Tour Private Wine Tasting

A Private Wine Tasting Tour in Lisbon’s Setúbal Region: An Authentic Sip of Portugal

Imagine sipping fine wines while soaking in picturesque views of the Tejo River and exploring historic wineries in beautiful Azeitão. This 5-hour private tour takes you from Lisbon to two renowned wineries—Quinta da Bacalhôa and José Maria da Fonseca—where you’ll learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions, enjoy tastings of premium wines, and get a glimpse into Portugal’s vibrant wine culture. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this experience offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and the chance to enjoy some of Portugal’s best wines in an intimate setting.

What we love about this experience is the personalized attention that comes with a private group and the opportunity to see two iconic wineries in one day. The guided Palace tour at Quinta da Bacalhôa is both informative and visually stunning, with beautiful architecture and lush vineyards. Plus, the option to explore Azeitão village and taste regional delicacies like Torta de Azeitão and Moscatel is a lovely way to add local flavor (though these are not included in the tour price).

A possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include lunch, so if you’re hungry after your tastings, you might want to plan a meal in Azeitão or bring a snack. Also, the timing is flexible but limited to 5 hours, so it’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, yet concise, wine experience without overly long travel days.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers eager to explore Portugal’s renowned wine regions without the hassle of planning, or travelers looking for an intimate, scenic excursion that combines history, culture, and a good glass of wine. If you appreciate personalized tours, value authentic experiences, and want to learn about Portuguese wine-making traditions, this will suit you well.

Key Points

Personalized experience: Private group with pickup and dropoff included.
Cultural & scenic highlights: Visit historic wineries and enjoy views of the Tejo River.
Wine tasting included: Tasting of 3 wines at Quinta da Bacalhôa.
Flexible end location: End the tour at a different location from pickup if desired.
Additional options: Possible to add a local meal or regional treats in Azeitão.
Value for money: All taxes, fees, Wi-Fi, and the full winery experience are included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Private Wine Tasting Tour

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Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your preferred location in Lisbon, at no extra charge. The guide arrives about 10 minutes early, ensuring you’re ready to go. The drive to Setúbal takes roughly 20-25 minutes, crossing the impressive Bridge 25th of April—a structure that resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge—as you enjoy views of the Tejo River. This scenic route instantly sets the tone for a relaxed day of indulgence and discovery.

The Visit to Quinta da Bacalhôa

Once you arrive at Quinta da Bacalhôa, you’ll be greeted with a guided tour of both the Palace and the winery. This part of the experience lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and allows you to appreciate the architecture, the lush vineyards, and the history behind this esteemed estate. The guided walkthrough is typically led by a professional guide who shares insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and enological practices.

Following the tour, you’ll indulge in a wine tasting session lasting around an hour. Expect to sample three carefully selected wines, which could include reds, whites, or perhaps even some reserve varieties, depending on availability. The tasting isn’t just about flavors; it’s about understanding the nuances of each wine, how they are crafted, and what makes the region’s wines unique.

Authenticity and Detail from Other Travelers

One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the wines and the history—it made everything more meaningful.” Another mentions the “beautiful setting and the chance to try some excellent wines in a relaxed atmosphere,” emphasizing the value of the guided experience in enhancing the tasting.

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The Charm of Azeitão Village

After the winery visit, there’s an optional stop in Azeitão village, a charming spot famous for its regional delicacies. While lunch isn’t included, many guests opt to enjoy local treats like Torta de Azeitão, a soft, sweet cheese cake, or the region’s famous Moscatel, a sweet fortified wine. It’s worth noting that these extras are at your own expense, but they add a lovely local touch to the day.

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Lisbon to Wine Tasting Setubal, Two Cellars, Half Day Tour

End of the Tour and Flexibility

At the conclusion of the wine tasting, you have the option to be dropped off at a different location within Lisbon or nearby—offering flexibility for your onward plans. The entire experience is designed for comfort, with Wi-Fi available during transport and all taxes and fees taken care of.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Pickup in Lisbon — Your guide will arrive promptly at your chosen location, ready to start your scenic journey.
Stop 2: Azeitão and Winery Visit — Enjoy the scenic drive, the guided tour of Quinta da Bacalhôa, and the wine tasting.
Stop 3: Optional Azeitão Village exploration — Take a moment to soak in the local charm, sample regional specialties, or relax.
Return to Lisbon — The tour concludes with your choice of drop-off location, typically within Lisbon.

The Value and What It Means for You

For the price—covering pickup and dropoff, all taxes, fees, and the wine tasting experience—this tour provides excellent value. Compared to organizing your own visit, the guided approach saves you from logistics headaches and gives you access to insights you might miss on your own.

The full winery experience at Quinta da Bacalhôa makes it more than just a tasting; it’s a chance to learn about Portuguese wine-making history in a beautiful setting. The included Wi-Fi during transport adds convenience, allowing you to share your experiences or research more about the wines you’re tasting.

Price Considerations

While the tour doesn’t include lunch or additional snacks, the overall cost is justified by the exclusive visits, private group setting, and the quality of wines sampled. If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Portuguese wines, this offers a rich and approachable way to deepen your understanding without a hefty price tag.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, intimate setting and enjoy learning about wines with expert guidance. It’s particularly appealing if you want to avoid busy group tours, as the private setup means more personalized attention. If you’re interested in history, culture, and scenic drives combined with wine tasting, this is a superb choice.

Those seeking a full-day adventure might find it’s a bit condensed, but for a half-day focused on wine and scenery, it hits the right notes. It’s also perfect for visitors who want to explore Sendúbal’s wines and scenery without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

In a nutshell, this private wine tasting tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Portugal’s winemaking tradition, with the convenience of door-to-door service and a knowledgeable guide to enrich your experience. The combination of beautiful estate visits, exclusive tastings, and the chance to explore a charming local village makes it an excellent value for those wanting a taste of regional Portugal without overdoing it.

It’s ideal for wine lovers, culture seekers, and those new to Portuguese wines who want a manageable, enjoyable outing. If you’re looking for a personalized, scenic escape that combines history, culture, and good wine in a relaxed setting, this tour will serve you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 5 hours, including transportation, winery visits, and tastings.

What is included in the price?
Pickup and dropoff, all taxes and fees, Wi-Fi during transport, and the full winery experience at Quinta da Bacalhôa with tasting of three wines are included.

Are there options to customize the end location?
Yes, you can choose a different drop-off point from the pickup location within Lisbon or nearby areas.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and additional food or drinks are not included, but you can opt to enjoy local treats in Azeitão at your own expense.

What languages are available?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish, and French.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for your travel plans.

This private wine tasting tour in Setúbal is a fantastic way to appreciate Portuguese wines in an intimate, scenic setting—an authentic experience worth saving for your trip to Lisbon.