Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour

Exploring the Algarve with the Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour

If you’re looking to combine Portugal’s renowned wine culture with the region’s spectacular scenery, the Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour offers an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Starting from Lagos, this roughly five-hour experience takes you to two top-rated wineries—Quinta do Frances and Quinta dos Vales—plus a scenic picnic at a lush natural park. With a price of about $81.10 per person, it delivers a good balance of wine tasting, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed exploration.

What we really like about this tour are two aspects: First, the personal touch with knowledgeable guides who bring the region’s wine story to life, and second, the opportunity to enjoy stunning Algarve scenery while sampling local wines and nibbling on appetisers. The drive through rolling hills and vineyards is lovely, and the art sculptures at Quinta dos Vales add a unique artistic flair.

A potential consideration is that the timing at each stop can be a bit tight, especially during busy days or if winery tours take longer than expected. Also, with only about an hour at the first winery and a similar window at the second, you’ll want to appreciate the experiences without rushing.

This tour suits wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed, authentic taste of Algarve beyond the beaches. It’s especially good if you want a mix of wine education, scenic beauty, and a laid-back picnic in nature.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines wine tasting, scenic drives, and a natural picnic.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Brodie are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Stunning Settings: From vineyard sculptures to natural parks, scenery is a highlight.
• Limited Tour Time: Short stops mean you’d want to relax and soak in the surroundings without rushing.
• Value for Price: At around $81, the experience offers a good balance of activities and tasting.
• Small Group: Max 8 travelers ensures a more personalized and intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Algarve Wine Not Winery Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at the JAH Shaka Surf Shop in Lagos, where you’ll meet your guide around 1:30 pm. The tour features a pick-up service, which means you won’t need to worry about logistics—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure. The journey itself is part of the charm; as you leave Lagos behind, the scenery shifts to sweeping countryside, vineyards, and olive groves.

This group is capped at 8 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. The transportation is comfortable, allowing you to relax while your guide shares insights into the Algarve’s wine scene.

Quinta do Frances Winery

Your first stop, Quinta do Frances, is about a 40-minute drive from Lagos. Here, you’ll get a taste of Portugal’s emerging wine reputation in the Algarve, a region now boasting 33 wineries, despite being better known for its beaches. The winery offers a chance to taste 3 different wines, with optional guided tours available.

The setting is picturesque, with lush vineyards and traditional architecture. The wine tasting is well-organized, with descriptions that are accessible to novices but interesting enough for seasoned wine enthusiasts. An added bonus is the opportunity to explore the winery’s surroundings, which are just as enjoyable as the wines themselves.

The Hidden Gem: Parque Municipal do Sítio das Fontes

Next, you’ll visit a less touristy natural park, a true Algarve hidden gem. With trails around the Arcade River, it’s a delightful spot for a walk. Here, you can stretch your legs along gentle paths, watch nesting storks, or even take a refreshing freshwater swim if you’re feeling brave.

This stop is also the perfect setting for a picnic lunch. The tour provides appetisers and drinks—including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water—allowing you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The two-hour pause is enough to unwind but not so long that you lose the sense of the day’s flow.

Quinta dos Vales: Art and Wine

The afternoon ends at Quinta dos Vales, an award-winning winery known for its sculptures and artistic installations scattered across the estate. You’ll have about an hour here, with optional wine tastings and descriptions.

The setting is stunning, with art integrated into the landscape—sculptures and creative features that turn wine tasting into an immersive experience. Even if you choose not to participate in the tasting, the atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit. Many reviews highlight the beautiful views and artistic flair as a memorable highlight.

Wrapping Up

The tour concludes back at the meeting point in Lagos. The overall experience is about five hours—a manageable length for a day trip that combines culinary delights, scenic beauty, and cultural richness.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Brodie add significant value. One reviewer praised his ability to make the wine tasting and site visits enjoyable and informative. The scenery—from rolling vineyards to the sculptured estate—is often described as stunning, making the drive itself a highlight.

The inclusion of snacks and drinks throughout the day enhances the experience, ensuring you’re comfortable and well-fed while exploring. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, allowing for meaningful conversations and personalized attention.

The price point of just over $80 offers excellent value, considering the tastings, scenic stops, and picnic lunch. It’s also flexible with free cancellation, a good safety net if your plans change.

What the Tour Means for You

This experience is ideal for visitors seeking a relaxed, educational glimpse into Algarve’s wine scene. It’s perfect if you enjoy moderate walking, like tasting different wines, and want to see a more authentic side of Portugal beyond the beaches and towns. The art sculptures at Quinta dos Vales are particularly appreciated by those interested in creative landscapes.

While the short duration at each location means you won’t become a wine expert, you’ll leave with a good sense of the region’s wines and scenery. It’s a light, enjoyable way to blend culture, nature, and gastronomy into one afternoon.

The Sum Up

The Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience Portugal’s emerging wine region. With visits to top wineries, a scenic picnic, and beautiful natural surroundings, it balances learning, tasting, and visual delight. The small-group setting ensures a personal experience, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

While it’s not a deep dive into wine production, the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and authentic tastings make this a worthwhile day trip from Lagos. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a laid-back pace and want to combine cultural experiences with nature.

If you’re after a mellow, scenic, and flavorful adventure that offers value for money and genuine insights into Algarve’s wine scene, this tour is a smart choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup in Lagos and comfortable transportation to each stop.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about five hours, from pickup to return.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

Are food and drinks provided?
Yes, snacks and drinks—beer, wine, soft drinks, and water—are available throughout the day, including a picnic lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely; the tastings are accessible, and guides like Brodie make learning fun and easy.

Do I need to prepare for walking?
The stops involve walking around the vineyards and park trails, but generally at a relaxed pace.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended to enjoy the scenery fully.

In all, the Wine Not Algarve Winery Tour offers a delightful mix of scenic drives, excellent wines, and relaxed exploration—perfect for those wanting to see a different side of Algarve beyond the beaches.