them all, perhaps just a few significant ones!
Portuguese red wines:
The main and most well-known Portuguese red wine grape is Touriga Nacional, the basis for Portugal’s famous Port wine and strong, fruity reds. Touriga Franca is popular for blending as is Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spain).
Portuguese white wines:
Portugal produces far fewer white wines, compared to red (and Port of course), but the volume and quality is on the rise. The most well-known white wine grapes are Arinto and Alvarinho, both of which are used to produce the popular, young Vinho Verde wines.
Touriga nacional grapes
Portuguese wine types
Similar to France, Portugal’s wine scene is highly regulated and demarcated. There are 3 levels of wine quality in Portugal:
DOC/DOP: Denominação de Origem Controlada (similar to France’s AOCs/AOPs) - based on strictly defined geographical areas, prescribing permitted grapes and maximum yields - approximately 30 DOCs today
Vinho Regional/IGP: The 14 regional wine areas defined above - less strict rules, allowing more creative winemaking
Vinho (Wine): Essentially Portuguese table wine
Delicious meats and cheeses
Beautiful Porto at sunset
Portugal's stunning beaches
Planning your Portugal wine tour and trip to Portugal
Portugal is a relatively small country, but with good international travel links to the capital Lisbon, Porto in the north and Faro in the south. A visit to Portugal can combine the rugged but beautiful Atlantic coast, stunning Mediterranean beaches, dramatic mountain scenery and peaceful landscapes. There’s bags of culture, history and tradition around every corner and a world-famous gastronomy that offers the visitor the most amazing range of tastes and flavours - matched of course by the fabulous wines! Try the world-famous salted codfish (bacalhau), grilled fish - especially sardines, cozido à portuguesa - a mixture of meats, vegetables and sausages, an amazing variety of cheeses and delicious sweets and pastries - and not forgetting of course olive oil!
When to go? Temperatures can get very hot in the Summer months (especially inland), so plan accordingly. The Spring is a lovely time to explore Portugal but so too is September and October, especially during harvest time!
Remember that wine is an excellent excuse to discover the landscapes, heritage, culture and the people who live in Portugal. Look for opportunities to stay in hotels with a wine focus and in Quintas (wines estates) which offer rooms - again you won’t be disappointed!
See our different Portuguese wine region website pages and read our suggested wine tour blogs for further inspiration, information and advice about which regions to visit, which vineyards to visit and what to see and do in the area!
See here for ideas and help in planning your Portugal wine tour:
Portuguese wine language
Vinho branco - White wine
Vinho tinto - Red wine
Vinho rosado - Rosé
Seco - Dry
Doce - Sweet
Maduro - Old/mature
Vinhas Velhas - Old vines
Vinha - Vineyard
Adega - Winery
Quinta - Wine farm/estate