Algarve is well known for its sandy beaches, championship golf courses, and of course its gastronomy. For many years the region’s wine was drunk more by the locals than visitors however, today that is a very different story.
Wine tourism is a growing industry in Algarve with more than a dozen wineries now operating. Most are producing award-winning wines that can be enjoyed by the most discerning of palates.
Many wineries offer tours of their facilities, including wine tasting and the opportunity to buy bottles to take home. Visitors to the region will be hard pressed to choose which to visit during their stay.
We have chosen just three in the western Algarve however there are many more open to visitors.
Monte da Casteleja, just to the north of Lagos, is a great place to visit especially for those interested in organic wines. Guillaume Leroux inherited the estate from his grandfather and revitalised it using “the concept of vin du producteur, a combination of new technologies and ancestral artistry, such as feet treading, maceration with stems and ageing in wood vats.” The main aim of the winery is to “produce high quality wines, white, red and rosé using Portuguese varieties….”.
For more information on tours to Monte da Casteleja click here.
Quinta do Francês is nestled in the hills between Monchique and Silves and has nine hectares of vineyard growing six varieties of grape.
The winery’s philosophy is that “wines should be long lasting, great tasting and, above all, memorable”. And they certainly are!
For particulars on visiting Quinta do Francês click here.
Closer to the coast, Quinta dos Vales is a wine estate that offers wine experiences with a difference, even the opportunity to blend wine to suit your own palate.
Quinta dos Vales was founded in 2007 by Karl Heinz, who wanted to bring his two passions (wine and art) together.
The award-winning wines are produced from 15 different varieties of both red and white grapes grown in over 20 hectares of vineyard. Click here for details on different experiences available at Quinta do Vales.
For information on different aspects of local wines click here. Alternatively, an Algarve Wine Guide is available in different languages from the Algarve tourism board’s site, click here.
And if wine isn’t your tipple of choice, click here for suggestions on how to enjoy port – it isn’t just a Christmas drink!
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