Private Lisbon Wine Tasting Trip to the Setubal Region with Hotel Pick-Up

Imagine leaving the bustling streets of Lisbon behind and heading south into the scenic, rolling landscapes of the Setubal region. On this private, six-hour tour for around $259 per person, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience of Portugal’s renowned wine culture. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll visit three different wineries, sample a variety of wines paired with local snacks, and take in the stunning vistas of Arrabida Natural Park. It’s a perfect way to combine culture with a relaxed, tasting-focused adventure.

Two aspects we really like about this tour are the intimate, private setting—meaning no crowded bus or group, just your party and your guide—and the focus on authentic, traditional wine-making techniques at each stop. We also appreciate the inclusion of regional delicacies like cheeses, meats, and artisanal snacks, which elevate the tasting experience. However, it’s worth noting that the full-day structure means quite a bit of time in the car, which might be a consideration if you prefer less transit.

This tour would suit travelers who love wine and want a deep, personalized look at Portugal’s wine scene without straying too far from Lisbon. It’s ideal for those eager to learn about both historical and modern winemaking methods, and who enjoy scenic drives and charming villages. If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and delicious day, this trip delivers in spades.

• Personalized experience with a private guide ensures tailored attention and flexible pacing.
• Visit three wineries offering tours, tastings, and insights into Portuguese wine production.
• Scenic views of Arrabida Natural Park and iconic sights like the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• Regional snacks such as cheeses and meats enhance the wine tasting.
• Includes all entrance fees and private transportation for comfort and convenience.
• Great for wine lovers wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Portugal’s wine traditions.

When we think about wine regions, Portugal’s Setubal often flies under the radar compared to Douro or Alentejo, but it’s a treasure trove of flavors and history. This tour offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, tasting, and learning, all wrapped into one seamless experience. Here’s a closer look at what makes this trip stand out—and some points to consider before booking.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Lisbon, your day begins with a brief visit to some iconic sights—like the Estátua do Marquês de Pombal, a monument commemorating the 18th-century statesman who helped rebuild Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. Here, your guide shares the story of Pombal’s influence, giving you a sense of the city’s resilience and history. We found this a nice touch, adding context before heading out.

Next, you’ll cross the Ponte 25 de Abril, which resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate. This suspension bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a scenic highlight, offering sweeping views of the Tagus River and the surrounding landscape. It’s a quick 30-minute stop, just enough to snap some photos and appreciate the engineering feat.

The first vineyard stop is Quinta de Alcube, a traditional wine cellar that showcases the long-standing practices of Portuguese winemaking. Here, you’ll see ancient tools used by Romans and learn how grapes are transformed into wine today. The highlight? Sampling four exquisite wines paired with regional cheeses. The owners are passionate about their craft, and the atmosphere feels authentically local.

From there, you’ll visit José Maria da Fonseca, one of Portugal’s oldest family-run wineries, founded in 1834. The tour of the Museum House reveals a collection of two-century-old wine artifacts, traditional barrels, and winemaking tools, including some dating back over 2000 years. This spot provides a glimpse into Portugal’s winemaking evolution, from ancient methods to modern innovations. Tasting two of their finest wines caps off this visit nicely.

The third stop is Casa Mae da Rota de Vinhos in Palmela. This “Mother House” of the region’s wineries offers an opportunity to sample five different wines from across the region, along with local cheeses and snacks. The owner’s passion for regional wines adds a warm, personal touch to the experience.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a scenic view of Arrabida Natural Park from Palmela’s hilltop, looking out over rocky cliffs and beaches. It’s a peaceful end to a day filled with sensory delights and beautiful scenery.

What Makes This Tour Special

We loved the personalized nature of a private guide—how they tailored the visits to suit your interests and shared insightful stories about each winery’s history and production techniques. This is not a cookie-cutter tour; rather, it’s a curated experience focused on authenticity.

The variety of wineries—from traditional cellars to family-run estates—provides a well-rounded perspective on Portugal’s diverse wine scene. The inclusion of regional snacks with each tasting adds to the sensory journey, making it more than just sipping wine. You’ll get to taste cheeses, breads, and meats that complement each varietal perfectly.

The scenic drives along the coastline and through lush landscapes add a relaxing, almost meditative quality to the day. Plus, the tour’s logistics—air-conditioned vehicle, all fees paid, and private transportation—mean you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration? The full-day duration involves quite a bit of time in transit, which might not suit travelers who prefer more walking or outdoor activity. Also, since the tour is private, it’s geared toward those willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and customization.

Some travelers might find the stops somewhat brief—about an hour or two at each winery—so if you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast, you may wish for more time at each location. But overall, the pace is comfortable enough to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Portugal’s wine regions in a relaxed, intimate setting. It suits those interested in learning the history and techniques behind Portuguese wines, as well as travelers who appreciate scenic drives and regional gastronomy. If you’re traveling with friends or family who want a personalized, educational experience, this tour will suit you well.

This private Lisbon wine tour to Setubal offers an engaging blend of culture, scenery, and tasting that’s hard to beat for the value. For around four to six hours, you get a full immersion into Portugal’s winemaking traditions, combined with the comfort and flexibility of a private guide.

While it involves some travel time, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to give you insight into both the ancient and modern sides of Portuguese wine. The knowledgeable guides, authentic wineries, and regional snacks make this a memorable, rewarding experience.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and delicious day—without the crowds—this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a true taste of Portugal’s viniculture, all within a manageable day trip from Lisbon.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, starting from 9:30 am, including travel time, winery visits, tastings, and scenic stops.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers private transportation, all entrance fees, tastings of ten wines across three wineries, regional snacks like cheeses and meats, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Extra food and drinks outside the scheduled tastings are not included. You might also want to buy wines or souvenirs at the wineries’ shops.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While primarily focused on wine tasting, most travelers in good health can participate. However, minors should be aware that alcohol will be sampled, so check the provider’s policy if traveling with children.

What should I wear?
Dress smart casual—comfortable but neat. Some wineries might have uneven floors or outdoor areas, so bring appropriate shoes and a hat if the weather is sunny.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing you peace of mind to adapt your plans.

In all, this private wine tour combines the best of Portugal’s scenic beauty, winemaking traditions, and regional flavors. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Portugal’s vinicultural heritage while enjoying the comfort of a tailored experience.