Lisbon: Port wine and Portuguese wine tasting

Lisbon: Port wine and Portuguese wine tasting — a detailed review

Exploring Lisbon’s vibrant food and drink scene often means venturing beyond the usual tourist spots, and what better way than a Port wine and Portuguese wine tasting experience? This one-hour session, hosted by POP, Produtos Originais Portugueses, offers a cozy glimpse into Portugal’s wine diversity just a short walk from Lisbon’s highest viewpoint.

What draws many to this tour is its focus on small producers, offering an authentic taste of Portugal’s wine regions, from Douro to Alentejo and even Algarve. We love that it combines guided storytelling, a chance to sample natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, and the opportunity to purchase high-quality Portuguese delicacies on-site.

A possible consideration is the duration — just an hour — which is perfect for a quick, enriching stop, but travelers craving a more extensive tasting or food pairing might find it a bit light. Still, it’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet informative experience, especially if you’re keen to learn about Portugal’s grape varieties and wine regions without committing hours.

This tour suits wine enthusiasts, travelers interested in local products, or anyone looking for a cultural experience with a relaxed vibe. Whether you’re nearby or just passing through Lisbon, it provides a genuine taste of Portuguese viniculture in an accessible setting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic focus on small, local producers and natural wines
• Guided presentation of Portuguese regions, grape varieties, and producers
• Tasting of five different wines from various regions of Portugal
• Opportunity to purchase high-quality Portuguese delicacies
• Convenient location just 50 meters from Senhora do Monte viewpoint
• Short, informative experience perfect for a quick cultural boost

What to Expect from the Lisbon Port and Portuguese Wine Tasting

This experience is held at POP, a charming store located at Rua da Senhora do Monte 38C — just a stone’s throw from Lisbon’s highest viewpoint. The setting is cozy, informal, and designed to make you feel comfortable, whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sipper. It’s an intimate space where guides, often bilingual in French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish, share their knowledge with enthusiasm and clarity.

The Itinerary and Setting

Starting just 50 meters from the famous Senhora do Monte viewpoint, the tour begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the store’s curated selection. For just $41 per person, you’ll get to taste five small glasses (around 5cl each) of Portugal’s most interesting wines, including fortified Port wines and a variety of natural, organic, or biodynamic options.

The tasting takes place in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for questions and conversations. The shop’s location at the city’s highest point means you can combine this with sightseeing and end with an incredible sunset view over Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Guided Tasting and Educational Highlights

Your host will guide you through the regions and grape varieties, sharing insights on the different wine styles Portugal offers. While some details about specific “quintas” or winemakers might not always be available, the guides are well-versed in Portuguese wine culture and eager to share local stories.

Guests are introduced to wines from key regions like Vinho Verde, Alentejo, Bairrada, Douro, Dao, Algarve, and Lisbon itself. You might find it fascinating to taste wines made from Portugal’s 250 grape varieties, gaining an appreciation for the country’s vinicultural diversity.

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The Wines and Tasting Experience

Expect a variety of wines, including fortified Port wines and lighter, more aromatic wines from regions like Vinho Verde. The emphasis on natural and biodynamic wines ensures a different experience from typical commercial options, highlighting the purity and eco-conscious practices of small producers.

Guests have noted that the wines are of high quality, and the presentation of Portuguese products, including cheeses, jams, almonds, olive oil, and vinegar, adds depth to the experience. These accompaniments, though not included in the ticket price, are available for purchase and can make excellent souvenirs or tastings for later.

Additional Offerings and Extras

While food isn’t included in the tour, the shop offers a selection of Portuguese delicacies, ranging from goat, sheep, or cow cheeses to dried fruits, jams, and fragrant teas. It’s worth exploring their shelves to discover authentic products, perfect for gifting or enhancing your own pantry.

The guides are also a valuable resource for local recommendations beyond the tasting, whether for dining, other wine spots, or cultural sites — a bonus for those wanting to deepen their Lisbon experience.

The Value of This Experience

At $41, this tasting provides exceptional value, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the wines and local products on offer. It’s a compact, insightful session that packs a punch for anyone curious about Portugal’s wine heritage.

The one-hour duration is ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing day or as a calm, educational break from exploring Lisbon’s streets. Plus, the location’s proximity to a viewpoint means you can combine it with sightseeing and sunset views — making this more than just a tasting, but a moment to savor Lisbon’s vistas as well.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The experience is generally small-group or individual, creating an intimate setting that encourages questions and conversation. Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to feel comfortable while providing enough depth for aficionados to appreciate.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour runs in multiple languages, including English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse crowd. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 18 — so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tasting is perfect for travelers seeking a short and sweet introduction to Portuguese wines in a friendly setting. It suits those interested in small producer wines, natural and organic varieties, or Portuguese delicacies.

If you’re after a cultural experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, this will tick the box. It’s also a fantastic option for wine lovers looking for good value, especially if you’re nearby or want a quiet, relaxed activity before sunset.

Final thoughts

This Lisbon wine tasting experience offers a delightful way to learn about Portugal’s diverse wine regions without spending hours in a vineyard or cellar. The focus on small producers and natural wines ensures an authentic and memorable tasting that stands out from more commercialized options.

The location, just a short walk from the city’s highest viewpoint, makes it a visually and culturally enriching stop. It’s a perfect activity for travelers who appreciate quality over quantity, value a guided story, and want a taste of Portugal’s wine craftsmanship in a cozy setting.

While it’s a brief experience, the insights gained and the wines sampled can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour offers genuine value and authentic flavors at a fair price.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly and willing to share their knowledge in an accessible way, making it a perfect introduction for newcomers to Portuguese wines.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting itself lasts about one hour, making it a compact and manageable experience, ideal for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Can I buy the wines I taste?
While the tour price doesn’t include purchases, you have the option to buy wines and Portuguese delicacies directly from the shop’s selection.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, children under 18 and pregnant women are not permitted, as the focus is on alcohol tasting.

Is the location accessible for people with mobility issues?
The experience is held at a shop located at Lisbon’s highest point, but specific accessibility details are not provided. Check with the provider if you have special needs.

Does the tour include food?
No, food is not included in the ticket price, but the shop offers cheeses, jams, almonds, and other Portuguese products for purchase.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish, so expect a multilingual experience.

In short, this Port wine and Portuguese wine tasting in Lisbon stands out for its authenticity, friendly guides, and prime location. It’s a lovely way to deepen your appreciation for Portugal’s wines and local products, making it a worthwhile addition to any Lisbon visit.

You can check if your dates are available here: